“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – Hans Hofmann

Do you ever feel like there are not enough hours in the day? You work hard, shop hard and play even harder with the kids. You have a full work schedule and it covers everything from late-night board meetings to early-morning soccer practice and face-painting workshops.

No matter how hard you try, your family planner is still creaking at the seams. And when you finally do get some alone time with your spouse, you have about enough energy to cuddle while falling asleep in front of the must-see drama.

When you’ve hit this wall, it’s time to welcome some needed simplicity.

Here are ten ways to simplify your life to have more time for the things that matter most.

1. Cut back on unnecessary time commitments and cherish the essential ones. Learn to say, “No.”

2. Reduce the amount of possessions you own because you don’t need everything every day. In short, de-clutter.

3. Trim your goals list to include only the ones you really want to achieve.

4. Monitor your negative thoughts. They don’t help and you don’t have time to dwell. Negative thoughts can be time draining as well.

5. Reduce debt. Try as hard as possible to reduce money worries. Don’t let the luxuries of today burden your tomorrow.

6. Keep your words simple, but powerful. Avoid arguments, which only make things more complicated.

7. Monitor your multi-tasking. Just do the essentials better, you will enjoy them more.

8. Avoid the small screen mind-numbing by staying away from long periods of television time. If you have time, enjoy the simple pleasure of reading a book.

9. Learn what the word “enough” means to you and then reduce responsibilities and other commitments until your definition rings true.

10. Cut back on your virtual connections with the world. Allot a scheduled time for emails, social networking and alike. Keep the real relationships in focus – and close by.

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About Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer.