Dre Olsen Of zant On How Simplifying & Decluttering Your Life Can Make You Happier

An Interview With Drew Gerber

Start Your Day Mindfully: Begin by waking up with enough time to cultivate peace, excitement, and a plan. This can take five minutes or up to a full hour. This mental preparation sets the tone for the day.

We live in a time of great excess. We have access to fast fashion, fast food, and fast everything. But studies show that all of our “stuff” is not making us any happier. How can we simplify and focus on what’s important? How can we let go of all the clutter and excess and find true happiness? In this interview series, we are talking to coaches, mental health experts, and authors who share insights, stories, and personal anecdotes about “How Simplifying and Decluttering Your Life Can Make Us Happier.” As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dre Olsen.

Dre Olsen is a certified health and habit coach dedicated to transforming lives by breaking through habits that hinder true potential. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and proven systems, Dre develops personalized plans, providing unwavering accountability and ongoing support to empower individuals. Beyond coaching, Dre’s diverse roles as an entrepreneur, yoga instructor, venture capitalist, mom, and wife contribute to a profound understanding of the human experience, fostering a passion for guiding others toward a fulfilling life aligned with true passions and purpose.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share your “backstory” with us? What was it that led you to your eventual career choice?

My journey began with a personal revelation. I discovered a particular habit in my own life that yielded significant success with minimal effort. As I started to receive numerous inquiries and requests for guidance from others, I felt compelled to provide answers and assistance. This drive to help people ultimately led me to pursue certification as a coach, so I could better serve others in their own journeys to success and well-being.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

While every day in my career has its own unique aspects, one pivotal moment stands out. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to transition my coaching sessions to be conducted over the phone. As restrictions began to ease and in-person meetings became possible again, I approached one of my clients — a young mother with 5-month-old twins — expecting her to be eager to return to face-to-face sessions. However, her response was unexpected and enlightening. She expressed her preference for continuing our coaching sessions remotely, explaining that her life had significantly improved without the need to get dressed and leave her house. This encounter was a turning point. It led me to fully embrace online and phone-based coaching, opening the door to work with clients all across the nation who would not have had access to my services otherwise. This experience demonstrated the power of adaptability and highlighted the diverse ways people can thrive in different environments, even during challenging times.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

I’m currently immersed in a project I’m truly excited about called “Crave 80.” This initiative is designed to cater to individuals who grapple with perfectionism and often find themselves oscillating between various health plans and routines. The goal is to help them discover a sustainable path to consistency and a lifestyle that genuinely suits their needs. The “Crave 80” program encompasses a holistic approach. It includes private coaching sessions and self testing for inflammatory markers to better understand individual triggers. Armed with this knowledge, my clients see massive change with 80 percent effort. By focusing on this percentage, we aim to strike a balance that promotes well-being and allows for flexibility, ultimately assisting people in achieving their health and wellness goals.

Can you share with our readers a bit about why you are an authority on the topic of “How Simplifying and Decluttering Your Life Can Make You Happier”?

I can speak to this topic from a very personal perspective. Just six months ago, my family and I moved into a tiny house, with myself, my husband, and our three children aged 15, 13, and 11, all occupying less than 300 square feet.

Remarkably, this experience has brought me a deep sense of happiness. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned valuable lessons in patience, effective communication, and the significance of optimizing our living space. It’s not only about dictating what holds importance but also ensuring each family member has what’s essential and meaningful to them. This firsthand encounter with simplifying and decluttering has provided insights into how minimalism can lead to contentment and happiness, which I’m enthusiastic about sharing with others.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the main focus of our interview. We live in a time of excess. We have access to so much. But studies show that all of our “stuff” is not making us any happier. Can you articulate for our readers a few reasons why all of our possessions are not giving us happiness?

For many of us, we tend to get caught up in the idea that possessions can be part of an equation where it’s “me plus stuff” equals what we desire. We might think, “Me plus that car equals success,” or “Me plus that cup of coffee equals peace.” We plug these material things into an equation where they’re supposed to provide us with something we’re seeking — whether it’s peace, happiness, or success. But the truth is, these equations don’t always add up as we expect. It’s a misconception that material possessions are the sole drivers of our well-being. In reality, true peace and happiness don’t have to depend on external factors or possessions. They can exist within us as standalone elements, and it’s important to recognize that this equation between “me” and “stuff” doesn’t always have to define our sense of fulfillment.

On a broader societal level, how do you think this excessiveness may be harming our communities and society?

Excessive consumerism, often fueled by mounting debt, places a substantial burden on individuals. When a society grapples with pervasive debt, it can lead to heightened levels of greed and a sense of being overwhelmed. This excessiveness isn’t limited to material possessions; it can also clutter one’s emotional well-being.

The irony of struggling with happiness in modern times is glaring. In many places in the world today, we have more than ever before in history. Yet despite this, so many people are unhappy. Why is simplifying a solution? How would simplifying help people to access happiness?

