How I Streamline My Life to Get Sh*t Done
/Life can feel chaotic sometimes, but over the years, I’ve figured out a few tricks to streamline my routine, clear my mind, and make sure I’m actually getting things done. From setting long-term goals to creating small daily habits, it’s all about staying organized and focused. Here's how I personally stay on track and keep things moving forward.
1. Set Long-Term and Short-Term Goals
I’m a big believer in starting with the big picture! I begin by setting my long-term goals—what kind of life do I want to create? From there, I break those down into manageable short-term steps. For example, if I’m working towards financial freedom, I focus on smaller tasks like budgeting, saving a certain amount each month, or finding new income streams.
I also make a vision board to keep me focused. It’s right where I can see it every day as a constant reminder of what I’m working towards. It might sound cheesy, but visualizing my goals makes them feel more real and keeps me motivated!
2. Yearly Tasks: The Big Reset
Once a year, I like to take a step back and review my goals. Do they still make sense for the life I want? If not, I tweak them. Life changes, and my goals should too.
Here’s how I streamline the rest of my year:
Birthdays & Celebrations: I put all my family and friends’ birthdays in my phone’s calendar, so I’m always reminded to send a card or a gift. It takes five minutes and saves me from scrambling at the last minute.
Declutter the Closet: Once a year, I go through my closet and get rid of anything that no longer fits or feels like “me.” If I’ve gained or lost weight, this is a great time to refresh my wardrobe and donate what I don’t need.
Doctor and Dentist Appointments: I schedule my yearly check-ups all at once—dentist, doctor, whatever it may be. It’s way easier to stay on top of everything when it’s planned ahead.
Related: When "Does it Spark Joy?" Doesn't Work: Try the "Poop Test" for Decluttering
3. Monthly Tasks: Keeping the Basics in Check
At the start of each month, I tackle a few tasks that make the rest of my life easier:
Meal Plan: I plan out meals for the month ahead. It saves me money, makes grocery shopping simpler, and helps me make healthier choices. I even try to prep some meals ahead of time to save myself from last-minute chaos.
Bills & Paperwork: I go through my mail, pay any bills, and try to set as much as I can to autopay. I also opt for paperless statements to save myself time—and save the planet a little too!
Digital Declutter: I make it a habit to delete unwanted emails, clean out my phone’s photos, and unsubscribe from things I don’t need. This keeps my cloud and storage space open for the important stuff.
Self-Care: Every month, I schedule a self-care activity, whether it’s a massage, a night out with friends, or just some alone time. It’s easy to forget about myself, but I’ve learned that taking care of me is non-negotiable.
4. Weekly Routine: Rinse and Repeat
I’m a firm believer in routines. Studies show that humans thrive with structure (and I totally agree!). Here’s what my weekly routine looks like:
Exercise: I schedule a few workout sessions each week to stay healthy, clear my mind, and keep my energy levels up.
House Cleaning: I pick one day a week to clean the bathrooms, vacuum, and mop the floors. It helps keep things manageable instead of waiting until things get out of control.
Laundry Day: I have set days for laundry—wash, fold, and done! It’s all about avoiding laundry mountains.
Related: Organizing Tips for Military Families on the Move
5. Daily Habits: The Small Things Add Up
The little things I do each day make all the difference. Here are a few habits that keep me grounded and on top of everything:
Make the Bed: Starting my day by making the bed helps me feel accomplished from the get-go. It’s a small win, but it sets a productive tone for the day.
Get Outside: I spend at least 10-20 minutes outside daily. A little fresh air and sunshine boost my mood and give me a nice dose of vitamin D and serotonin.
Grocery List: I add things to my grocery list as soon as I run out of them. Shopping with a list helps me avoid impulse buys and saves me money.
Keep the Kitchen Clean: Wiping down the counters and washing the dishes every night keeps the kitchen organized and ready for the next day.
Screen-Free Before Bed: I turn off screens at least an hour before bed to help my mind unwind and improve my sleep quality.
Connect with Loved Ones: Lastly, I make a point to hug the people I love every day. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but those small moments of connection matter most.
Streamlining my life has been a game-changer. It’s not about perfection—it’s about building routines and habits that help me stay focused, organized, and grounded. If you're feeling overwhelmed, I hope these tips inspire you to take control and make your life a little easier. What can you start streamlining today? Let’s get sh*t done!