304: 5 Reasons You're Stuck (Even When You Know What to Do)
“I know what I need to do… I’m just not doing it.” If that sounds like something you’ve said lately, friend—you’re in good company. Whether it's decluttering, tackling your to-do list, or finally organizing that one room that’s driving you nuts, knowing what to do isn’t always the hard part. It’s actually doing it. So… why do we freeze? Why do we scroll instead of sort? Why do we put off the one drawer that could take 5 minutes to clear? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today. 🎧 In this episode, I’m unpacking 5 hidden reasons you’re stuck—even when you really want to move forward—and how to finally create the momentum you’ve been craving. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ The Real Reason You’re Not Taking Action (Hint: It’s NOT laziness) There’s almost always an invisible roadblock between knowing and doing. I’ll walk you through how to spot it—and how to clear it without shaming yourself in the process. 2️⃣ How to Get Crystal Clear on What “Done” Looks Like Vague goals like “declutter my house” will keep you spinning. I’ll show you how to create a clear vision that actually motivates action (and feels do-able, not overwhelming). 3️⃣ How Your Identity Might Be Holding You Back If you’ve ever said “I’m just not an organized person,” this section is for you. I’ll share a powerful mindset shift that can change the way you see yourself and your space. 4️⃣ How to Beat Decision Fatigue and Get Instant Wins Tired brains don’t declutter. That’s why I teach my students to start with Low-Hanging Fruit. You’ll learn how to build momentum with zero stress. 5️⃣ What to Do When Clutter Feels Emotional Sometimes, we avoid stuff because it makes us feel guilt, grief, or shame. I’ll guide you through what to do when it’s not just stuff—it’s emotional baggage. 💬 This episode is especially for you if: You want to declutter but keep putting it off You’re overwhelmed by decisions or perfectionism You keep waiting for motivation that never seems to come You’re sick of feeling stuck, but don’t know how to move forward Friend, you’re not broken. You’re just carrying more than you realize. Let this episode be the gentle push forward you’ve been needing. 💡 Resources Mentioned: 🌀 The Momentum Maker Module – Inside the Clutter Cure Club It’s your go-to for beating decision fatigue and taking fast, feel-good action—without overthinking. Already a member? Go check it out! 🗞️ Join the Ready, Set, Simplify Newsletter Over 35,000 women read it weekly for clutter-busting tips, tiny mindset shifts, and practical steps to simplify your home and your life. 👉 Sign up here 💥 Your 5-Minute Challenge This Week: Set a timer for 5 minutes and take one action: 📦 Toss out broken pens 📬 Recycle junk mail 🧦 Say goodbye to socks with holes Just ONE. That’s all it takes to knock over the first domino and get unstuck. 🎧 Loved this episode? Send it to a friend who’s been stuck in the “I know what to do, but…” loop. And if you haven’t already, tap that subscribe button so you never miss a dose of motivation + momentum. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! Ready to Simplify Even More? Start Here: ✅ Declutter Fast with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Quick wins. Instant relief. Clear space in minutes. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💬 Get Personalized Coaching from Me Stuck in your clutter cycle? Let’s build a simple, customized plan to clear the overwhelm. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 📝 Create Your Home Management Blueprint Finally feel on top of your home—with routines and systems built just for you. 🏡 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram Behind-the-scenes, real-life simplicity, and lots of laughs. 💛 @katyjoywells
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303: Breaking Free from Burnout The Resilience Formula You Need with Dr.Ashley Rath
If you’ve ever felt exhausted but couldn’t explain why… If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing all the right things, but I still don’t feel like me”... If the word burnout feels a little too real lately... This episode is a must-listen. 💛 I’m joined by Dr. Ashley Rath—a functional medicine practitioner, mom of three, and Midwest gal after my own heart—to unpack what burnout really is (hint: it’s not just being tired) and how to finally start healing from the inside out. We’re talking emotional exhaustion, flatlined energy, and why “just getting more sleep” doesn’t actually solve the problem. You’ll walk away from this episode not only feeling seen but equipped with practical, powerful tools to reclaim your energy and joy—even if your schedule feels full and your to-do list never ends. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1️⃣ How to Know If You’re Burned Out (vs. Just Having a Hard Week) Burnout is sneaky—and it often hides behind fatigue, short tempers, or emotional numbness. Dr. Ashley breaks down the red flags most women miss and how to spot them early. 2️⃣ Why “Hustle Harder” Doesn’t Work (and What Actually Does) Learn why traditional advice falls flat when your cortisol is already on empty—and how to support your body with simple, science-backed shifts that reset your energy from the inside out. 3️⃣ The Resilience Formula That Works with Your Life (Not Against It) From identifying energy leaks to creating margin without adding “one more thing,” you’ll hear small, sustainable changes that make a big impact—especially in a busy season of motherhood. 