Midlife is better when we share what works.
WEEK 9 OF THE 52-WEEK DIGITAL DECLUTTER SERIES
This week’s challenge is all about reducing password stress by creating a system that feels safe, simple, and easy to keep up with.

Let’s Be Honest… Passwords Are a Nightmare

If you’ve ever forgotten a login, reset your password five times, or had to dig through a stack of sticky notes—welcome to the club.

Between work logins, bank accounts, medical portals, shopping apps, and social media… it’s no wonder your brain is tired.

This week’s ClearMind Challenge is here to cut the chaos.
Not by remembering more—but by remembering less.

We’re creating one reliable system to manage your passwords going forward.
Because digital peace of mind starts with knowing how to get into your own accounts.

Why This Matters

If your passwords are scattered across notebooks, browsers, and half-remembered places, it’s more than just annoying. It creates:

🤯 Mental Clutter
⏲️ Wasted Time
😰 Anxiety when things go wrong (especially when urgent)

The ClearMind Digital System™ is about building tools that work for real life.
This week’s goal: create one central, secure place to manage your passwords from now on.

Not for everything you’ve ever logged into.
Just the accounts that matter most—starting now.

The average person now manages nearly 170 different passwords. That’s a sharp rise from just 80 back in 2020. More accounts mean more mental clutter—and more chance something slips through the cracks.
(Source: NordPass 2024 – Juggling Security)

To help you cut through inbox chaos, this week’s password workflow uses three key steps from the 5-step ClearMind Digital System™:
🛑 STOP: Notice how many notifications and unnecessary emails keep stealing your attention.
🧹 SORT: Unsubscribe or filter out senders who no longer serve you—especially newsletters and alerts that clutter your inbox.
⚙️ STREAMLINE: Create clear email habits—such as batching responses or setting specific check‑in times—so you stop reacting and start choosing what gets through.

☑️ This Week’s ClearMind Challenge:

1. Choose Your Password Storage System

Pick one method and use it consistently going forward:

  • A small physical password notebook (yes, it’s okay!)
  • A spreadsheet saved to your digital home base
  • A free password manager (like Bitwarden or NordPass [affiliate link, see my affiliate disclosure])
  • Your browser’s built-in password manager (Chrome, Safari, Edge)

🔒 Note: Don’t worry about what’s “best.” Go with what feels doable. Consistency > perfection.

2. Add 5–10 Key Accounts

Start with the ones that matter most:

  • 💳 Banking and/or credit cards
  • ⚕️ Medical portals or pharmacies
  • 📨 Email accounts
  • 📱 Device logins (phones, tablets, laptops)
  • 🧾 Your Apple ID, Google account, or Microsoft account

3. Store Password Recovery Info

Add your recovery email and phone number to your system too.
That way, you’re not locked out when you really need it.

4. Create a Shortcut

Once a month, update your list when things change.

🌿 Your Week 9 Reset Prompt

What would life feel like if you never had to panic over a forgotten password again?

What does a calm, secure digital setup feel like to you?

🧰 Need a Little More Structure?

The ClearMind Digital System™ Membership includes exclusive digital reset guides, printable checklists, and helpful walkthroughs for every stage of the journey—one fix at a time.

🗨️ My Win

I’ve tested a few things over the years, but here’s what works best for me:

  • I use a secure password manager, like Nordpass [affiliate link, disclosures], to store the bulk of my login info.
  • I keep a simple password list in a notebook near my desk so I can quickly update or reference key accounts when needed.
  • A couple of times a year, I export my saved logins as a CSV from my browser and store a copy on a thumb drive inside a fire-safe box. That way, if anything happens, my son has access to the important accounts — with the websites, usernames, and notes clearly listed.

The key is consistently updating all versions. A system only works if it stays current.

📩 Already Subscribed?

Perfect—just keep scrolling.
If not, grab the free ClearMind Quick Start Guide and Freebie Vault access below:

You’ll also get occasional updates and access to my freebie vault. No spam, just helpful stuff.

❓ Week 9 FAQ: Password Edition

Is it safe to store passwords in a notebook?
Yes—as long as it’s in a private place. Paper is still a valid option for many!

Do I have to switch everything to a password manager?
Nope. You’re just setting a system for new logins going forward. Start small.

I don’t want to make things more complicated.
This isn’t about fancy tech. It’s about peace of mind. Choose what feels manageable.

👉 Don’t have time to tackle this today?
Bookmark this post and come back when you’re ready. It’ll still be here waiting.

🔜 Next Week’s Challenge Preview

Next week, we’ll tackle the chaos of calendar overload – and learn how to Clear Calendar Clutter to make space for what truly matters.

👉 Follow the Reset Path for more posts

Project: Improve Me! – Because Your Second Half Should Be Your Best Half.

Kari Lee's signature image with 'With Love & Laughter, Kari Lee' from Project: Improve Me.

🗓️ This is Week 9 of the ClearMind 52- Week Digital Declutter Series.
👉 Go back to Week 8

Pin This Post:

Other Posts You May Enjoy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *