Three Simple Ways to Simplify Life (Even for the Chronically Overwhelmed)

Maybe this is an overly ambitious attempt to summarize three different ways to simplify life for a busy person—but hey, as an amateur minimalist, I accept the challenge.

The key to simplification? Keep it simple. (Groundbreaking, I know.) Below are some of the tools and habits I’ve been using consistently over the past year to keep life from spiraling into a chaotic mess. But let’s be real: as life gets hectic, I sometimes retreat into my “OH MY GOD” cave, abandoning all structure until I can breathe, reflect, and reset. It’s all a work in progress, and there’s zero judgment from me if you’re in the same boat.

1. Opus One (Planner) – A Planning System for People Who Hate Planning

Opus One is a digital version of Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People planning system. Think cross-platform planner meets life coach, complete with calendar syncing for both personal and work schedules (if your job allows it).

The system is broken into seven major tabs—Daily Planning, Master Tasks, Roles, Goals, Mission, Notes, and Meetings. Sounds overwhelming, right? It can be. But if you want the quick and dirty approach, just start with the Daily Planner tab.

How to Make Opus One Work for You:

Step 1: List your daily tasks, assign priorities, and tag them as “work” or “personal.”

Step 2: Drag and drop tasks directly into your calendar. No more “I don’t have time” excuses—if it’s not scheduled, it’s not happening.

Step 3: Label tasks by role—Are you completing this as a responsible parent? A future millionaire? A gym rat? Assigning a role adds purpose to your to-do list.

Step 4: Adjust time allotments. The default is one hour, but let’s be real, some tasks deserve 30 minutes max (like answering emails).

Bonus: Micro-Journaling & Intentions

On the opposite page of your daily planner is a blank space—use it, especially if you don’t want to spend money on another tool, or you feel that journal writing is too time-consuming.

2. Leveraging Automation for the Small Stuff

Google Keep: The Low-Effort Grocery List Hack

My partner and I use a shared grocery list in Google Keep. Every time we run low on something, we add it immediately—no more “Do we need eggs?” debates in the store.

💡 Pro Tip: If I prefer a certain item from a specific store, I note that in the list so we don’t waste time wandering the aisles of the wrong place.

Apple Shortcuts: Automate “I’m at the Store” Texts

Wouldn’t it be nice if your partner/roommate/spouse automatically knew when you were at the store so they could ask for last-minute items? Apple Shortcuts can do that!

Set Up an Automated “I’m Here” Text

• Go to: Shortcuts App → Automation

• Select: “When I Arrive” → Choose location (grocery store, gym, etc.)

• Trigger: Send a message like “Hey, I’m at [store name]. Need anything?” to [partner’s name].

• Automation Type: “Run Immediately”

Now, whenever I arrive at the grocery store, my partner gets an auto-text, removing the guesswork and eliminating the dreaded “Can you grab something while you’re out?” five minutes after I’ve already left.

I also use this for my gym departure at night, so my partner knows when to start dinner prep (because hangry me is not a vibe).

3. Leveraging AI to Work Smarter (Not Harder)

Love it or hate it, AI is here to stay, so why not use it to make life easier?

1. AI as a Writing Assistant

• Before I send an email, I run it through AI to check for grammar errors (because who has time for typos?).

• I’ve also asked AI to soften my email tone when I accidentally sound too blunt (or too nice—there’s a balance).

2. AI as a Recipe Generator

• Staring at random ingredients in your fridge? Ask AI:

“Create a meal using [list of ingredients].”

• Need to resize a recipe? AI can convert a 10-inch cheesecake recipe into a 7-inch pan version with exact measurements.

3. AI as a Personal Tutor

• Sometimes, I need help with complex finance jargon or break down of dense reading.

• I ask AI to explain things as if I were 5 years old—because simplicity is the goal.

Final Thoughts

I hope these automation, planning, and AI hacks help you simplify your life just a little bit. Life’s already chaotic—why make it harder?

What tools, shortcuts, or habits do you swear by? Let me know—I’m always looking for new ways to work smarter, not harder!