Journal

You Ready, B?

I’m not entirely big on New Year Resolutions, last year’s resolutions are next year’s as well, you can read them here. Ultimately, being a better version of yourself is all that matters. Of course, you should set goals for yourself but, labeling things as a “New Year Resolution”, in my opinion, means you’ll only work on them in the “new year”. Be real, the new year fades quickly -- just look, wasn’t it just summer the other day?

I came across this incredible list of things to do before the new year starts via Instagram, and I found it very helpful in preparing. So, I’m sharing it with you all.


The Simplicity Challenge

The Simplicity Challenge is a challenge toward achieving a simpler, more enjoyable life.

Each task should take about 15 minutes to complete.

o Walk your home with a trash bag or five. Be ruthless. Papers. Receipts. Tags. Empty bottles. Go.

o Clean out your fridge. Check expiration dates and throw things away.

o Put two things that make you happy on your bedside table. You should also have a lamp and a clock.

o Simplify your phone. Delete old contacts and unused apps. Refresh your lock screen.

o Restock anything that needs restocking your bathroom.

o Restock pantry staples (with longer shelf lives) that need to be restocked.

o Walk your house with a donate bag. Schedule a pick-up or drop it off as soon as the bag is full.

o Start the habit of throwing a small load of laundry in every morning.

o Set a recurring alarm for every weekday. If you’re letting your kids wake you, set it for one hour earlier.

o Go put gas in your car today. While you’re there, clean out your car. Throw trash away.

o Buy a few birthday cards. Keep them on hand for birthdays that pop up that you’re not prepared for.

o Put your number on the Do Not Call list. 1.888.382.1222.

o Do something with all those precious photos and videos on your phone. Print. Back-up. Store.

o Dump out your purse. Throw away trash. Create a little bag of essentials. Make your bag work for you.

o Pull out all the formal dresses in your closet that you’ll never wear again and donate to charity.

o Clean out your medicine cabinet. Trash anything expired. Restock essentials.

o Quit something today. Just say no.

o Write out three simple dinners you can make with the ingredients already in your pantry.

o Detox your social media feeds. Follow inspirational accounts. Unfollow anyone draining.

o Clean off your desk. Keep only the essentials including your computer. Ditch clutter and wipe it down.

o Clear the clutter on your computer. Delete unused files and organize important ones. Empty the trash.

o Take inventory of the mail coming to your mailbox. Visit directmail.com to remove your name from lists.

o Write your morning checklist and tape it to your bathroom mirror.

o Make a list of ten go-to meals. Tape it to the fridge for simple meal planning.

o Schedule a vacation or stay-cation for some time this year.

o Write down one goal for this year. Just one. Tape it somewhere important so you see it every day.

o Organize your inbox. Search the word “unsubscribe” and remove yourself from non-essential lists.

o Create your own weekly prep-list with tasks that make you feel prepared for the week ahead.

o Stock up on household items you use frequently. Pay attention to BOGO sales. Make a list of these.

o Rest. Schedule 30 minutes alone once a week. You give away what you put in. Take care of yourself.



I hope the Simplicity Challenge allows you to feel less stressed about 2019. I plan to revisit the list once a month and check off items as needed. It’s done wonders for me and I hope it encourages healthy habits in your life as it has in mine.

When you use it, tweet me your thoughts @miniglam.


+Shevon


Happy Holidays!

Bria Washington