My Word for the Year: Simplify
Every January, I choose a word to guide my year. My word for 2026 is simplify, and it has shaped how I think about health, habits and daily life. I’ve realized that when we reduce unnecessary noise, we make more room for energy, clarity and calm.
That mindset is what drew me to Project 333, a minimalist wardrobe challenge that encourages you to wear 33 items or fewer for three months. It sounds like a fashion experiment, but after doing it myself, I’ve found it’s really about reducing decision fatigue and creating more ease in everyday life.
As a health coach, I see how our environment affects our mental state. A cluttered space can feel heavy, while a simplified one often creates a lighter, clearer mindset. When the outside feels less chaotic, the inside tends to follow.
What is Project 333?
The idea is simple: choose 33 items of clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry to wear for three months. Items like workout clothes, sleepwear and sentimental pieces you wear daily don’t count. Everything else gets boxed up and put away – not necessarily donated, just out of sight.
What I appreciate most is that this isn’t about deprivation or strict rules. It’s about awareness. Most of us already wear the same favorite pieces repeatedly. Project 333 simply removes the distractions, so getting dressed becomes easier and more intentional.
Why Spring is the Ideal Time
April is a natural season for reset. We swap heavier layers for lighter pieces, open the windows and feel ready for a fresh start. That makes spring the perfect time to try Project 333.
Instead of rushing to buy new things, this challenge encourages you to start with what you already love. You create a wardrobe that feels clean, wearable and aligned with your real life – not your fantasy closet. As schedules fill up in spring, having fewer choices can feel surprisingly freeing.
Why it Works So Well for Women
Many women carry a constant mental load. We’re making decisions all day long – for work, family, food and schedules. Clothing may seem small, but it’s one more decision added to the pile.
When your closet is simplified, mornings feel calmer. You don’t stand in front of dozens of options feeling like nothing works. You grab something that fits, feels good and moves you into your day with less friction.
There’s also a quiet confidence that comes from realizing you already have enough. You stop chasing more and start appreciating what truly works for you.
The Health Connection
From a wellness perspective, this matters more than most people realize. Less decision fatigue means more mental energy for movement, meal prep and healthier choices throughout the day. Small reductions in stress add up.
I’ve seen this with clients and in my own life. When the home feels calmer, routines tend to fall into place more easily. Simplifying one area often creates positive momentum in others – and that’s where sustainable change lives.
The Mindset Shift
Another unexpected benefit is how Project 333 changes your relationship with consumption. You begin noticing quality, comfort and versatility instead of constantly searching for something new. Shopping becomes more intentional, and the need for constant “upgrading” fades.
It’s not about never buying anything again. It’s about being more thoughtful about what earns a place in your closet and your life.
How to Get Started
Start simple. Pull the pieces you already reach for without thinking. Consider your real routines – work, errands, movement, dinners out – and build from there. Box up the rest, and let the experiment run for three months.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s discovering what “enough” feels like for you. Most people are surprised by how little they miss and how much easier daily life feels.
The Bigger Takeaway
Project 333 is more than a wardrobe challenge. It’s a reminder that when we simplify our surroundings, we often simplify our minds as well. And, with spring in full bloom, there may not be a better time to reset, clear space and move into the season feeling lighter.
For more information about the challenge and how to get started, visit bemorewithless.com.