Simplification involves focusing on three key aspects: space, schedule, and mindset. When contemplating happiness, it’s an expansive experience, one that often feels just out of reach for many of us. And the reason it does feel out of reach for so many is that this big experience of happiness just doesn’t have room in our cluttered lives! Decluttering, in essence, carves out space for happiness.The decluttering process begins by systematically parting with unused items, followed by those occasionally used (which can be stored in boxes), and then addressing items based on their frequency of use. This process is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it varies for each person. The continuous effort to eliminate unnecessary possessions is crucial; otherwise, we continue to accumulate. Regarding our personal schedule, we must proactively create and allocate time for reflection and activities we enjoy. Flexibility is essential, but it shouldn’t compromise the structure we need to maintain a balanced life.

Can you share some insights from your own experience? Where in your life have you transformed yourself from not having enough to finally experiencing enough? For example, many people feel they don’t have enough money. Yet, people define abundance differently, and often, those with the least money can feel the most abundant. Where in your health, wealth, or relationships have you transformed your life?

Let’s look at personal care — focusing on getting ready to leave the house. I figure it’s something most of us do everyday; we reach a point where we deem ourselves presentable and head out. We all reach a “good enough” otherwise we’d still be getting ready! This means that each of us has at least a little bit of experience in knowing what enough feels like. The concept of what’s “good enough” continually evolves. I’ve made an effort to take a moment, truly look at myself, and mentally declare myself ready for the day when I’ve gotten ready enough. Beginning a day with that much intention primes you for success.

People, places, and things shape our lives. For example, your friends generate conversations that influence you. Where you live impacts what you eat and how you spend your time. The “things” in your life, like phones, technology, or books impact your recreation. Can you tell us a little about how people, places, and things in your own life impact your experience of “experiencing enough?”

I live in a beautiful area nestled beside a canyon, complete with a peaceful river meandering through it. Paddleboarding along this river, either with loved ones or solo, instills an unparalleled sense of peace and clarity to life. These experiences allow me to regularly reflect, compare, and simplify my needs, fostering a healthy relationship with both myself and others.

What advice would you give to younger people about “experiencing enough?”

The initial step involves defining what ‘enough’ is to you. Following this, it’s crucial to embrace curiosity and exploration. If your notion of ‘enough’ involves material possessions (which isn’t inherently negative), it’s essential to question why. What does that particular item symbolize? By adopting this perspective, you can continue pursuing what you desire while potentially attaining a healthier outlook on your pursuits.

Based on your experience and research, can you share your “five ways we can simplify and declutter our lives to make us happier?”

1. Start Your Day Mindfully: Begin by waking up with enough time to cultivate peace, excitement, and a plan. This can take five minutes or up to a full hour. This mental preparation sets the tone for the day.
2. Appreciate Your Environment: Acknowledge the significance of decluttering not only in physical spaces but also in your mental landscape. Do the work to declutter and then stop. Take a moment to step back and genuinely appreciate the sense of wonder that a clutter-free space brings. This brings the best reward! It’s almost like it makes it so the rubber band of our habits is in its relaxed state, instead of being stretched into something unsustainable. Making this newly decluttered state our new default.
3. Strategic To-Do Lists: When managing a lengthy to-do list, employ ‘if-then’ statements. This method can transform tasks that might seem mundane into opportunities for personal growth. For instance, with laundry, why do you do it? I found that when I put it through an if then exercise, I realized I enjoy my and my family’s clothes clean, unwrinkled, and accounted for. In knowing this, laundry transforms from a chore to an opportunity to accomplish what is important to me.
4. Prioritize What Matters: If an activity or task doesn’t align with your core values or objectives, reconsider its place on your list. Continually assess what no longer serves your growth and be open to evolving. Just because a task is on someone else’s list does not give it a right to be on yours.
5. Chart Your Unique Course: Understand that the impact of simplification and decluttering is uniquely personal. It’s imperative to recognize that what works for others may not mirror your own journey. By discerning your direction and tailoring these practices to your distinct needs, you can harness their transformative potential to the fullest. Simply put, maybe decluttering would be more fun to you if you think of it as tailored hoarding and just figure out what that one thing is you want to “hoard” and then declutter other things. Could be fun….

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Being fulfilled in all areas of your life is something you can experience. Never settle for less.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

To keep up with my work online, you can follow me on Instagram at @dre.healthcoach. Also, @Tinymeans2bigdream, is where I’m beginning to document my family’s journey and experiences living in a tiny home.

Thank you so much for these insights. This was so inspiring, and so important!

About The Interviewer: For 30 years, Drew Gerber has been inspiring those who want to change the world. Drew is the CEO of Wasabi Publicity, Inc., a full-service PR agency lauded by PR Week and Good Morning America. Wasabi Publicity, Inc. is a global marketing company that supports industry leaders, change agents, unconventional thinkers, companies and organizations that strive to make a difference. Whether it’s branding, traditional PR or social media marketing, every campaign is instilled with passion, creativity and brilliance to powerfully tell their clients’ story and amplify their intentions in the world. Schedule a free consultation at WasabiPublicity.com/Choosing-Publicity