Joshua Becker's Blog, page 11

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

Living with less creates space for more: more time, more peace, and more joy.

At the heart of minimalism is the realization that our possessions often distract us from meaning and happiness. Minimalism is about freeing ourselves from the weight of unnecessary possessions and experiencing the freedom that comes from living lightly.

Every other week, I gather articles that inspire and motivate us to lead simpler lives. The goal is to equip everyone with the courage to let go and the determination to live with less. 

So I encourage you to find a quiet moment this weekend with a hot cup of coffee or tea to enjoy these articles and reflect on their message.

We left our boxes in storage for a year when our move was interrupted. Minimalism worked out well for us. | Business Insider by Fern Reiss. We left all our moving boxes in storage for a year when our move was interrupted. Minimalism worked out well, and we realized how much we didn’t need.

Why I Changed My Approach to Minimalism and You Should Too | No Sidebar by Barefoot Minimalists. If you feel like quitting minimalism, don’t! Here’s what to do instead.

Conscious Fashion 2024: A Guide To A Minimalist Wardrobe | Her Campus by Brenda Major. Minimalism can leave room for you to experiment, create different combinations with the clothes you already have, and encourage you to be mindful about the way that you want to present yourself to the world.

How Minimalism Helps Curb Consumerism | Simple Money by Jennifer Hayes. I mean, if buying things actually brought lasting satisfaction, don’t you think we’d be done by now?

Decluttering Methods – 9 Tried and Tested Techniques that Really Work | Ideal Home by Emm Rinaldi. To help you on your path to a clutter-free home, we spoke to a selection of experts to narrow down the absolute best 10 decluttering methods out there.

Recently Released Inspiring Videos

10 Life Changing Tips for Decluttering Items You Thought You Couldn’t | YouTube by Joshua Becker. It’s something different for all of us, that one thing we struggle to get rid of. If you’ve done most of the work but are stuck decluttering on items such as books, hobby supplies, sentimental items or something else, this video has tips to help.

30 Areas of Life Where Subtracting Can Add More | YouTube by Joshua Becker. The path to a more satisfying life isn’t always found in adding more. Often the path can be found in subtracting the things that no longer serve us.

The post Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads. appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Economy Got You Nervous? Here’s a Solution

According to a recent survey, 71% of Americans identify money as a significant cause of stress in their lives. This is a very large number of us.

In some ways, however, this number makes sense. Consider the stats and economic realities we are facing:

Americans now carry a staggering $1.1 trillion in credit card debt.And we carry that record debt at a time when credit card interest rates have soared to all-time highs.Housing affordability hit a new low in 2023, leaving the dream of homeownership frustratingly out of reach for many—both young people and older. This is partly due to the fact that home prices have surged to all-time highs.All the while, many of us recently experienced the highest inflation rates of our adult lives—even now, inflation stubbornly persists above 3%.As a result, 40% of Americans struggle to cover routine bills.And more than 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.

No wonder people are predicting that economic anxiety is going to stick around for awhile.

The times are tough. And the economic uncertainty has many people nervous.

If that is you, I want to offer a solution. Many of the articles you’ll read in the media will focus on policy suggestions or the specific candidate you should vote for—or even worse, the people you should get mad at because of your anxiety.

And while it is true that you should be an informed voter and understand the full ramifications of political and monetary policy, waiting for someone else to change the economic environment entirely in your favor will waste away your years.

Instead, there is a solution that you can incorporate today, right now, to bring about a change in your level of economic anxiety.

And that solution is: Minimalism.

Now, before you close the page and throw up your hands upset, thinking that minimalism is hardly an acceptable solution for your individual circumstance, hear me out.

Almost all of us spend too much money on things we don’t need. And once we see this, our lives change forever.

It’s understandable that spending our money on things we don’t need happens. In America, we are surrounded by a culture and society that loves consumerism. It is promoted on every billboard, bus station, television show, radio station, newspaper, magazine, and Internet site we visit.

Everywhere we turn, we are told to spend, spend, spend… buy, buy, buy.

We are promised comfort, luxury, and happiness if we buy all the right things. These messages surround us constantly, are lived out by those closest to us, and quickly, subconsciously, become the life we believe we are designed to live.

Make money, spend money. And the more we can do both, the better.

But it is this mentality that has gotten many of us into a personal situation we wish we could avoid.

Did you know the average American spends $1,500/month on nonessentials? $1,500/month. That’s $18,000/year. I’ve mentioned this stat in various circles and am almost always met with the same response: Not me. I don’t spend that much. I don’t even have that much to spend.

And it is true, by the nature of the stat, that half of the American population doesn’t waste that much. But to try and place yourself correctly in relation to that stat, the average median household income in the USA is $74,000 (and the median household size is 3.13).

In other words, if your household income is anywhere near that number (or lower if you are single), you probably are spending $1,500/month on nonessentials. We just don’t realize it because marketers have so confused in our minds what is essential.

And to be honest, I think that number of how much Americans spend on things they don’t need is too low. I did my own math awhile back and came to the conclusion that the average person in America could save $24,630 per year by becoming a minimalist.

If you are struggling with economic anxiety during these times of uncertainty, there is a path forward that can bring you relief: Choose to own and buy only the things you need.

