What You Do Makes a Difference: 7 Simple Ways to Live with Intention and Purpose

Every day, through the choices we make—what we buy, what we keep, how we spend our time—we shape the world around us. The late Jane Goodall believed that each one of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small our actions may seem. What kind of difference do you want to make? Here are 7 simple ways to live with intention and purpose.

WE ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Whether it’s how we spend our mornings, how we treat others, or what we bring into our homes, every decision creates a small ripple in the world.

Dr. Jane Goodall, who passed away in October 2025 at age 91, spent her life studying chimpanzees and advocating for the protection of animals and the planet. But what made her message so powerful was its simplicity: she believed that every individual has the power—and responsibility—to make a difference.

Her words remind us that we don’t have to do something grand to make an impact. Each of us can live in a way that reflects kindness, respect and thoughtfulness in our everyday choices. The way we care for our homes, our families and ourselves matters.

LIVING SIMPLY IS A FORM OF IMPACT

Living simply and intentionally is one of the most accessible ways to make a difference. When we choose less clutter, fewer distractions and slower, more mindful routines, we naturally live in a way that supports both our wellbeing and the world around us.

Every time you choose to declutter, reuse, recycle, or slow down, you are saying yes to calm, clarity, and purpose—and no to stress, waste, and overconsumption.

This doesn’t mean you have to do everything perfectly or turn your days and life upside down. It’s not about throwing out all your cleaning products or clothes to buy ethically conscious and environmentally friendly alternatives or ditching your car and walking everywhere.

This is about raising your awareness, making small shifts and making a start – somewhere.

That’s what I hope the ideas in this article will help you do.

7 SIMPLE WAYS TO DECIDE WHAT KIND OF DIFFERENCE YOU WANT TO MAKE

If you’re ready to think more deeply about how to live with purpose and make a difference, here are seven gentle but simple steps to guide you.

1. Look at What Matters Most to You

Before you can live intentionally, you need to know what really matters. Take a few quiet minutes to reflect on your values.

Ask yourself:

• What brings me joy and peace?
• What do I want more of in my life?
• What do I want less of?
• What kind of person do I want to be remembered as?

Write down your top three values. These might be family, kindness, simplicity, honesty, or health.

Once you know what truly matters to you, every decision becomes easier. You can weigh your choices against your values and ask whether this supports the life I want to live?

Intentional living isn’t about rules, it’s about direction. We’re required to be flexible, resilient and happy to change things if something’s not working for us anymore. Knowing your values helps you set that direction with confidence.

2. Notice Where Your Energy Goes

We all have the same 24 hours, but how we use them shapes how we feel.

Take a look at your typical day or week. Where does your time and energy go?

• Do you spend hours managing clutter or scrolling your phone?
• Do you often feel drained, rushed, distracted or unable to switch off?
• Or do you feel calm, focused and in control?

Write down how you currently spend your time and how you want to spend it. Sometimes the gap between those two lists can be eye-opening. It’s so easy to get caught up in the detail of our day to day that we fail to see exactly what we are doing in every day.

Even small shifts—like putting your phone away during meals or saying no to one unnecessary commitment—can help you live in a way that’s calmer, more purposeful, and better aligned with what truly matters.

At the very least, focusing on one thing at a time (where possible) and being fully present in whatever we’re doing, can also help us feel less stressed and rushed.

3. Declutter Your Space with Purpose

Clutter doesn’t just fill your cupboards—it fills your mind.

When your home is full of things you don’t use or love, it can make you feel heavy, distracted, or overwhelmed. Research has shown that clutter isn’t good for our physical or mental health. But when you begin to let go, you free up physical and emotional space.

Start small. Choose one drawer, one shelf, or one surface. Empty it completely, then only put back the items that add value to your life. Let go of the rest—donate, recycle, or sell them if you can. These are more sustainable ways to declutter that help protect the environment.

Ask yourself as you go:

• Do I use this?
• Do I love this?
• Does this fit the life I’m trying to create?

The goal isn’t to have a perfect, minimalist home—it’s to create a calm, welcoming space that supports you. And each time you clear a little clutter, you’re creating that difference—one drawer at a time.

4. Simplify How You Spend

Every purchase is a choice, not just about money but about energy, space and impact.

Before buying something new, pause and ask yourself three questions:

• Do I really need this?
• Will it add value or just take up space?
• Can I use or repurpose something I already have?

When we slow down our spending, we reduce clutter, waste and guilt. We also become more content with what we already have.

Try setting yourself a “no-spend week” or “one in, one out” rule—if something new comes in, something else must go out.

Living simply doesn’t mean never buying anything—it means buying intentionally, choosing things that truly support your values and simplify your life.

5. Make Time for What You Love

Life isn’t just about managing chores or To Do lists—it’s about making time for what fills your heart.

Think about what makes you feel alive: reading, walking, creating, connecting, or being outdoors. These moments restore your energy and bring balance to your days.

Try scheduling small pockets of time for what you love—just 15 or 30 minutes. Protect this time as you would any important appointment.

When you prioritise what you love, you live with more joy and purpose. You also become more present and patient in other areas of life.

6. Be Kind in Small Ways

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand or costly—it’s the small, everyday gestures that often matter most.

Hold the door open. Compliment a stranger. Send a message to someone who’s struggling. Be gentle with yourself when you make a mistake.

Kindness ripples outwards. One kind act can lift someone’s day, inspire others, or remind people that goodness still exists.

Making kindness part of your everyday life is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference. It costs nothing but can change everything.

7. Reflect and Reset Often

Intentional living isn’t a one-time decision—it’s something you come back to again and again.

Each season, or as part of your evening review and reflection, take time to check in with yourself. Ask:

• What feels good in my life right now?
• What feels busy, stressful, or unnecessary?
• What could I simplify or let go of?
• What would make my life feel lighter?

You might choose to adjust your routines, declutter another area, or revisit your priorities. Reflection keeps you growing in the right direction and helps you stay true to your values.

SMALL STEPS, BIG CHANGE

The difference you make doesn’t come from doing everything at once—it comes from taking small, consistent steps in the right direction.

You make a difference when you choose kindness over criticism. When you buy less and value more. When you clear clutter and create calm. When you slow down and savour the moment.

As Jane Goodall reminded us, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

So start where you are. Do one small thing today that feels right for you. Let your home, habits and choices reflect the kind of impact you want to leave behind.

You have more power to make a difference than you think—one simple, intentional step at a time.

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• How to Prioritise Connection Over Consumption
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• How Minimalism Benefits the Environment
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• How to Make Time for What Matters Most: 8 Practical Tips