HOW TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE AND BUSINESS WITHOUT THE GUILT

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If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in commitments, business tasks, or a never-ending to-do list, you’re not alone. Most entrepreneurs and busy professionals struggle with time management, decision fatigue, and prioritization.

That’s why I swear by The “Hell Yes” Rule -- a simple mindset shift that helps you declutter your schedule, streamline your business, and reclaim your time.

And guess what? It’s just in time for spring cleaning -- but we’re not waiting until April to start.

What is The “Hell Yes” Rule?

The rule is simple:

If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.

This applies to everything:

  • Business opportunities

  • Social commitments

  • Daily tasks

  • Client work

  • Even your wardrobe

If something doesn’t light you up, align with your goals, or genuinely serve you, it’s cluttering your life. And just like a messy closet, too much clutter drains your energy, slows you down, and makes it harder to focus on what truly matters.

How to Apply The “Hell Yes” Rule in Business & Life

So how do you start decluttering using this mindset? Here are three simple ways to implement it:

ONE || Audit Your Commitments

Look at everything you’ve said yes to -- meetings, projects, responsibilities. Ask yourself:

  • Does this align with my bigger vision?

  • Will this move me closer to my goals?

  • Am I genuinely excited about this?

If the answer isn’t a strong YES, then it’s probably a no.

For example, my daughter, who’s been deeply involved in all-star cheerleading, started questioning if she wanted to continue. It’s a massive time commitment (5+ hours a week, plus competitions!). When I asked what she would do instead, she immediately said, “I want to run.”

That was a hell yes moment. So we made space for her to try track -- something that truly excited her.

So don’t be afraid to re-evaluate commitments that feel more like obligations than opportunities.

TWO || Declutter Your Business Processes

If you’re an online business owner, there’s a good chance you’re doing tasks that aren’t actually helping you grow.

Are you offering services that no longer excite you?

Are you spending hours on marketing strategies that aren’t bringing in clients?

Are you micromanaging tasks that someone else could easily handle?

My solution for this is what I like to call the “Three-Bucket System” to simplify your workflow.

Bucket 1: Automate

What can run without you?

  • Scheduling tools (Calendly, Dubsado, Acuity Scheduling)

  • Email marketing automation (ConvertKit, Flodesk, ActiveCampaign)

  • Social media scheduling (Meta Business Suite, Later, Planoly)

Bucket 2: Delegate

What can someone else do for you?

  • Outsource admin tasks to a virtual assistant (VA)

  • Hire a podcast editor, content writer, or designer

  • Use a bookkeeper instead of tracking everything yourself

Bucket 3: Eliminate

What’s simply not working anymore?

  • Outdated offers, services, or products

  • Business tasks that don’t generate revenue

  • Busy work that isn’t necessary

For example, I realized I was spending way too much time scheduling emails when my VA could handle it for me. It was an easy thing to delegate, freeing up my time for client work and content creation.

THREE || Set a Weekly Reset Routine

One of the best ways to maintain a simplified schedule is to build in a reset day.

For me, that’s Fridays. Here’s what I do:

  • Grocery shop for the week ahead

  • Clean my house (vacuum, mop, declutter counters)

  • Plan my week using my Weekly Planning Checklist

  • Clear my inbox and prep for Monday

By doing this, I go into the weekend feeling lighter, refreshed, and ready to actually enjoy my time off. No last-minute scrambling, no stress about Monday’s to-do list.

Pro Tip: Block out a “reset day” on your calendar to tie up loose ends, clean your workspace, and prep for the week ahead.

Why Simplifying Now Makes a Huge Difference

If you’re waiting until spring to “spring clean” your life and business, you’re already behind. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to step into the new season feeling:

  • More in control of your schedule

  • Less overwhelmed by your to-do list

  • Clear on your priorities and goals

Simplifying your life isn’t just about doing less -- it’s about making space for what actually matters.

So ask yourself:

What’s one commitment, task, or project that isn’t a “hell yes”?

What’s the first thing you can automate, delegate, or eliminate?

Want more on simplifying your business? Listen to this episode of Beyond Busyness!


Ready to Take Control of Your Week?

Simplifying your schedule starts with intentional planning. If you want to stay ahead of the chaos and create more time for what truly matters, grab my FREE Weekly Planning Checklist!  Download it now and start your week feeling organized, productive, and stress-free.