This is the beauty of minimalism. Minimalism isn’t about tiny houses, blank walls, or sleeping on the floor. It’s about deciding to own just the things you need to own and intentionally deciding that there are better things to pursue with your life than physical possessions.

Just imagine how your life would change with an extra $1,500/month. By deciding to buy only the things you need, you could immediately begin paying down debt, getting ahead of paycheck-to-paycheck living, start saving for a down payment, become more generous, or spend more on experiences that enrich your life (although this option might not particularly help your financial stress).

And I can tell you the benefits of minimalism go well beyond financial. Owning only what you need will bring many life-giving benefits into your life: more time, more focus, less stress, more gratitude, more contentment, less comparison, even more meaning, purpose, and intentionality.

If the current economy has you nervous, here’s a solution that works every time: Minimalism.

With Americans now $1.1T in debt, expect it to go mainstream.

Here are a few steps to get you started:

1. Reflect on what truly matters.

Minimalism is ultimately about prioritizing. When we look deep into our heart, very few of us consider consumeristic pursuits our greatest goals. So begin by reflecting on what values you want to guide your life.

2. Start small by decluttering a space in your home.

This physical act brings about two results: 1) we realize how much stuff we have unintentionally collected and 2) we begin to experience the benefits of owning less.

3. Pause before purchasing.

Before buying something new, ask yourself if it’s something you truly need or if it’s just a momentary desire. To take this a step further, consider what you could do with the money if you didn’t spend it on this item.

4. Embrace simple pleasures.

At the beginning, when trying to change our financial circumstances, take extra effort to embrace simple pleasures: a walk in the evening, a chat with a friend, a home-brewed cup of coffee, or a visit to the local park with your kids. There is joy to be found all around us that doesn’t cost money.

5. Adopt a gratitude mindset.

Appreciating what we have begins to change our urge to acquire more.

If you are among the many feeling the economic squeeze, the message is clear: there is hope and there is a way forward. The circumstances surrounding you may have come from your own decisions or the decisions of others, but there is a solution.

Minimalism offers a practical and life-fulfilling path out of financial stress. It leads to a life marked by greater freedom, intentionality, and even joy and meaning if you so desire.

You can do it. We can help.

The post Economy Got You Nervous? Here’s a Solution appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Shedding Yesterday for a Brighter Today

Our homes are more than just a place where we sleep and a roof for us to store our stuff under. They reflect who we are today and where we’re headed tomorrow.

Now, just to be clear. Our home is the place we return to at the end of the day to rest our head and it is the place where we keep our stuff. But it is more than that.

Home is also the launching pad from which we live our lives in the world. And the second part of this purpose of home is often overlooked. And when it is, our homes can hold us back more than we realize.

Think of it this way, the longer we live in a home the more it collects objects from our past. If you’ve lived in your home for any number of years, just look around. It is likely full of stuff from our past: old hobbies we don’t participate in anymore, clothes that don’t fit, kitchen items we used to use, items from when our kids were younger, books from school, souvenirs from trips.

These things used to be a part of our lives, but now they just sit there, taking up space. And the longer we live in a home, the more these possessions from the past have collected.

We often keep these things because they remind us of good times or because we think we might need them again. But life has changed.

That’s just how life works—we are always growing and changing. “The only constant in life is change,” as the old saying goes.

And because life has changed, many of the items we needed years ago are not needed today.

In this way, letting go of excess possessions is often about releasing an older version of ourselves. And this can be where many people struggle. Decluttering our past can feel like a betrayal of the past—or at the very least, a loss of appreciation for it.

But decluttering the past doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate it. It just means acknowledging that change has happened and intentionally walking, fully focused, into our next and current season.

By decluttering possessions from previous seasons of life, we don’t diminish that season. Just the opposite. We honor it by fully embracing the new you that was formed out of it.

The best way to honor our past is to live fully in our present.

As an example, clutter from past seasons of our lives can show up in various ways:

Items from old careers that no longer define us.Toys and clothes from when our children were younger.Equipment from past hobbies we used to love, but no longer interest us.Souvenirs from past accomplishments (or dreams fulfilled). Keepsakes from experiences we enjoyed.Items from past relationships that enriched our lives—sometimes in immeasurable ways.

These possessions helped shape who we are, but if they are not serving us in our current season, they are holding us back from it. And shedding yesterday can usher in an even brighter future.

Consider the invitation to embrace the freedom of owning less: freedom to be who you are today, to make the most of you are, and to bring your best every day.

Acknowledging that those items served their purpose in shaping us into who we are today is an important step in removing them. But we also must give ourselves permission to move forward as the people we have become, unburdened, and open to the richness and importance of the present.

If you’re surrounded by the physical possessions of an old version of yourself, view minimalism as an opportunity to rejuvenate your space AND your spirit.

Letting go isn’t an end. It’s an invitation to redefine, refine, and rediscover. Minimalism is about creating a space that reflects who you are today and who you want to be in the future.

Today is the perfect day to let go of yesterday’s clutter and embrace the unlimited promise of tomorrow.