4️⃣ How Identity Shapes Behavior (And How to Shift Yours Starting Today) You don’t have to wait until you “feel” healthy or energized to start showing up as the person you want to be. This episode shares how to begin acting from your future identity—and why that unlocks lasting change. 💡 One Mic-Drop Moment You’ll Remember: “You can’t delegate your healing. But you also don’t have to hustle for it.” – Dr. Ashley Rath 📚 Resources + Links from the Episode: Grab Dr. Ashley Rath’s book: Love Your Life & Yourself: A Modern Mom’s Guide to Happiness, Health, and Resilience 📖 Available on Amazon Visit Dr. Ashley's website for resources, free tools, and virtual consults: 🌐 www.drashleyrath.com Follow Dr. Ashley on Instagram: 📲 Instagram.com/drashleyrath Get bite-sized hormone tips, burnout education, and behind-the-scenes of life as a functional medicine doc and mom. 💬 Your Challenge This Week: Try the Stop, Delegate, Systemize method: ✂️ Stop what doesn’t serve you 🤝 Delegate what you don’t have to do yourself 🗂️ Systemize what you do daily Even just one shift can help you carve out space to rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself again. 🎧 Loved this episode? Send it to a friend who’s feeling burnt out but doesn’t know where to start. And if you haven’t yet—subscribe to the show so you never miss a new conversation that’ll help you simplify and breathe easier again. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells
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302: The Countertop Clutter Magnet EffectAnd How to Fix It
Ever cleared your kitchen counters… only to blink and find them cluttered again? 😩 You are not imagining it—there’s a reason every surface in your home seems to magically collect stuff. It’s called the Countertop Clutter Magnet Effect, and once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why stuff attracts stuff (yes, there’s brain science behind it), and what you can do to finally stop the clutter creep—without giving up your much-needed visual reminders. Because if you're the kind of person who needs to SEE your supplements, bills, or to-do list to actually remember them… this episode is going to change your life. 🙌 3 Key Takeaways from This Episode: 1. Why “Stuff Attracts Stuff” Is a Real Thing It’s not just clutter—it’s how our brains work. Once one item lands on a surface, it signals to our brains that it’s now a holding zone. I’ll explain how this happens and how to break the pattern. 2. How to Keep Visual Reminders Without the Chaos If “out of sight, out of mind” is your struggle, I’ve got you. From daily action trays to vertical organizers, I’ll show you how to keep your reminders visible but contained so they don’t take over your space. 3. How to Use the Clutter Magnet Effect For You Yep, you can flip the script. I’ll share how one simple change—like adding a fruit bowl—turned a clutter hotspot into a healthy habit zone. (And how you can do the same with your desk, bathroom, or entryway.) Resources Mentioned in This Episode: AirDoctor Air Purifier Invisible clutter is a thing too—dust, dander, and all the stuff you can’t see but definitely don’t want to breathe in. 👉 Get up to $300 off select models at AirDoctorPro.com with code KATY Your Challenge This Week: Take a look around your home and identify one clutter magnet zone. Then ask yourself: “What do I actually want this space to attract?” Pick one small swap—maybe a tray, a clear bin, or a vertical organizer—and give that space a job. Let’s stop letting clutter call the shots. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells
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301: 3 Game-Changing Wardrobe Strategies to Love Your Clothes and Stop Overbuying
Ever feel like you have a closet full of clothes and still nothing to wear? 🙋♀️ You’re not alone—and if you're constantly buying new pieces hoping this will be the outfit that finally makes you feel confident, this episode is for you. I used to believe that creating a wardrobe I loved meant buying more. But the truth? No amount of shopping fixed that feeling. It wasn’t until I stopped asking “What do I need to buy?” and started asking “What do I need to see?” that everything changed. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 wardrobe strategies that completely shifted how I dress, shop, and feel about my closet. If you’re ready to declutter your wardrobe, stop overbuying clothes, and finally love getting dressed again—this one’s a must-listen. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways from This Episode: 1️⃣ Find Your Personal Style Using the 3-Word Method No more following trends or trying to wear pieces that don’t feel like you. I’ll walk you through how to define your style using Alison Bornstein’s three-word method—so you can confidently choose outfits that match your life, your vibe, and how you want to feel. (Hint: it’s not about “what’s in,” it’s about what feels right.) 2️⃣ Discover the Power of Color Analysis Color is one of the most overlooked tools in curating a closet you love. I share how getting my colors done by Your Color Guru changed the way I shop and helped me declutter my wardrobe with less overwhelm. (Use code CLUTTERFREE for 10% off any package!) 