Simplicity is bliss, but it’s not always easy to attain. Often, we’re holding onto things that complicate our lives without even realizing it.

Letting go of these things can be a game-changer. It’s about making the conscious choice to live a simpler life.

And trust me, there are specific things you might not even know you’re clinging to that are making your life more complicated than it needs to be.

In this article, “If you want to simplify your life, stop holding onto these 8 things”, I’ll guide you through what you need to let go of to make room for simplicity. Let’s dive in and declutter your life together!

1) Clutter

We all have that chair, cupboard, or room that’s piled high with stuff we don’t really need. Let’s face it, clutter isn’t just taking up physical space in your home, it’s also occupying your mental space.

Think about the energy and time you spend looking for things that you’ve misplaced or the stress you feel when your space is messy. It’s a big burden that you might not even realize you’re carrying.

The first step in simplifying your life is to let go of clutter. Embrace minimalism. Not only will it free up space in your home, but it will also free your mind from the constant noise of too much stuff.

And remember, decluttering isn’t about throwing everything away. It’s about mindfully deciding what truly adds value to your life and letting go of the rest.

So grab a box, start small, and begin the process of decluttering. The freedom you’ll feel is immense and can be a major step towards a simpler life.

2) The need for approval

Once upon a time, I was caught in an endless cycle of seeking validation and approval from others. It was exhausting! I found myself constantly shaping my actions and words based on what I thought others would think or say.

Then I realized that constantly seeking approval from others was complicating my life and holding me back from being my true self. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it was also liberating.

When you let go of the need for approval, you free yourself to make decisions based on your own values and desires, not those of others. It simplifies your life in ways you can’t imagine.

From personal experience, I can tell you it’s not easy to break free from the need for approval. But once you do, it’s like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. You feel lighter, truer to yourself and trust me, life becomes a lot simpler.

3) Perfectionism

Did you know that Salvador Dali, the famous surrealist painter, said “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it”? And he was right!

Perfectionism is a trap that many of us fall into. It’s the belief that we must do everything flawlessly and that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. This mindset leads to endless stress, prevents us from taking risks, and hinders our creativity.

Letting go of perfectionism doesn’t mean you’re settling for mediocrity. It means embracing the beauty of imperfection and valuing progress over perfection. By doing so, you’ll simplify your life, reduce stress, and find more joy in your daily activities.

So next time you find yourself striving for perfection, remember Dali’s wise words and let good enough be good enough.

4) Negative self-talk

We all have that little voice in our heads that likes to critique and criticize. It points out our flaws, reminds us of past mistakes, and feeds us a constant stream of negative self-talk.

This internal chatter is more than just a nuisance. It’s a drain on our mental energy and a major roadblock on the path to a simpler, happier life.

To simplify your life, make the conscious choice to let go of negative self-talk. Start by becoming more aware of your internal dialogue. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause and reframe your thoughts in a positive or neutral way.

Remember, you wouldn’t talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself sometimes. Be kind to yourself. Changing your internal dialogue can dramatically simplify your life by reducing stress and boosting your confidence.

5) Toxic relationships

Relationships should add value to our lives, bring us joy, and lift us up. Unfortunately, not all of them do. Some relationships drain our energy, make us feel bad about ourselves, or consistently bring negativity into our lives.

These toxic relationships can be incredibly difficult to let go of, especially if they’re with people we care about deeply. But holding onto them complicates our lives and hinders our happiness.

To simplify your life, take a hard look at your relationships. If someone consistently brings you down, it might be time to distance yourself.

Letting go doesn’t mean you don’t care about them. It means you’re choosing to prioritize your own peace and wellbeing. It’s not an easy choice, but it’s often a necessary step towards a simpler, happier life.

6) Living in the past

I used to spend a lot of time dwelling on past mistakes and missed opportunities. It felt like I was stuck in a loop, reliving the same regrets over and over again.

But living in the past only served to complicate my present. It took away from my ability to fully embrace and enjoy the moment I was actually living in.

To simplify your life, make peace with your past. Learn from it, but don’t let it hold you hostage. The past is a place of reference, not residence.

Remember, you can’t change what’s happened, but you can control how you move forward. Shifting your focus to the present moment can simplify your life and open up space for new experiences and opportunities.

7) The fear of change

Change is a natural part of life, but it can also be scary. It’s easy to get stuck in our comfort zones, where everything is familiar and predictable.

But here’s the thing – fear of change complicates our lives. It keeps us stuck in situations that no longer serve us and prevents us from growing and evolving.

To simplify your life, let go of the fear of change. Embrace the unknown and see change as an opportunity for growth and new experiences.

Keep in mind, every big life change starts with a simple decision to try something different. So step out of your comfort zone and embrace the changes life brings your way. You might be surprised by what you discover.

8) The belief that you’re not enough

This is the most insidious thing you can hold onto, and it’s absolutely untrue. You are enough, just as you are, right now.

Holding onto the belief that you’re not good enough, smart enough, or simply not enough in any way, is a surefire way to complicate your life. It leads to self-doubt, insecurity, and a constant search for validation.

But when you let go of this limiting belief, you’ll find that life becomes simpler. You’ll stop comparing yourself to others and start embracing your own journey.

Believe in your worthiness. Know that you are enough. This simple shift in mindset can lead to a profound simplification of your life.

Final thoughts: The art of letting go

Life is a delicate balance of holding on and letting go. When we hold onto things that no longer serve us, life becomes complicated and cluttered.

There’s a profound simplicity that comes with letting go. It’s a conscious choice to make room for peace, happiness, and personal growth.

Remember the words of the poet and philosopher, Lao Tzu: “To become simple is to become great.”

Letting go doesn’t mean you lose. It means you’re gaining space for something better. Imagine your life free from the weight of clutter, negative self-talk, toxic relationships, and the belief that you’re not enough.

It’s a journey, not a destination. And every step you take towards simplifying your life is a step towards a more authentic, fulfilling existence.

So reflect on what you’re holding onto. If it’s complicating your life, perhaps it’s time to let it go. Not because it’s easy, but because you’re worthy of a simpler, happier life.