Life moves fast. Too fast. One moment, we’re chasing goals; the next, we wonder where the time went. But what if, instead of rushing, we chose to live with intention?

Intentional living is about aligning your actions with your values to create a life filled with meaning and authenticity. It’s not about perfection—it’s about making conscious choices that bring you closer to the life you truly want.

Minimalism promotes intentional spending and clutter-free living by distinguishing between wants and needs. To embrace minimalism, you would have to reflect and consciously make choices to improve your life.


On my own journey, I discovered the power of letting go—of habits, beliefs, and behaviors that no longer served me. By releasing what held me back, I found peace, clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose. This helped me alot as a parent who is raising children with integrity.

Here are 16 things I stopped doing to cultivate a life of personal growth, authenticity, and fulfillment.





16 Things to Let Go of on Your Journey to Minimalism and Intentional Living


Stopping the White Lies

White lies may seem harmless, but they erode trust and authenticity. I made a commitment to embrace honesty, even in uncomfortable situations. By doing so, my relationships grew stronger, built on genuine connections and transparency.

Devaluing Time

I stopped mindlessly filling my schedule with activities that didn’t align with my goals. Time is our most precious resource, and learning to prioritize meaningful pursuits has helped me live more intentionally and embrace minimalism. This also helped my fear of missing out.

Spending Beyond My Means

Letting go of overspending brought incredible peace of mind. By living within my financial limits, I created space for freedom and stability. Practicing financial responsibility became a cornerstone of my intentional lifestyle.

Consuming Fear-Inducing Content

Unfollowing fear-based accounts and avoiding anxiety-inducing media was transformative for my mental wellbeing. Curating my online content to inspire and uplift allowed me to focus on growth instead of fear.


Succumbing to Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome held me back for years, but I learned to own my accomplishments and trust my expertise. By focusing on my growth and celebrating wins, I embraced confidence and stepped into my authentic self.

Accumulating Excess

I stopped trying every new product and shifted my focus to using what I already had. Focusing on using my existing items and decluttering my possessions helped me create a more organized and peaceful environment. This led to a stress-free life too.


Buying Filler Gifts

I replaced meaningless gifts with experiences that truly matter. By prioritizing thoughtful gestures and memories over material items, I deepened my connections with loved ones.

Shopping for Fun

I let go of shopping as a pastime and adopted a more intentional approach. This shift not only saved money but also modeled positive habits for my children, teaching them the value of mindful consumption.




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Convincing Others And People Pleasing

I stopped trying to convince others to see things my way and also overcame my desire to please everyone. Letting go of these needs allowed me to accept differing perspectives and focus on what truly matters—respecting boundaries and finding peace in differing opinions. I also accepted that what people thought about me is not really my business as I had no control over that. I deeply realised the importance of focusing on my personal values rather than external validation.

Hoarding Just-in-Case Items

I finally tackled the just-in-case clutter. Letting go of items I rarely used created physical and mental space. The freedom of a clutter-free home is unmatched!


Resisting Change

Embracing change and staying open to new technology became essential for growth. Resisting only held me back, while adapting helped me stay connected and relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Living with Regret

Regret weighed me down for years. By forgiving myself for past mistakes and focusing on the present, I began to live a life free of guilt and full of opportunity. You can move forward and thrive.


Ignoring Self-Care

I stopped neglecting my well-being and started prioritizing self-care. Rest, nutrition, and mindful practices became non-negotiables for my mental and physical health.


Overloading My Plate

Saying yes to everything left me overwhelmed. I learned the power of a well-placed “no,” freeing up time and energy for what truly matters.


Comparing Myself to Others

Comparison is the thief of joy. I stopped measuring my success against others and started focusing on my own journey, celebrating my unique path to personal growth.


Holding Onto Negative Self-Talk

Releasing negative self-talk and replacing it with affirmations was a game-changer. I began treating myself with the kindness and compassion I show others, cultivating a mindset of self-improvement and resilience.



Embracing minimalism may not always be easy and can seem like a radical act however, the rewards are undoubtedly worth it. For me, it led to profound happiness and fulfilment. By letting go of these 16 habits, I created space for authenticity, peace, and growth. Each step brought me closer to the intentional life I envisioned.

So as you embrace minimalism, I hope you rediscover the beauty of living with less and find greater joy in the things that truly matter.


Now, it’s your turn. Reflect on your own journey—what can you release to live with more purpose and joy?

The path to intentional living starts with one decision. Are you ready to begin?

Thank you for being a VCC reader.