—

If you struggle with decluttering these types of possessions, here are some articles that will help:

How to Handle Sentimental ClutterHow to Simplify Your Stuff and Honor Your Memories10 Life-Changing Tips for Decluttering Items You Thought You Couldn’t

The post Shedding Yesterday for a Brighter Today appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

9 Ways to Apply Minimalism to Your Social Media Habits (and Reclaim Your Time)

In today’s world, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. In fact, the average internet user spends almost 2½ hours each day using social media platforms—more than one-third of our total online time.

Social media offers some wonderful benefits. It allows us to stay connected with friends, remain informed, and even make a difference in the world (as an example, in many ways, the reach of this website has grown significantly because of social media).

That being said, social can also become a significant source of distraction and overwhelm. There is also tons of research of the potential downsides of it.

One of the core benefits of minimalism is added intentionality in how we spend our time and money. And many of the same principles we apply to physical possessions can be applied to social media.

If you need a more intentional approach to social media, I think you’ll find these helpful.

9 Ways to Apply Minimalism to Your Social Media Habits

1. Reflect on your intentions

Take a moment to consider why you use social media. Is it to stay connected with friends and family? To seek inspiration or knowledge? To promote your work or business?

By clarifying your intentions, you’ll be able to make more conscious decisions about how and when to engage with social media.

2. Conduct a social media audit

Just like you might count the number of towels you own as you begin to declutter, take a close look at the accounts you follow and the platforms you use. Are there more than you thought? Do they align with your values and intentions?

Additionally, look at how much time you spend on social media each day. If the numbers surprise you, it may be time to unfollow, mute, or unsubscribe from accounts that don’t serve your goals or contribute positively to your well-being.

3. Set time limits

Establishing boundaries for your social media usage is just as helpful as establishing physical boundaries for your possessions. Set both daily and weekly time limits.

By designating specific times for engaging with social media, you can reduce the risk of mindlessly scrolling for hours on end and you will be forced to make decisions about which social media activities are most important to you. You may even consider using a timer or an app to help you stick to your limits.

4. Prioritize quality over quantity

Implementing time limits (and sticking to them) will naturally help accomplish this next idea. Work hard to focus on engaging with a smaller number of meaningful accounts and platforms rather than trying to keep up with everything. By doing so, you’ll be able to create a more intentional and fulfilling social media experience.

Focus on the social media platforms and accounts that help you accomplish your intentions.

5. Turn off non-essential notifications

Minimize distractions by disabling non-essential notifications on your devices. This simple step can help reduce the urge to constantly check your social media feeds and allow you to be more present in your day-to-day life.

Removing notifications will allow you to check social media on your schedule, rather than someone else’s.

6. Use social media to create, not consume

You are more than a consumer. This is one of the most important realizations that drives minimalism. Your life is too valuable to waste chasing and accumulating material possessions.

In the same way, your life is too valuable to waste consuming mindless posts and material on social media. Some entertainment and rest is good—of course. But too much detracts from your opportunity in the world.

Use your social media for good by sharing helpful thoughts, commenting on posts you agree with, liking meaningful posts, and communicating ideas that positively influence lives.

Seek balance by noticing when you are using social media to create, and when you are only mindlessly consuming.

7. Regularly reassess your social media habits

As you evolve and grow, your social media habits should reflect those changes. Periodically reassess your usage, the accounts you follow, and the platforms you engage with to ensure they continue to align with your values and intentions.

When it comes to minimalism, realizing that different physical possessions are required for different stages of life is a powerfully helpful thought. The same is true of social media (and probably the entire Internet in general as well).

8. Experiment with Less

Changing your approach to social media can lead to surprising revelations about its impact on your life. Treat this change as an experiment—a temporary adjustment to your usual habits. This mindset makes the challenge feel more manageable and less daunting.

Consider taking a complete break from social media for a week. Notice the changes in your mood, productivity, and interactions with the real world. You could also try something like limiting your daily social media use to just 30 minutes for an entire month.

Observe how the limitation affects your relationship with these platforms and your overall well-being. If you like the change, keep the new life. If you hate it, you can always go back.

9. Ask a Friend

Inviting an external perspective can offer helpful insights into our habits, including those related to social media. Just as a friend might help you declutter your home and see your possessions differently by pointing out what’s truly necessary, a friend or family member can speak into your social media usage.

Ask friends or family members for their honest opinions on your social media habits. Their observations can help you see patterns you might have missed and encourage positive, life-giving adjustments.

Trying out a few of these ideas—like seeing what happens when you use social media less or asking a friend for their thoughts—can really help and might make a bigger change in your life than you assume.

Intentionality in any area of life is always worth the effort because it results in learning how to live our best life.

The post 9 Ways to Apply Minimalism to Your Social Media Habits (and Reclaim Your Time) appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

The One Hour Each Week That Will Change Your Life for the Better—Every Time

Note: This article is reprinted from the March 2024 issue of Simplify Magazine.

Self-improvement and personal development are important pursuits. When we become the best versions of ourselves, everybody wins.

In this unending journey, we often overlook the simplest yet most profound practices. It’s easy to get caught up in the latest productivity hacks, self-help seminars, or wellness trends that promise profound changes in our lives. Countless social media ads will promise you the next get-well-quick product. However, the key to a more fulfilling, well-adjusted life isn’t always found in buying more or doing more.

