11 Simple Ways to Get Your Life Together

Written by: Cora Gold

Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had a “getting-my-life-together” checklist that magically tells you how to achieve success? Luckily, you have the power to create order where you need it so your life flows more smoothly. The secret is small actions, not dramatic changes. 

When you feel overwhelmed and disorganized and want to regain control, use these 11 simple steps to get back on track, one habit at a time. 

1. Make Your Bed Every Morning

Making your bed every morning sets a positive tone for the rest of your day. It also improves your mood to know you’ve done a favor for your future self by getting your bedroom neat and ready for rest tonight. A made bed gives you a sense of accomplishment and removes the option to crawl back under the covers instead of facing the day. 

Do this: Take a deep breath and stretch, then make your bed before you get dressed. You can add it to your daily checklist until it becomes a habit. 

2. Create a To-Do List and Use It

A to-do list isn’t only for productivity — it clears mental clutter and keeps you focused. Writing down notes prevents forgetfulness and reduces the anxiety of trying to remember everything. Prioritize your tasks by urgency and importance so you know where to start, and use your initiative when choosing what to add to your to-do list. Checking off completed tasks provides a sense of progress and motivation to keep going.

Do this: Use a simple notebook, planner or task-tracking app. Stick to three to five crucial tasks per day to avoid overwhelming yourself.

3. Stop Complaining

Do you tend to be pessimistic instead of calmly accepting what comes your way? Negativity is a toxic mindset that can quickly become a habit. People don’t like listening to complaints, and they may avoid you if you constantly grumble, leaving you lonely and stuck in a rut. 

Do this: Instead of a “why me” mentality, cultivate a “why not me” belief, which empowers you and stops you from playing the victim card. The result is that you’ll look for things you can do about a situation instead of hiding behind it. 

4. Learn to Say No

Overcommitting leads to burnout and resentment. You don’t have to say yes to every invitation, request or favor — especially if it drains you. Prioritize your time, energy and well-being by setting boundaries. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person — it gives you the power of self-respect.

Do this: Practice saying no politely but firmly. “I appreciate the invite, but I can’t make it this time” is an excellent go-to response.

5. Do Something Just for You

Life isn’t just about work and responsibilities — you need joy, too. Take time for something you love, whether it’s reading, painting or sitting quietly with a cup of tea. Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s necessary for your well-being.

Do this: Schedule “me time” and keep it like you would with any other commitment.

6. Name Your Chaos Elements

Do specific elements of your life tend to frustrate and fluster you? These disruptive factors could range from forgetting to pay your bills to running out of gas during your morning commute. These trip you up because you haven’t created enough order. 

Do this: Identify things you should pay attention to and add them to your to-do list to start taking more accountability. 

7. Go With the Flow

If you lack emotional resilience, one small setback might make you feel like your day was a total waste. Some things are outside your control, and that’s OK. Try embracing adversity instead of resisting it. Recognizing that life rarely follows a perfect script, remain flexible and change course as needed.

Do this: Mentally practice reframing adversity to gain a new perspective. You had a flat tire? Sure, but the world didn’t come to an end. You safely replaced it and carried on with your day. 

8. Become Conscious of Overthinking

Does your mind always run away with anxious thoughts, like a dog with a bone? Just like that dog, you likely protect your right to chew on your worries, but unless you halt this negative behavior, you’ll end up going nowhere and doing nothing. 

Do this: Notice patterns of overthinking and stop them. Use a magic “off-switch” word or phrase that gives you permission to think about something else. Your “heel” command could be something like, “I’ve thought about this issue enough, and I’m ready to let it go.”

9. Prioritize Your Health 

Pushing through work even when you’re ill is like playing Russian roulette with your health. Your body requires rest, balanced nutrition, exercise and sunlight. With heart health being a leading cause of mortality, can you afford not to take responsibility for living better? 

Do this: Start an exercise routine, even if it’s only a daily 20-minute walk. Be more mindful about what you put in your body — food, water, medications and maybe toxic substances like nicotine or alcohol. 

10. Build a Healthy Money Relationship

Stress about money causes poor psychological well-being, leading to anxiety. Often, money worries start because of your relationship with it. Reevaluate how you spend and save, and discover ways to practice fiscal responsibility. 

Do this: Take a shopping break. Stop spending on anything other than absolute necessities for a predetermined period.     

11. Stop Reacting and Act

One of the most empowering steps you can take is to stop reacting to the world and pause to think before you act. Reactivity is instinctive, often superseding logic. Snapping at loved ones after a long day is a sign of reactivity. Stopping to explain your feelings instead of lashing out will result in a more positive outcome. 

Do this: Practice taking a mental pause. Whatever happens, give yourself three seconds before you act. You can take a deep breath or count to three — but don’t do anything before that. 

Same You — New Approach

Your goal isn’t to rebuild Rome. Instead, you can use these steps to take ownership of your life and lay the tracks for success. An organized life where you think, act and avoid drama is one where you feel more in control and at peace with your place in the world. 

Are you ready to get your life together with these strategies? Why not start today?