Simple Ways to Simplify Your Life

Life is never simple. And this statement seems to grow more true as each passing year graces us with more possessions, more relationships, and more responsibilities—without actually giving us more time to take care of them. Here are some simple ways to detangle hassles, save time, and get what needs doing done. I hope that you’ll find at least a little something that speaks to you, helps you save some time, space, and energy — and perhaps even increases your serenity and happiness!

• Spot a fake smile and a fake friend fast, then ditch them When a person gives an honest smile, the eyes crinkle.
• Don't ask for opinions if you don't want them "If you don't really care, all you're having is a meaningless conversation." You may end up acting on others’ opinions or explaining why you didn’t take their advice.
• Pare down on personal commitments Don't waste time on "Friends" who don't keep secrets and backstab you.
• After you say no, say no more. “The more you explain, the more room you give others to poke holes in your excuses or suggest alternatives,”
• Choose a hair color close to your natural shade. “The more you move away from your natural color, the more the maintenance,”
• Just one tool can brighten your whole face. Use as lipcolor, or dot smudges on eyelids and cheeks and blend.
• Bulk up. Buy in quantity what you’ll never stop using: toilet paper, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, stockings, detergent, tape and lightbulbs.
• A simple doormat can reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home by enough to shave at least 100 hours off cleaning time per year.
• Start the new year right. Mark every special occasion on your calendar. For each date that requires a gift, use a red pen to remind.
• Don’t finish a boring book, movie, or project just because you started it. Don't try to stick it out to find the one part that will justify all the rest of the time we spent on it.” But you have to know when to quit throwing good time after bad.
• Read news online, instead of on paper. You’ll save plenty of time, and plenty of trees, by reading only the articles that interest you.
• Have a place for everything. It makes it much easier to find things, and put them away.
• Don’t be a fashion victim. Chasing trends is a waste of time and money.
• Avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking, drugs, or drinking in excess. You’ll look better now, and avoid a boatload of health problems down the road.
• Learn to say no. It can be difficult, but will ensure you have enough time and energy for the stuff that really matters.

The Best Time To…

• …schedule a doctor’s appointment is first thing in the morning, before other appointments run overtime and leave you rotting in the waiting room
• …visit the hairstylist is Wednesday, when customer traffic is traditionally at its lightest for the week.
• …reach important people on the phone is usually before 9 A.M. or after 5:30 P.M. 
• …go grocery shopping is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The beginning or end of the week is always busy.