"You can't have everything. Where would you put it?"

This quirky quote gets at a simple yet profound truth: you can’t have everything you desire because there’s just not enough room—physically, mentally, or emotionally—to accommodate it all. It encourages us to prioritize and make choices based on what truly matters to us.

Historically, this phrase brings to mind the humorous and often philosophical musings of comedian Steven Wright. Wright is known for his deadpan delivery and clever one-liners that poke fun at everyday life and human nature. While it’s unclear if he was the first to say this, it fits perfectly within his style of making us chuckle while also prompting deeper thought.

Let’s dive into a real-life example to see this wisdom in action. Imagine you’re a collector—books, vinyl records, vintage postcards, whatever tickles your fancy. At first, it’s thrilling. You hunt down rare finds, display them proudly, and share your passion with friends. But then, the shelves start to overflow. You run out of space on your walls. Your partner starts grumbling about the stacks of stuff creeping into every room. Suddenly, the joy of collecting turns into a burden. You realize you can’t possibly keep everything you’d like to have. You’ve got to decide which pieces truly spark joy and which ones are just taking up space.

Applying this wisdom in your life means embracing the art of prioritization. It’s about understanding that not every opportunity, possession, or relationship is worth pursuing or keeping. Start by asking yourself what you value most. What do you want to make space for in your life? Let’s say you’re trying to declutter your home. Begin with one area, like your closet. Pull out everything and take a hard look. Have you worn that sweater in the last year? Does that dress still fit your style? Keep only what you love and use regularly. Donate the rest. This creates space—physical and mental—for what truly matters.

Here’s a scenario to paint the picture more vividly. Think about Sarah, a young professional juggling a demanding job, a side hustle, and a social life. She’s constantly exhausted, barely keeping up with her responsibilities and feeling like she’s missing out on genuine connections with friends and family. Sarah decides to apply this wisdom. She sits down and makes a list of her priorities. Work, yes—she needs to pay the bills. But maybe she can cut back on her side hustle, at least for now. It’s not bringing her joy, just stress. She’ll carve out time for family dinners, weekend hikes, and catching up with close friends. By letting go of trying to have it all, Sarah finds herself happier, more relaxed, and more connected to the people she cares about.

So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by options or bogged down by clutter, remember: you can’t have everything. And that’s okay. Focus on what truly enriches your life, what fits comfortably within your space—whether it’s your home, your schedule, or your heart. You’ll find that having less can actually mean living more fully.