Six easy edits to transform your life in 2017

It’s that time of year again when we all make new promises to ourselves. However, goal setting can often add even more tasks to our already over loaded plates. So what if, by letting go of some things in your life that just aren’t needed, you could create the space to do what you really want to do?

It’s time to refresh and hit the delete button in 2017. Here are some unnecessary things you can cut out of your life to make room for all the more important things:

1. Junk. Think of it this way – everything you own takes up mental and physical space. You have to look after it, haul it when you move, clean it, organise it, and use space to store it. Not only will you have more space, but your head will feel clearer too. It’ll make it a lot easier to sit down and study (and find those notes you need) when you’re not drowning in your own possessions.
2. Other people’s expectations. We are bombarded through social media with images and ideas of how our lives should look. Let go of other people’s expectations and you’ll feel better by not having to constantly please others. And you can tune in to what you actually want to do again.
3. One non-essential expense. Pick one and scrap it. Save this money instead, it’ll have a big impact on your bank account. Cutting out one large latte a week (or one uni night) could fund a weekend away with your friends by the end of the year.
4. A regular task. Can you barter with a housemate/child/partner to do the task for you? Or could you just not do it?  Blow drying your hair, making your bed, or ironing are a few of non-essential tasks you could eliminate right now. Even if it only gives you a spare ten minutes a day, that’s ten minutes more than before.
5. A daily decision. Making decisions everyday can be harsh on an already foggy brain. Can you plan to eat the same breakfast each morning, create rotating weekly meal plans for dinner, streamline your wardrobe or create a morning or evening routine? You won’t just give your mind a rest but you’ll save time too.
6. A work shift. More work = more money = more happiness, right? Not exactly. After you’ve culled (or even sold some items) and cut out an expense or two, you might want to consider whether you can let go of a few hours of work a week and free some time to spend on what really matters to you.

Image: patchono.files

By Kim Nelson