The Power of Less: My Journey to Essentialism in 2025
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a journey of discovery that’s been as enlightening as it’s been transformative. Over the past few years, I’ve stumbled upon ideas and principles that have reshaped how I think, live, and lead. First, there was The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, with the Law of Influence leaving a lasting mark. Then came The Law of Subtraction, which opened my eyes to the power of removing the unnecessary. I explored The Law of Attraction, embraced The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins, and was deeply moved by Steven M.R. Covey’s Trust and Inspire.
And here I am now, face to face with Essentialism by Greg McKeown—a philosophy that feels like the culmination of everything I’ve been searching for.
In a world full of distractions, how do we focus on what truly matters? Why is simplicity, the most essential element of clarity, so incredibly difficult to achieve? As Brené Brown says, “Clear is kind, unclear is unkind.” Yet, we muddle through clutter—physical, emotional, and mental—chasing things that don’t serve us, complicating our lives in ways that strip us of balance and joy.
From Complexity to Clarity
For years, I made lengthy New Year’s resolutions—ten goals, then five, then three. Each year, I’d promise myself to accomplish more, be more, do more. But this year, I’m stripping it all back. My resolution for 2025 isn’t a list—it’s a single word: Essentialism.
This isn’t about doing less for the sake of laziness. It’s about focusing on what matters most, eliminating what doesn’t, and creating space for the things that elevate my life. Essentialism, to me, is the art of purposeful living, where every decision aligns with my core values.
Decluttering to Elevate
My first step toward Essentialism is physical decluttering. I’m letting go of paperwork I don’t need and vowing to keep it that way by regularly purging unnecessary items. I’m downsizing my decor—not to create a barren space, but to cultivate one that feels clean, simple, and calming. Less to clean, less to manage, more peace of mind.
I’m also embarking on a bold experiment: for the entire year, I will buy no new personal items. No clothes, no shoes, no accessories, no cosmetics. Why? Because I have enough—more than enough. And I’ve learned that acquiring more doesn’t bring me joy. What I want isn’t more stuff; it’s more moments.
Focusing on What Matters
Instead of filling my life with things, I’m focusing on experiences. Quality time with people who matter. Activities that nourish my soul. I’m prioritizing what I need over what I want:
Clean air.
Pure water.
Natural fabrics for comfort and health.
Whole, organic foods that fuel my body.
Basic, effective cleansers for my skin and home.
Peace and quiet to recharge my mind.
Quality and quantity of sleep—because how can we bring our best selves without it?
A constant flow of learning from various forms and avenues—books, podcasts, events, conferences, and the everyday wisdom of people around me.
These are the essentials—the non-negotiables that allow me to live a life of purpose and clarity.
A Life with Purpose
Simplicity isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Essentialism demands effort, but it rewards you with a life free of the unnecessary, full of what truly serves you. This year, I’m choosing to live with intention, clarity, and purpose.
As I step into 2025, I’m not looking to add more resolutions to my plate. I’m committed to one: Essentialism. To focus, simplify, and create a life that elevates me and those around me.
I hope this resonates with you. If it does, I encourage you to ask yourself: What truly matters to you? What can you let go of to make room for what brings you joy?
Here’s to a year of less—and everything more.