The argument I’d like to make here is that the most important step to experiencing real, lasting, positive life change could be as simple as sitting quietly in a room by yourself.

Blaise Pascal, the renowned French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher, once observed, “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.”

This statement, though centuries old, holds a timeless truth that is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced, always-connected world. I have known this truth to ring true in my life over and over again—and you will too.

The practice of solitude, of spending time alone with our thoughts without distractions, is a powerful tool for mental health and personal growth.

How I Learned the Importance of Solitude

I had many wonderful classes and assignments during my college years, but perhaps none had a more lasting impact on me than an assignment given to us during a personal development class taught by a thin, white-haired gentleman named Professor Johnson. Starting the first week of our eight-week class, we were given the requirement to sit quietly in a room, all alone, for one hour each week and submit a paper every Friday about our experience.

“Solitude,” Professor Johnson said, “is where you will find life.”

To this day, 30 years later, I can picture the room where I completed this assignment each week—the couch, the carpet, the lamp, even the hangings on the wall are seared into my memory. More important than the physical surroundings were the life lessons I learned about myself. This “one hour of solitude” practice forever altered the trajectory of my life.

Unlike meditation, prayer, or reading, solitude, as it was defined (and assigned) to us, involves sitting alone with no agenda. Our assignment was specific: no reading material, no music, no prayer list, no personal agenda or work problem that you were going to figure out. The practice was about allowing your mind the freedom to wander, to explore your heart, your soul, your motivations, and the path you were taking.

The Mental Health Benefits of Solitude

In solitude, we find a simple but profound way to support our mental health. Stepping away from the daily hustle, from the expectations tied to our roles at work, home, or social circles, we give ourselves permission to evaluate our deepest selves.

This quiet hour is not about isolation. It’s about choosing to pause, to reflect, and to know ourselves better.

It’s important to recognize the difference between solitude and loneliness. While loneliness can lead to feelings of disconnection and has been linked to depression, solitude is a chosen state of being alone that allows us to reconnect with ourselves in a positive and healing way.

Because of this, we can see why studies have shown that time alone can decrease anxiety, reduce stress and depressive thoughts. It can also boost our creativity and productivity, and help us regulate our emotions.

But the personal benefits don’t end there. This one hour each week can change your life in positive ways every time.

More Benefits of Solitude

Hans Margolius once said this: “Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.”

This quiet reflection is not just about seeing ourselves more clearly; it’s about understanding our place in the world and our path forward.

Solitude offers a unique space where the influence and expectations of others are momentarily lifted from our shoulders. In this sacred hour, the voices that guide us are silenced, save for one: our own. It’s here that we can truly hear our heart’s voice. This voice, often drowned out by the demands and noise of everyday life, can offer insights into our deepest desires, fears, and joys.

Solitude brings with it a sense of rest and refreshment that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s a pause in our all-too-busy lives, a break in our constant doing, allowing us to simply be. This rest is not just physical but deeply mental, emotional, and spiritual. It rejuvenates the soul and recharges the spirit, preparing us for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Interestingly, one of the most liberating aspects of solitude is the realization that others can indeed live without us, at least for a while. This realization can be both humbling and freeing, reminding us that the world does not rest on our shoulders. We learn to let go of the need to control, manage, and be involved in everything around us. It teaches us to trust others.

Solitude also provides a valuable perspective on our past and opportunity to chart our future. With the distractions of daily life set aside, we can reflect more deeply on our experiences, learning from our mistakes and celebrating our victories.

Lastly, I have found the practice of solitude equips us with greater patience for others. When we understand ourselves better and feel more at peace with who we are, we naturally extend this grace to those around us. Our interactions become kinder, more empathetic, and more meaningful. We learn to listen and not just to respond but to understand, recognizing the value of different perspectives and the beauty of human connection.

In essence, the practice of solitude is a powerful antidote to the frenetic pace of modern life. It offers a sanctuary for the soul, a place where we can find clarity, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. By embracing this practice, we open ourselves to a world of self-discovery and transformation, becoming better versions of ourselves for our own sake and for the sake of those around us.

Implementing the Practice of Solitude

Incorporating solitude into your life requires intentionality and patience. Here are some steps to help you begin:

1. Be intentional

Schedule a specific time for solitude, just as you would for any other important activity. This helps ensure that you won’t be easily distracted or tempted to skip it.

2. Start small

If an hour seems daunting, begin with 15 to 20 minutes and gradually increase the time, perhaps adding 5 to 10 minutes every week. This can make the practice more manageable and less intimidating.

3. Find a calm location

Your surroundings will make a big difference. Avoid “fast-paced” locations such as offices, kitchens, or any place that reminds you of work. Also keep in mind that you’ll find solitude more fulfilling if your space is uncluttered.

4. No agenda

Resist the urge to bring books, music, or any other form of entertainment or distraction into your solitude. The goal is to be alone with your thoughts.

5. Expect restlessness

It’s normal for your mind to race with thoughts initially. With time, you’ll find that your thoughts begin to slow down, allowing deeper reflection. As a matter of fact, you’ll notice that after every 15-minute increment your mind will slow down a bit more.

6. If it helps, keep a notepad nearby

Having a piece of paper and a pen handy can be useful for jotting down pressing to-do items that come to mind. Often, just writing down the task on a sheet of paper allows your mind to release it.

7. Embrace whatever comes

There are no right or wrong thoughts during solitude. As a matter of fact, if certain thoughts keep popping up over and over again, it might be a sign this is a thought worth exploring further.

8. Don’t quit just because you don’t like what you find

The journey into our heart is not always a pretty one. Sometimes when we start pulling back the layers of our heart and realize our deepest motivations, we don’t like what we see. This can be difficult for some and cause even more to stop altogether. But don’t. A richer, fuller life is just around the corner.

9. Practice makes perfect

Like any skill, solitude gets easier with practice. Don’t be discouraged by initial discomfort, perceived lack of productivity, or even having to give up early as you first begin.

Reflecting on my own journey, I can say that the periods in my life of greatest personal growth have coincided with regular practice of solitude. Conversely, the times of confusion and lack of direction often align with neglecting this discipline. It’s a stark reminder to me of the transformative power of simply sitting alone with one’s thoughts. And why it is a discipline and practice I continue to promote even 30 years after having it assigned to me.

If you try it, you will discover just as I did: It is one hour, each week, that will change your life for the better every time.

***

On March 01, we released Issue #028 of Simplify Magazine. The theme of this issue is Mental Health—an incredibly important topic for everyone. The issue includes nine in-depth articles from experts in the field.

Simplify Magazine is one of the most important things I do. You can join 250,000 subscribers of the digital magazine by purchasing a lifetime subscription (nothing more to pay, ever) for $20 (USD).

The post The One Hour Each Week That Will Change Your Life for the Better—Every Time appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

The Seven Laws of Success

“Success” is an interesting word. It’s defined by the Cambridge Dictionary as, “The achieving of the results wanted or hoped for.

Different people will define the word in different ways. Some will define success in financial terms, or career goals, or reaching an endpoint that they chose for themselves long ago.

But in most scenarios, success is arrived at when the goal is achieved. Notice how that is even built into the definition above: the achieving of the results wanted.

I can understand that line of reasoning. Success is when we actually achieve something that we set out to accomplish, right?

Maybe. But when that becomes the only definition of the word, I wonder if we miss out on its truest beauty.

Can’t success be found in simply the diligent pursuit of proper results? If we live our lives in such a way that we can look back at the end and be proud of the decisions we made, isn’t that success? Even if the results weren’t all that we wanted or hoped for?

Some might say, “No, if you didn’t achieve the results, you didn’t succeed.” But I want to define success differently in my life. Because the truth is, no matter how hard I try, I can’t control every outcome (just ask any parent).

Success, in my opinion, is controlling what I can (my actions) and dedicating my life to the right things. If I can do that, I’ll be pleased with how I chose to live. And I will consider my life a success—regardless of the results.

With that as the goal, I’d like to offer My 7 Laws of Success:

1. Choosing Our Own Values

It is easy to drift through life swayed by culture and trends and fads. Of course, taking control of our passions and pursuits is difficult. It requires introspection, silencing the noise, and a deep understanding of the world and life itself—maybe that’s why there are so many different assumptions on the meaning of life.

Regardless of what values you choose for yourself, the first essential law of living a successful life is making the effort to define your own personal values and how you want to define your life.

2. Aligning Resources with Those Values

Francis Chan said it this way, “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.”

To live a successful life, it is not enough to merely identify our greatest values. A successful life is also one that aligns our finite resources (time, energy, money) around those values. That is why I am so passionate about minimalism—the lifestyle helps us accomplish this very law.

3. Not Measuring Life With Someone Else’s Ruler

Nobody is going to live your life. And you will never live somebody else’s. Success, therefore, cannot be measured by comparing ourselves with anyone else.

We all have unique talents, skills, and experiences. We have different starting points. Even the amount of time each of us has on earth varies. It is wonderful to find inspiration in the accomplishments of others, but we should never ever use comparison to define success.

4. Committing to Continuous Growth

I’m coming up on age 50 (although I’ve still got quite a few months before I get there in December). But I’m already wondering what to write about when that day comes. I do know that if I choose to look back that day and list out the things I wish I’d done differently, “Committing earlier to personal development and growth” would be on the list.

Our lives will never reach their fullest potential until we understand and decide that we can always become better versions of ourselves. There is wisdom to be gained all around us. And becoming the best versions of ourselves will always allow us to positively impact more people.

5. Controlling Your Attention

The most important skill for the 21st Century is learning to control your own attention. With so many distractions around us constantly (if we allow them to be), learning how to keep our attention focused on things that matter is a worthy cause. Without it, we waste too much potential.

6. Living for Others

Regardless of your worldview or background, the data on this point is simply too great to ignore. People who choose to live selfless lives for the sake of others reach the end of it reporting higher levels of happiness, satisfaction, and well-being. This has been shown true over and over again. So much so, that living for others must be recognized as one of the key laws for success.

7. Doing the Next Right Thing the Best Way We Know How

In his autobiography, Theodore Roosevelt quotes Squire Bill Widener as saying, “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” And this to me sounds like success.

