Q: I feel so overwhelmed! Is there an “easy button” for simplifying life?

A: Here’s the (only real) secret to simplifying life. It’s free, and it always works, but…there’s a catch.

The trick to simplifying life is choosing simplicity (repeatedly, deliberately, willingly), not chancing it.

That sounds so poetic, right?

Well, poetry doesn’t help you do laundry, or you know, make your life easier in any way.

That’s the rub. This trick, while grounded in simplicity, is not…well, so simple.

In fact, 71% of people agree that their quality of life would improve immensely if “things” were more organized and simplified, but they struggle with making this a reality.

So you are not alone if simplifying life seems out of reach – and not just a little, but like go-go-gadget out of reach. As you look around your home and life, you…

• Can’t imagine anything really changing.
• Are resigned to the fact that clutter and chaos are here to stay.
• Feel like an utter #SimplifyFail.

Not so fast, my friend! I’m here to demystify the simplify-life process.

If you would like to start choosing simplicity, instead of chancing it, then take the FREE 3-Day Simplify-Your-Life Challenge™. You’ll get more organized, find more time, and enjoy more simplicity in your life…in just 3 days!

You can be an encouragement to others – share this on Facebook or share this on Twitter with your family and friends!

In today’s fast-paced world, it is normal to crave simplicity and serenity – and lots of it. The modern view of “simplifying life” focuses less on doing without (unless that is your preference) and more on slowing down, enjoying balance, and experiencing fulfillment. Here are five timeless lessons about simplicity from Albert Einstein – and how you can apply his genius to your own life, simplified.

1) Learn to say “no”.

Einstein’s connection with the Jewish people was said to be the strongest bond in his life, yet when he was offered the presidency of Israel, he politely declined the invitation.

[EINSTEIN-LIKE FIX] A lot of people say time management is getting more done in less time. Wrong emphasis! In reality, using time wisely is getting more – more of what is really important to you – done, and ignoring the rest. Only say “yes” to commitments that support your personal priorities and values, and say “no” to those commitments that don’t – even if it is as important as a presidency.

2) Change things up.

Einstein once explained his idea of insanity as: “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

[EINSTEIN-LIKE FIX] It’s true – if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you always got. If you want to simplify and get organized, yet you keep doing the same things that hold your life in chaos, then your life will never change. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new, better, and different in the realm of simplicity – something that will stretch your idea of what is possible.

3) Use smart systems.

Witnesses claim Einstein did not rely on memory to recall his phone number – he referenced a phone book instead.

[EINSTEIN-LIKE FIX] With an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 thoughts a day, there is a lot of competition for attention inside your head. While your brain is an amazing organ, the odds are stacked against you that you will remember everything important. Find or create your own system to track essential information, even if it is as basic as using a phone book!

4) Take regular breaks.

It is believed that Einstein conceived the theory of relativity, not while holed up inside a high-tech laboratory, but rather while riding his bicycle.

[EINSTEIN-LIKE FIX] Although it may seem counter-intuitive, our minds need an occasional rest in order to remain alert, productive, and creative. Schedule regular 20-minute breaks into your daily schedule, using your break time to truly disconnect from your work with fun activities to boost your energy and cognitive power like meditation, a water-cooler chat, or a short Einstein-approved bike ride.

5) Visualize what you want.

Einstein’s greatest breakthroughs in science were born from Gedankenexperiment, or visual experiments carried out in his mind.

[EINSTEIN-LIKE FIX] For many years, visualization techniques have been used in areas like health, athletics, education, business, the arts, and science to break boundaries, create positive change, and facilitate success – amongst others. Visualize your path to simplicity, envision reaching beyond the grasp of chaos and clutter, and take your simplify-life results to the next level.

© 2007-16 | Carmen Coker International | All Rights Reserved

Carmen Coker is a former US Air Force officer turned professional organizer. Thousands of busy people have benefited from her expertise featured by CBS, NBC, The Washington Post, and Real Simple magazine – now it’s your turn! Take the FREE 3-Day Simplify-Your-Life Challenge™, and get more organized, find more time, and enjoy more simplicity in your life…in just 3 days!

Have you ever said to yourself: “I’ll organize this when I get a minute”?

But…that minute never comes?

And…you find yourself still complaining about or bothered by the clutter days, weeks, months, or even years later?

To get organized, you don’t just need the know-how. You need the right mindset. In other words, a little bit of: “LET’S DO THIS”!

Truth be told, you can have all the best organizing tips and tools in this world – heck, you could even have your own personal organizer by your side each day, telling you exactly what to do to get organized, save time, and simplify life – but you won’t get the kind of results you crave if you don’t:

Need perpetual inspiration? Download the above graphic here for your personal use.

Has this inspired you get organized? I’d love to find out! Please share your thoughts, experiences, ideas, and other comments below.

© 2007-15 | Carmen Coker International | All Rights Reserved

Carmen Coker is a former US Air Force officer turned professional organizer. Thousands of busy people have benefited from her expertise featured by CBS, NBC, The Washington Post, and Real Simple magazine – now it’s your turn! If you want to get organized and calm the chaos in your life, go to CarmenCoker.com for her free video how-to called the Secrets of the Super Organized™.

One, two, three … uno, dos, tres … eins, zwei, drei. Languages can get pretty complicated, but counting to 1-2-3 is always an easy skill to master, no matter the language.

In the same way, clutter can really complicate your life, but purging 1-2-3 things is always a simple task.

Here’s the thing: we, as human beings, often won’t let getting rid of clutter be a simple task.

When you are experiencing an “out with the old, in with the new” transformation, there are a number of elements that tend to surface, build up, and then collide into a perfect storm:

1) Thoughts and Feelings
Every object in your life holds a different energy for you and comes charged with thoughts and feelings. This energy can be negative, positive, neutral, or any combination thereof.

2) Fear and Doubt
The idea of change, even if constructive, can aggravate your what-if sensitivity – most notably “What if I need this later?” When this happens, you begin to doubt your decisions and fear moving forward.

3) Outside Influences and Constraints
External circumstances play a big role in the flow of things in and out of your life. These externals can be serious concerns like difficult family relationships or smaller concerns like everyday distractions.

When you face this perfect storm, it’s important to put on your raincoat, and shield yourself from your thoughts and feelings, fears and doubts, and outside influences as much as possible. Then focus and ask yourself these two questions:

• How much of my life is this “costing” me?
• Is it worth it?

Your Easy Organizing Challenge is to select three items that you no longer want or need, and purge them from your life today.

Declutter Bigger | Throughout the year and in keeping with the theme of three’s, make it a priority to eliminate three things from your life each month that cause chaos, clutter, and overwhelm.

Declutter Smarter | This Easy Organizing Challenge manages at least three of the six types of clutter: physical clutter, emotional clutter, and mental clutter.

Declutter Faster | Celebrate Simplicity Day happens March 3rd and helps busy people to simplify life. To find out how you can participate and how to get a complimentary copy of 33 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Life TODAY™, including actionable tips to get organized and simplify, visit CelebrateSimplicityDay.com.