A hectic life downsized

On paper, Donna Paxton lived a picture-perfect life. She was a successful executive at a large corporation. She lived in a beautiful, spacious home with her husband, also a busy professional, and their two children. Although Paxton was managing to juggle all of her responsibilities at home and at work, she increasingly felt that she was unable to give either her job or her family the time each deserved, and this made her very unhappy.

Paxton realized that she would have to make a choice between having more money and having more time—time to spend with her two daughters, to contribute to her community, and to relax. “I had to decide what was more important to me,” she says, “making lots of money at a job that no longer inspired me or being part of my children’s lives.”

So, Paxton made the decision to simplify her life. She quit her high-paying corporate job and took a less stressful job at a non-profit organization in her community. Because Paxton took a significant reduction in salary, her family learned to make do with less, shop more wisely, eat fewer dinners out (giving them more family time around the dinner table), and reduce spending on unnecessary items.

Paxton is still busy, but she is more satisfied and in control of her life. “Simplifying my life has made a big difference,” she says. “I’m no longer stressed out and thinking about work when I should be having fun with my kids. I work fewer hours, so I can be involved in my children’s school. I have time to exercise, and I’m healthier. Downsizing has brought our family closer together.”

Want to Downsize Your Life?

Donna Paxton simplified her life by making a huge change. But there are many small changes you can make in your daily routine that will save money, time, and energy.

1. Make a list of the values that are really important to you. Is it time with your family? Making money? Being active in your community? It makes sense to focus on doing a few things well instead of stretching yourself too thin. Cut out activities that aren’t consistent with your values.
2. Delegate when possible. If you routinely say, “It’s faster to do this myself than to tell someone else what to do,” try delegating anyway. You may be surprised.
3. Guard your time as carefully as your money. You can always make more money, but time spent is gone forever. Rather than struggling with a home repair yourself, hire someone to do the job for you.
4. Learn to say no. When faced with requests for your time, don’t commit yourself when you would rather spend that time on something more important to you. Make sure to say no politely but firmly. For example, “I’m sorry, but I just don’t have the time.”