The wonderful thing is that this law of success is available to anybody at any time. Regardless of where we are in life in terms of experience or education and regardless of the circumstances surrounding us or the resources available to us, we can all do the next right thing the best way we know how. Choosing that option repeatedly, over and over again, is the perfect formula for success.

Success is something that we should all pursue. It’s just not wise to measure in the same terms that the masses seem to.

Success should never be measured by the yardstick of society’s expectations. It must be measured by the values we hold and and the level of pursuit we devote to things that matters.

Let’s choose a path of intentionality where we reach the end proud of the decisions we’ve made and with fewer regrets. If we only get one life to live, we might as well make it as successful as possible.

The post The Seven Laws of Success appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

Minimalism is a lifestyle choice that reaps countless benefits.

Choosing to live a minimalist life isn’t just about decluttering your space—it’s about reclaiming your time, money, and energy for things that truly matter. 

Unfortunately, the path to simplicity is against the current of culture. For that reason, it’s important for all of us to surround ourselves with messages and stories that remind us of the benefits of owning less.

With that in mind, I’ve curated a collection of articles that I believe will inspire and encourage you on your journey to a simpler, more intentional life. Settle down in a quiet moment this weekend and enjoy these reads.

Seven Signs Minimalism is for You | No Sidebar by Julia Ubbenga. While minimalism looks different for everyone, studies show the universal benefits of living with less stuff can include: spiritual and personal growth, reduced stress, and improved financial health.

Overwhelmed? Just Say ‘No.’ | The Atlantic by Arthur Brooks. The strategic use of no can truly change your quality of life. *This article may require a subscription.

Re-writing the Myth that More is Better | The Tiny House of Happiness by Daniel Torrance. Re-writing the story that more is better might be one of the most powerful steps we can take to increase our happiness and well-being over time.

Sports Gambling is a Gateway Drug | Business Insider by Emily Stewart. The more people gamble — and the more culturally acceptable gambling becomes — the more possibility gambling addiction becomes a bigger issue.

3 Mindset Blocks That Are Keeping You in the Clutter | The Fun Sized Life by Renee Benes. Whether we realize it or not a lot of us are walking around with beliefs that are keeping us stuck in clutter.

Declutter Your Way to Cash: 15 Tips for Selling Your Stuff | Simple Money by Richard James. Look around. All that clutter used to be money. All that money used to be time.

Recently Released Inspiring Videos

The Case Against Extravagant Weddings | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Wedding spending has gotten out of control. If you feel like you’re spending too much on you wedding, and want to know how to have a more simple and elegant wedding, here are some reasons why and some tips to encourage you.

How You Spend Your Morning Matters | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Figuring out how to have a productive morning routine doesn’t have have to be over complicated. Here are my best tips for starting your morning off on the right foot.

Other Resources

The Flyover. The Flyover is a free daily email that summarizes quickly the top news events of the day. If you’re looking for a great place to stay informed about the most important and interesting stories of the day, I recommend it. It’s free and you can sign up here.

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9 Things to Reduce in Your Home to Save You Time

According to a recent study, 60% of adults don’t believe there are enough hours in the day to get everything done.

That’s a lot of people.

There are likely two causes for this statistic: 1) We’re trying to do much or 2) Our tasks are taking more time than we think they should.

I suppose there is a third: There aren’t actually enough hours in the day… but that amount hasn’t changed for quite a few years so that’s probably not it.

There’s no doubt in my mind that some people simply try to do or want to do too much. And there’s also no doubt in my mind that some stages of life require more of us than others (a new parent for example).

But there are also times when it just feels like life should be running a bit more efficient than it does. We sense, at the end of the day, that we should have been able to accomplish more than we did. And that reality can feel like “not enough hours in the day.”

Sometimes this is a result of wasting too much time on things that don’t matter. And that is a conversation—but I’ll save it for another day.

Today, I want to offer you a new and helpful idea. Sometimes the very things we accumulate because we think they will help us save time, don’t. Even worse, they begin to steal more and more of our time.

Consider, for example, the possessions we buy and store in our homes. Rarely do we buy an item because we want extra burden. We buy things and keep things because we think our lives will run more efficiently if we have more.

But an over accumulation of physical items in our homes robs us of time. Very subtly, they detract from our goals and purpose. They ultimately add burden and stress. And the more we own, often times, the less time we have available to us.

Here are 9 Things to Reduce in Your Home to Save You Time

1. Clothes

Among the most immediately life-changing areas to declutter in your home is your wardrobe. Owning fewer clothes will change your life overnight. Fewer clothes mean fewer decisions each morning, an easier laundry cycle, and less time spent shopping. If there’s any doubt in your mind that owning less will save you time, start here.

2. Kitchenware

It’s so interesting how many kitchen gadgets and supplies we buy to increase our efficiency that just end up collecting dust and cluttering up our workspaces. Reducing the number of seldom-used kitchen gadgets can streamline meal preparation and cleanup, making the kitchen a more functional space for cooking. This can also be applied to Tupperware, dishware, and even your pantry.

3. Toys

Toys are important, you should have some for your kids. But you should also know that research suggests that children benefit from deeper, more imaginative play when they have fewer toys. This not only nurtures their creativity but also means less time spent tidying up at the end of the day—and the less you own, the easier it becomes for your kids to help with it.

