For me, 2019 seemed extremely chaotic. It was my first year of having both kids in school, so I thought I would have so much free time to get things done. Somehow, I ended up being busier than ever, but because of overcommitting this year, I learned that it’s important to say no to some things in 2020.
My 2020 goal is to simplify life. Not only for myself but for my entire family.
My reason for simplifying things is to be able to enjoy the process a bit more. I feel like I am so focused on the destination (literally and metaphorically) that I don’t enjoy the journey. Since most of life is about the journey, I am going to take charge of my year with my specific goals in mind.
Simplifying 2020 – A To-Do List
Checklists are extremely helpful in ensuring productivity. There are a few methods that you can use to tackle a to-do list, so be sure to try out different methods to see what works best for you.
Depending on what kind of to-do list I’m making, I like to either prioritize items by importance or by the easiest to the most difficult task.
1. Create a Routine + a Daily To-Do List
Minimalists thrive on a simple daily routine. If you are not used to a super structured routine, try starting with beginning your day at the same time every day. Once you get used to that habit, incorporate another daily habit into your routine.
I like to start my day around 6:30am or 7am with a warm cup of coffee, as do most of you. Try taking that time to analyze what you need to get done that day and create a to-do list.
2. Health Insurance
Health is so important, but if you’re young and seemingly healthy, insurance and healthcare is probably not the most important thing on your to-do list. Here’s why it should be:
“We live in a goal-oriented society. Most of us imagine a healthier version of ourselves and make plans to achieve it, with mixed success and satisfaction. Instead, let’s look at health as a process, informed by knowledge, which we practice a little bit every day.” – Dignity Health
When choosing health insurance, it’s important to choose an insurance that allows you to access the provider network of your choice.
Being part of a provider network that you know and trust is incredibly empowering. You feel more confident when scheduling appointments and you feel like you always have someone you can email or call at the drop of a hat if you have any health-related questions.
Dignity Health is an excellent choice for a provider network. They have more than 60,000 caregivers and staff who deliver excellent care to diverse communities in hospitals, physician offices and other types of care centers in 21 states. They are the fifth largest health system in the nation and the largest hospital provider in California.
It’s important to know that during Open Enrollment you might have many health insurance options to choose from. If you have a specific provider network that you would like to be with, it’s important to research your insurance choices to make sure they are contracted with your preferred network. But hurry, because you only have a short period of time to select a new insurance.
3. Organize the Home + Get Rid of Unwanted Things
Do you have 20 pairs of pajamas, but only have a few favorites? Do you have 100 shirts, but prefer to wear only a handful of them? Do you have a cupboard full of mismatched food containers? You might need to get rid of unwanted things.
If you have Netflix, try watching Marie Kondo to learn how to sort through clutter in the house. Her KonMari method of organization can be so helpful if you don’t know where to begin on your decluttering journey.
By starting the year with less clutter, you can focus more on the things you enjoy doing.
4. Create a Bill Pay Schedule
Whether you are using the paper calendar method (like me) or prefer to use a digital calendar, try creating a detailed bill pay schedule to help keep you on track.
I use a planner with full monthly calendar pages from Target. I write down when each bill is due or set to come out of my account, so I have no surprises in my bank account each month.
This leads me to my next item on the to-do list…
5. Automate Your Life
There are so many options available to automate things like paying bills, cleaning your home, running appliances, and so much more.
One of my main goals this next year is automate as much as I possibly can. I have many bills on auto pay already, but I still have a few to set up still.
Delegating duties can help take a huge weight off of your shoulders and can free up your time to finish the projects that bring you joy.
6. Choose Your Word of the Year
Choosing a word of the year is big in the blogging world, but I always encourage everyone to play along.
My 2020 word of the year is SIMPLIFY. In fact, I even had a bracelet made with my word to remind me to stay on my path.
Be sure to choose a word that truly speaks to you and keeps you on your path. And wherever your dream path leads you, may it be a place of joy, fulfillment, and love.
I hope my tips help you to simplify your life in 2020. If you have any to add, I would love to hear them. Please feel free to add tips in the comments section below.
