25 Things I Quit to Simplify My Life
On my journey of simplifying, slowing down, and letting go, I’ve learned that—honestly—less is better.
Today I want to share the 25 things I quit to simplify my life. My hope is that this sparks something in you, to start noticing what you might want to let go of in your own life.
These things are personal to me—you don’t have to quit the same things. But hearing them might set you on the right path.
Letting Go of Digital Clutter
1. Deleting apps I didn’t need
My phone was full of apps I never actually used—shopping apps, Sephora, endless others. They weren’t serving me, so I deleted them. I even removed Instagram and Facebook from my phone. I can still access them on my computer, but having them off my phone has made a huge difference.
2. Unfollowing influencers who fueled my buying habits
I loved certain YouTubers, but their content often made me feel like I “needed” things—Amazon clothes, kitchen gadgets, random purchases. Even though I wanted to support them, I realized watching was leading me back into unhealthy patterns. So, I unsubscribed.
Quitting Shopping Habits
3. Stopping “sale shopping” for the sake of it
I used to browse sales just because something was cheaper, not because I actually needed it. Now, I only check the sales rack when I truly need something.
4. Quitting window shopping
Going to the mall “just to look” almost always led me to buy things I didn’t need. Now I only go when I have something specific in mind.
5. Not buying just to buy
Sometimes I just wanted the rush of hitting “add to cart.” But I realized I didn’t even care about owning the item—it was the buying I was addicted to. That’s not a good reason to spend.
Redefining My Relationship With Stuff
6. Letting go of clutter
I’m not a minimalist, but I also don’t like clutter. I love unique décor, but clutter is just stuff you don’t love or appreciate. I’ve been letting it go.
7. Quitting “just-in-case” items
I kept things for years “just in case.” But if I haven’t used it in years, I won’t suddenly need it now. I donate these items so someone else can use them today.
8. Only keeping what I truly love
If I don’t love it, it doesn’t stay. Simple as that.
9. Not feeling guilty about value-based spending
I may not buy everything, but I do spend on what matters to me. For example—fresh flowers. They bring me joy, and I don’t feel bad about that purchase.
Quitting Comparison
10. Stopping Pinterest home comparisons
Pinterest houses are staged, lit, photographed just right. My house is lived in. And that’s okay.
11. Stopping comparisons with other people
Whether it’s other moms, therapists, or YouTubers, I remind myself: I’m me. I can’t be anyone else.
12. Quitting guilt about a messy home
My child plays, the house gets messy. That’s normal. She’s fed and happy, so it’s fine.
Shifting My Mindset
13. Stopping forced routines
I used to try to live by perfect morning routines and checklists. Now, I let habits form naturally. If something feels good, it sticks. If it doesn’t, I let it go.
14. Quitting fear of failure
Fear used to stop me from even trying. I almost didn’t apply to my master’s program because of it. Now, I try anyway—even when it’s scary.
15. Quitting perfectionism
I post videos even when I don’t think they’re “perfect.” Because done is better than perfect.
16. Letting go of glorifying busyness
Busyness used to feel like a badge of honor. Now, I don’t wear it that way.
17. Stopping the pressure to attend every event
I don’t force myself to go to networking or social events if I don’t want to. I save my energy for the ones I do enjoy.
18. Letting go of guilt for needing rest
As a highly sensitive person, I need rest. I no longer feel bad about that.
Living for the Present
19. Stopping the rush toward future goals
I used to race toward the “next thing,” missing the present. Now I try to live in the moment.
20. Quitting over-planning
Planning 10 years ahead left me chasing a finish line that doesn’t exist. Life isn’t a finish line—it’s happening right now.
21. Stopping goals I can’t control
Instead of aiming for “1,000 subscribers,” I set goals I can control—like posting one video every other week.
22. Quitting society’s definition of success
Success isn’t a big house, fancy car, or impressive job title. I’ve redefined what success means for me.
Owning My Choices
23. Quitting the need to explain myself
I don’t defend how I parent, how I live, or how I run my business. I know what’s right for me and my family. That’s enough.
24. Releasing negative money narratives
I no longer label myself as “poor” or villainize people with money. Money isn’t good or bad—it’s a tool. And I can use it to create freedom and help others.
25. Quitting the belief that “this is just life”
The idea that life is only school, work, and then death? No. There’s so much more. That belief is what started me on this path of slow living.
Your Turn
These are the 25 things I quit to simplify my life.
Now I’d love to hear from you—what’s one thing you’d like to quit to bring more simplicity, peace, or freedom into your life?
Share it in the comments or just reflect on it for yourself. Sometimes even naming one thing is the first step toward change.
Watch the full video version of this blog here: 25 Things I Quit To Simplify My Life | Slow Living