4. Decorations

I hope you can see from this list so far, I’m not talking about owning nothing in our homes. I’m suggesting a few areas where if we chose to own less, we could save more time. With that in mind, I want to include decorations on this list. Keep your most meaningful and inspiring, of course. But keeping fewer decorations in your home translates to less time dusting and rearranging, offering more moments to enjoy the most beautiful and significant of our decorations.

5. Self-Care Supplies

A curated selection of self-care items that truly make us feel our best is far more valuable than a cabinet overflowing with half-used products. This focus not only declutters our space but also our routines, allowing us to savor our self-care practices fully. Spend more time caring for yourself and less time trying to decide how.

6. Furniture

When we select furniture for our homes, each piece should have a purpose and a place. Over-furnishing can lead to crowded spaces, which in turn take longer to clean and maintain. Streamlining furniture allows for a more spacious environment, easier cleaning, and less physical and visual clutter. This creates a calm and welcoming space, giving us more time to relax and less to worry about.

7. Cleaning Supplies

Often, we accumulate a wide array of cleaning products, each promising to tackle specific tasks around our homes. Rather than making the cleaning process easier, it makes it more burdensome and time-consuming. We’ve found in our home that just a few multi-use cleaning products work better than a mountain of things cluttering up our cabinet space. By reducing our cleaning arsenal to a few effective, multipurpose products, we can simplify our cleaning routine, free up storage space, and reduce the time spent on selecting the right tool for each job.

8. Garage Clutter

A garage should be a functional space, one that supports our daily routines rather than hinders them. Take special note over the next couple days if the items you’ve collected in your garage slow the efficiency of the space—harder to park, tougher to walk around, makes finding things you need more difficult. If so, you might be surprised how much time you can save in your day by cleaning it up a bit.

9. Televisions/Digital Screens

The average American over the age of 15 watches three hours of television per day. There’s nothing wrong with taking some time each day for rest and relaxation. But that doesn’t have to be in front of a television (or screen of any kind). If you want more time in your day, here’s one of the best ways to find it: Watch less television.

If you are among the 60% of people who wish there was more time in the day, I’ve got a solution for you: Own less.

So much of what we desire to be true of our lives can be found on the other side of owning less:

Less debt, more living.
Less cleaning, more time.
Less clutter, more purpose.
Less busy, more calm.
Less stress, more freedom.

And yes, more hours in the day. Or, at least, that’s what it will feel like.

The post 9 Things to Reduce in Your Home to Save You Time appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

9 Myths About Clutter You Need to Let Go

Imagine a life where every corner of your home is clutterfree. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?

It’s a common goal, but far from reality for many.

That being said, very few people want to live life surrounded by clutter, yet so many of us do—drowning in things we don’t need. Things that, instead of helping us fulfill our purpose, add stress to our daily lives and keep us from it.

How did we end up here?

It’s important to realize that this happens not just because of the constant barrage of advertisements, the endless clamor of marketers, or even the pressure from society to own more (although those are partial causes).

The root of the problem often lies in the myths we hold about the things we own and what our possessions represent.

To help, let’s break down nine common myths about clutter you need to let go of.

Understanding why these beliefs aren’t true or helpful can help us live more purposefully and in a clutterfree home.

Myth #1: I’m Just a Messy Person

This myth makes us think that being messy is just who we are and that we can never change that. It’s an excuse not to try.

But here’s the thing: being organized is a skill you can learn. Your predisposition doesn’t have to be your future.

By changing how we think and taking small steps, we can all create new habits. And our habits either serve us or hamper us. They can always be changed.

And everybody can find a pathway to owning less.

Myth #2: I Need All My Stuff

This myth comes from one of two places: 1) a scarcity mindset believing you’ll never have enough or 2) misconceptions about how much we actually need. Regardless, the myth results in us holding onto everything as if it were all super important.

But feeling secure comes not from possessions, but from living your life to the best of your ability. When we learn to tell the difference, we can keep our homes filled with only the items that help us pursue our passions. And we become freed to look for security elsewhere.

Myth #3: All These Things Make My Life Better

Perhaps the most common myth of them all… buying more stuff will make me happier.

New possessions bring a short-term burst of joy, but that quickly fades as we settle back to our baseline feelings of happiness. Even worse, having too much stuff makes our homes confusing and messy (the very opposite of happiness).

A home with less clutter actually does help us feel better and helps us focus on what’s important—showing us that owning less is the better way to live.

Myth #4: My Stuff Isn’t Hurting Anyone

If myth #3 helps us understand why we accumulate so much, myth #4 defines why we keep it.

We often think to ourselves, “Sure, maybe my new purchase didn’t bring long-term happiness and now just sits on a shelf in the basement, but what’s the harm with that?”

This belief ignores how clutter directly affects us. Every physical possession we own takes up physical space in our home and mental space in our mind. It is not a net neutral on our lives, it is a net negative.

By noticing how clutter affects us and our home in negative ways, we motivate ourselves to take steps to make our homes a more peaceful and purposeful place.

Myth #5: I’ll Use It Someday

This myth keeps us holding onto things for a “someday” that never comes.

