Simplifying My Life in 2026
As 2026 opens before us, I like to look back on 2025. Several things stand out above all else – confusion, chaos and disorganisation.
Those of you who know me will be disinclined to believe me on this. However, don't you feel like things are getting more and more complex? For example, I realise I have 16 bank accounts; I've just had to sit down and cancel a range of subscriptions that somehow 'just happened' and were costing me a small fortune. And don’t get me started on electronic passwords - these definitely need some work.
These are just three examples of the chaos I feel we all live with these days, and they are taking over our lives.
So for 2026, I'm not chasing more, I'm choosing less - less clutter, less noise, fewer decisions, and more clarity. Simplifying my life isn't about minimalism for its own sake; it's about making space for what actually matters.
This year, I'm simplifying four key areas of my life: money, digital clutter, time, and attention.
1. Simplifying Bank Accounts & Finances
Over time, finances can quietly become complicated - multiple bank accounts, forgotten savings pots, overlapping cards, and unclear spending patterns.
In 2026, my goal is clarity over complexity.
What will I do?
Reduce my bank accounts to:
One main spending account
One savings account
One long-term savings or investment account
One business account
Close unused or rarely used accounts
Redirect all income and bills through a single "hub" account
Automate savings so decisions are made once, not every month
When money has fewer places to hide, hopefully it will become easier to manage - and far less stressful to think about - even if there doesn't seem to be very much of it these days!
2. Cutting Back On Subscriptions
Subscriptions are sneaky. A few pounds or euros here, a free trial there, and suddenly money and attention are leaking in ten different directions.
In 2026, I'm asking one simple question of every subscription: Does it genuinely add value to my life right now?
My rules going forward:
Cancel anything I haven't used in the last 60 days
Keep one streaming service at a time
Review subscriptions quarterly instead of "set and forget"
Prefer one-off purchases over ongoing monthly costs where possible
Fewer subscriptions mean fewer logins, fewer charges, and fewer things competing for my attention. I made this decision a month ago, yet somehow, in the past week, I have already signed up for three new things in 2026! That's how good companies are at luring us in; I need to be much stricter on myself for sure.
3. Simplifying Online Passwords & Digital Life
My digital life used to feel like a mess - dozens of logins, reused passwords, endless password resets. In 2026, I'm treating my digital security like a system, not a scramble.
What's changing:
Using a password manager for everything
Creating strong, unique passwords - without needing to remember them
Deleting old accounts I no longer use
Turning on two-factor authentication where it actually matters
Reducing the number of platforms I'm active on.
A cleaner digital life means fewer interruptions, less mental load, and better security. It's going to take a long time, but it's necessary.
4. Reclaiming My Time
Time is the one thing I can't automate or earn more of, so simplifying how I use it matters more than ever; instead of trying to be "busy," I'm focusing on being intentional.
My approach to time in 2026:
Fewer to-do lists, more priority lists
Scheduling thinking time, not just task time
Saying No faster - and Yes, more deliberately
Grouping similar tasks to reduce mental switching
Creating clear boundaries between work, rest, and personal life
Productivity isn't about doing everything, it's about doing the right things, calmly, slowly and intentionally.
5. Simplifying Decisions & Mental Clutter
Every small decision costs energy - what to wear, what to eat, what to check next.
So in 2026, I'm reducing decision fatigue by:
Creating simple routines
Limiting choices where possible
Letting go of perfectionism
Accepting "good enough" more often
When fewer decisions demand attention, creativity and peace have room to grow.
Final Thoughts: Simplicity Is a Practice
Simplifying my life in 2026 isn't a one-time reset - it's an ongoing choice. A choice to remove friction, reduce noise, and focus on what truly matters.
Less doesn't mean empty. Less means clearer.
And clarity, for me, is the absolute luxury. I like to help others create clarity in their lives, especially in their professional lives. If you are seeking clarity this year and would like to chat about how to move forward in your career, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me for a free discovery call.
Want to learn more? Email us at yourconsultant@candehrconsultancy.com