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The meaning and background of minimalism
Minimalism has experienced a comeback in popularity, thanks to influential figures like The Minimalists Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus and Marie Kondo. But there were plenty who embraced a minimalism lifestyle long before it became a trend. Take a moment to reflect on Steve Jobs’ wardrobe – ever noticed how many outfits he showed up in?
The idea of simplicity has been circulating since long before any of us, or even our grandmothers, were around. Back in the 1800s, you had Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau setting the stage with their simple living for what we now call minimalism. What’s truly intriguing is that our pursuit of meaning, detached from the lure of material possessions, has always been a quest. Sure, we’ve adapted the concept to fit our modern lives, but the essence remains unchanged.
What is a minimalism lifestyle
Minimalism is all about shedding the unnecessary, focusing on what really lights you up. This philosophy encourages you to declutter your physical spaces, streamline your belongings, and prioritise what truly adds value and purpose to your life. Beyond material aspects, minimalism often extends to simplifying daily routines, relationships, and overall commitments, aiming to create a more intentional and fulfilling existence. The core idea? Ditch the excess baggage and make room for what truly matters.
Dictionary
Minimalism is a lifestyle involving a reduction or simplification of one’s material possessions that frees one to lead an existence that is more intentional, purposeful, spiritual, etc.
The full experience of a minimalism lifestyle
A decade ago, in my quest for a more meaningful existence, I stumbled upon the minimalism lifestyle. If I’m being honest, I used to be part of that consumer group that sought a quick dopamine hit with my purchases. Not the proudest admission, but there it is. Fortunately, awareness gradually crept in, and being a fan of self-improvement, I actively sought solutions. Minimalism presented itself as a promising concept—one that I was more than willing to embrace in my pursuit of enhancing the quality of my life.
A fresh new perspective on “stuff”
Being someone who likes to fully commit to things, I decided to take minimalism to the extreme to truly understand the experience. This extreme approach involved stashing away most of my furniture (just as an experiment) and living with only the essentials. I meticulously combed through every nook and cranny of my house and office, keeping only the absolute necessities. Around the same time, a friend of mine was diving just as deep into minimalism and took it to another level—he set a rule for himself to own only 100 items in his house, and that was the limit. This count included everything from cutlery and pens to cables and whatnot. I was tempted to follow suit, but creating an inventory of all my possessions felt like a step too far as it needed in my opinion to much time to establish. Nonetheless, I still admire the commitment he showed in pulling it off.
After spending a month working on the floor, it became clear to me that furniture was not just a luxury but a necessity in my life. Trying out the extreme approach allowed me to fully embrace the essence of minimalism and taught me valuable lessons. As I settled back into my office chair behind my desk, I realised that this experience provided me with a fresh perspective on the concept of “stuff” and lead to a significant reduction in my spending on unnecessary items.
Quality versus quantity
Not only have I found greater enjoyment in the possessions I own, but I’ve also cultivated a newfound appreciation for beautiful, timeless, and well-designed products. I’m excited to share these top-notch products with you in my collection—items that I often own and that I believe will maintain their allure just as strongly in a decade as they do today. Minimalism prompts you to look at your consumer choices more closely, and makes you prioritise enduring value. Admittedly, when it comes to technology, the concept of “long-term” doesn’t always apply seamlessly. However, there’s a testament to durability in my Thunderbolt Mac screen, purchased back in 2012, still flawlessly performing and looking as sharp as ever.
More money in your pocket
Adopting this lifestyle has another notable perk: it keeps your hard-earned money in your pocket instead of being squandered on unnecessary discounted items. While the initial investment for certain purchases I make may be higher—though not always—the long-term value is absolutely worth every cent. Intentionally choosing your products often results in spending less, and the items you do invest in tend to have a longer lifespan. The money you save can then find a cozy home in your savings account.
The 3-months-rule
As part of my new outlook on “stuff”, I’ve created a 3-month rule for myself. When I come across something I want to buy, I add it to a list. If, after three months, I still find myself thinking about and wanting it, I go ahead and make the purchase. This simple rule helps curb impulse buying, ensuring that what I bring into my life are things I genuinely love. Simple and effective.
Conclusion
In case the message wasn’t clear, embracing minimalism not only curtails your spending but also amplifies your happiness. By adopting a mindset of making fewer purchases and deriving greater value from what you do buy, you foster both mental well-being and financial gains. This deliberate approach encourages thoughtful consideration before each purchase, heightening your financial awareness and enabling smarter consumer choices. Soon enough, prioritising quality over quantity becomes second nature, revealing that a less-is-more philosophy leads to a more fulfilling life. If you haven’t yet delved into this transformative lifestyle, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try at a level that feels comfortable for you—you’re bound to reap the rewards.
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