To help overcome this stubborn myth, consider this: If we haven’t used something for a long time, it’s probably not as important as we think. And even if we do end up needing it, there’s almost always another solution available to us.

Also, remember from the myth above. Holding onto things in cases we need them isn’t a positive. Clutter negatively affects us. Letting go helps us live more free and intentional lives, surrounded by things that actually bring benefit to our lives.

Myth #6: It Was a Gift, So I Have to Keep It

Gifts can make us feel guilty, like we have to keep them forever. But the real point of a gift is the thought behind it, not the thing itself. Almost nobody wants to burden you with a gift, they want to bless you. And if their gift isn’t bringing you joy, they don’t want you to keep it.

I should mention, unfortunately, there are some people who are unhealthy gift givers and do add expectations to the things they give you. But an item given with expectations attached isn’t a gift, it’s a bribe.

Myth #7: I Don’t Have Time to Declutter

Many of us think decluttering takes too much time. And depending on your starting point, that might be entirely true.

But decluttering is always something we can do little by little. Of course, as Zoë Kim says, “You can always delcutter just a little bit at a time, but do you really want to be decluttering for the rest of your life.”

The best approach is to rearrange your schedule temporarily to make progress in the most-used areas of your home. The more time you invest decluttering, the more time comes back to you in terms of efficient living. But even those of you with an immovable busy schedule can make some progress.

Myth #8: My Stuff is Part of My Identity

This myth makes us think our things show who we are. We’re known for having the big house, the fancy decorations, or the full closet of designer clothes or luxury handbags.

If you fall prey to this myth, remember, we’re always changing and growing, and our stuff can’t capture all of that. Even more, maybe the person we are becoming is about to be identified not by possessions, but by more meaningful pursuits and passions.

Letting go of things that don’t fit who we are trying to become makes room for new growth and discoveries.

Myth #9: It’s Wasteful to Get Rid of It

Feeling guilty about waste can make us keep things we don’t use. But having clutter isn’t helpful to anyone.

Giving things away, recycling, or selling them lets them be useful elsewhere, which is a much better way to avoid waste. And if we’re holding onto items that quite frankly belong in the landfill, it might be helpful to remember that that item is going to end up there anyway—either now or later.

It’s always important to dive deep into the mindsets and beliefs that have crafted the life we live. This is especially true if we’re surrounded by clutter in our home.

By looking at each of these nine myths closely, we see they don’t really help us live better lives. They don’t serve us. Even worse, they hold us back.

And it’s time to rethink all of them.

The post 9 Myths About Clutter You Need to Let Go appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Choosing Simplicity in a World Obsessed with More

In a world where the culture of selfish hustle is celebrated, and everybody seems to be constantly chasing the next big paycheck or luxury item, I find myself pondering an important question, “What if I just want to live a simple life?”

Surely, I’m not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the relentless push for profit—longing instead for a more selfless, purpose-filled existence.

Every time I open social media, I’m greeted with images of people flaunting their latest high-end purchases or announcing another career milestone or business financial success.

The message seems clear: bigger is always better, and you’re falling behind if you’re not perpetually reaching for more. But what if my desires lean towards less rather than more?

The never-ending race to upgrade everything in our lives—from our homes and gadgets to our job titles—feels utterly exhausting.

With each new version of a smartphone, the previous one becomes outdated. With every large home, there’s a significant mortgage attached.

And with every step up the career ladder, there’s often less time for family, more stress, and a deeper sense of being caught in an unending cycle of pursuit.

Here’s my thought today: I have no interest in competing with other people.

And I don’t want to trade my peace and passion for a lifestyle dictated by this world.

When did life turn into a consumerist rat race anyway? And why is choosing a different path seen as being so unconventional?

There’s something incredibly appealing about the simpler aspects of life, aspects often overlooked in the hustle of modern living.

Imagine waking up to a deliberate morning routine, enjoying a book just for the adventure, or planning your evening around long walks and meaningful conversations with a loved one.

These simple joys—why do we seem so ready to exchange them for merely temporal achievements?

My idea of a fulfilling life isn’t packed with luxury brands, flashy cars, or zeroes at the end of my bank account. Instead, it’s filled with selfless moments that fill my heart and life with purpose and joy.

It’s about connecting deeply, growing in faith, finding peace, and experiencing a genuine joy that transcends circumstances.

I find meaning in simplifying not just my physical space, but my entire life. Because by releasing the grip of society’s expectations, I make room for what genuinely matters.

I dream of days not lost to mindless hustle but cherishing each moment with intention and thoughtfulness. I find great satisfaction in living according to my values, not those dictated by the latest trends or public consensus.

Ambition is not inherently bad, nor is the desire to provide for our families. Just the opposite, they are vitally important. But in the seemingly relentless push for more, let’s not lose sight of the beauty of contentment.

There is unparalleled joy in recognizing and valuing the simplicity of life.

While the world may define success by material achievements, let’s discover a wealth that transcends financial prosperity.

So, as society continues its rapid pace, I choose to slow down. To savor the now. To embrace simplicity. To define success on my own terms.

Ultimately, what I desire is a simple, meaningful life. And I hope, deeply hope, that the world can see this as a deliberate choice, not a concession.

Because the more they do, the more they will choose it as well.

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