3️⃣ Shop Your Closet First—Before You Buy Anything New You don’t need more clothes—you need more inspiration. I’ll show you how I use screenshots from my favorite brands and stylists to “shop my closet” and recreate fresh outfits from pieces I already own. (It gives me the same dopamine hit as buying something new—without the regret.) 💡 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Get Your Color Analysis – Use Code CLUTTERFREE for 10% Off https://yourcolorguru.com/ Follow Alison Bornstein on Instagram for style inspiration and 3-word method tips 💬 Your Challenge This Week: Try just one of these strategies. Define your three style words. Book a color analysis. Or screenshot a look you love and recreate it with what you already have. You might be surprised how little you need to finally feel like you have a wardrobe that works for you. 🎧 If this episode helped you, share it with a friend or leave a review on Apple Podcasts—it truly helps other women find this show and join the Simplifier community. Ready, Set, Simplify – bye! Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells
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16:23
300: 300 Episodes Later The 3 Biggest Lessons on Living Simply and Intentionally
Can you believe it? 300 episodes! What started as a simple mission to help women declutter has grown into a movement—one filled with transformation, growth, and more "aha" moments than I ever imagined. To celebrate this milestone, I’m sharing the three biggest lessons I’ve learned after all these conversations and coaching sessions. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to simplify, this one’s for you. In this episode: Lesson 1: Clutter Is a Symptom Decluttering is rarely about the stuff—it’s about what the stuff represents. Guilt, fear, or a past identity? I share a powerful story from a listener who let go of more than just boxes of craft supplies. Try this: Ask yourself: What does this item represent, and is it helping me move forward? Lesson 2: Change Starts With Compassion You can’t bully yourself into being more organized. Real growth begins with kindness and curiosity. Ditch the self-criticism and make space for grace. Try this: When you feel overwhelmed, ask: How can I meet this moment with kindness instead of criticism? Lesson 3: Simplify Your Time First Decluttering your calendar matters just as much as decluttering your closet. Learn how I started protecting my time—and how it brought more peace than any organizing bin ever could. Try this: Ask: What’s one thing I can say no to this week to create more space for what matters? ✨ Your challenge: Take one small step. Whether it's clearing a drawer or reclaiming 15 minutes of quiet, small shifts = big results. Thanks for being part of this amazing journey. Here’s to the next 300! Ready to Declutter Even More? Check Out These Resources: 🚀 Get FAST Results with My Free Guide: 75 Things to Declutter Right Now Need a quick win? This guide helps you clear space and see results fast. 📥 https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter 💡 Work 1-on-1 With Me Need personalized support to simplify your life? Let’s create a plan that works for you. 💼 https://www.katyjoywells.com/innercircle 🏡 Get Your Personalized Home Management Blueprint Want a step-by-step plan to manage your home effortlessly? Let’s create your custom blueprint. 📝 https://www.katyjoywells.com/home-management-mastery 📲 Connect with Me on Instagram Follow me for daily decluttering tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes peeks into my life. 💛 https://www.instagram.com/katyjoywells
You’ve decluttered before…so why does the mess keep coming back?
You’ve done the checklists, the bins, the late-night cleanouts—only to find yourself right back where you started.
It’s not your fault. You’ve just never been taught to declutter in a way that actually works long-term.
The Maximized Minimalist is the go-to podcast for women ready to declutter their homes, lighten their mental load, and finally feel in control of their space—and their life.
With over 5 million listens and a spot in the Top 50 global podcasts, host and holistic decluttering expert Katy Wells shares a fresh take on what it really means to clear the clutter—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Whether you’re:
✔️ Drowning in laundry and clutter
✔️ Feeling behind on everything (including your own to-do list)
✔️ Tired of organizing the same space over and over
✔️ Or just craving a calmer, more peaceful home
This show will help you go from overwhelmed to in control—without the pressure to be perfect.
Inside each episode, you’ll get:
✔️Practical strategies you can implement in 10 minutes or less
✔️Mindset shifts to help you let go (even of the sentimental stuff)
✔️Encouragement to quiet the guilt, the “what ifs,” and the mental load
✔️And simple systems to help you keep the progress going
You might be wondering:
“How do I get my family on board?”
“What if I have emotional attachments to everything?”
“Why do I declutter and it still doesn’t feel ‘done’?”
“Can I really simplify when life feels so full?”
These are the exact questions Katy answers every week—with honesty, real-life examples, and step-by-step guidance that actually works for busy families.
Whether you’re deep in clutter or just craving a little more breathing room—you’re in the right place.
🎧 New episodes every Wednesday
🎁 Start simplifying with Katy’s FREE guide: https://www.katyjoywells.com/declutter
📲 Learn more at: https://www.katyjoywells.com
Ready, Set, Simplify!
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