Joshua Becker's Blog, page 2

How Minimalism Can Improve Your Mental Health

Mental health is an important topic of conversation these days—and rightly so. Mental health diagnoses in the U.S. increased by nearly 40% between 2019 and 2023.

It’s probably true that more attention to the topic in years past would have helped many. But we can’t change the past—we can only choose how to move forward. And I’m glad to see mental health becoming a greater priority in our lives and conversations.

Because it matters. It affects how we think, how we feel, how we relate to others, and how we live our lives. And for many of us, life can feel like we’re just trying to keep our heads above water—managing stress, overwhelm, discouragement, or burnout.

I’ve written previously about the mental health benefits of minimalism. And I’m certainly not the only one highlighting the connection. Researchers and psychologists are increasingly pointing to the correlation between clutter and anxiety, between too many choices and decision fatigue, between too much stuff and stress.

There are studies showing that clutter increases stress levels.Clutter limits our ability to focus.Clutter affects our sleep.Clutter lowers our mood and raises our cortisol.Clutter can even lead to unhealthy eating, poor habits, and more conflict in the home.

The data is clear: Too many physical possessions in our homes and lives negatively impacts our mental and emotional well-being.

But what’s often missing from the conversation is why. Why does owning fewer possessions lead to a clearer mind? How exactly does minimalism improve our mental health?

I’d like to explain why—and do it in a way especially for anyone who might be skeptical.

Minimalism will improve your mental health. And here’s why:

1. Minimalism helps us feel in control again.

Minimalism allows us to take back control. And I don’t just mean that we take control of our physical surroundings by removing the clutter. Minimalism forces us to live a more intentional life.

It helps us live a life that is not just drifting with the masses, society, or influenced by other voices. Minimalism requires us to take control of our resources, our passions, our attitudes, our worldview, and our choices.

When we start living life intentionally focused on what’s important to us, we find more pride and joy in it.

2. Minimalism helps us focus on what matters most.

When we stop chasing physical possessions, we start asking better questions. Starting with: What do I really value? What do I want my days to be about? What is important to me?

Minimalism forces questions of values upon us. And those questions help us get more clear on what matters and what doesn’t, how we want to live our life and how we don’t.

But even more than that, minimalism removes the distractions so we can begin actually pursuing those values—purpose, contribution, meaning.

And when our lives align with our values, when we start living for something bigger than ourselves, our view of ourselves begins to change too. We begin to see that we’re both capable and actively living lives that matter.

3. Minimalism creates space—both around us and within us.

Minimalism clears clutter and creates space. In our homes and in our minds. And both are important.

Every physical possession carries weight and takes up space—both physical and mental. We can see the physical—every object on a shelf or box in the garage makes our living space smaller.

The mental space our possessions require is harder to see and measure which makes it even more dangerous. Most of us have no idea how great a mental burden our possessions have become until we begin to remove them. Every pile, every mess, every undone task is a subtle reminder of what still needs to be handled and serves as a visual reminder of money and time wasted.

But when we clear the clutter, something shifts. The house feels lighter, and so do we.

4. Minimalism leads to generosity.

One of the most life-changing shifts that happens when we start owning less is this: we find the margin to give more.

We stop thinking about what we lack and start noticing what we have. And when we see our excess more clearly, we naturally want to share it—with people we love, with those in need, with causes that matter.

And here’s what’s beautiful about generosity: it’s not just good for others, it’s good for us. Studies consistently show that generous people experience lower levels of stress, stronger relationships, and more overall life satisfaction. Minimalism opens the door to that kind of life—which is another reason it helps improve our mental health.

5. Minimalism helps us focus on people.

When we’re constantly managing stuff, it’s hard to make room for connection. Our time is spent cleaning, organizing, shopping, and maintaining. Some studies estimate we spend two hours each day managing our possessions.

So when we remove that excess, we make space for people. And relationships are one of the greatest protectors of mental health. In fact, according to the longest running study on human happiness (85 years and counting), “The most consistent finding we’ve learned through 85 years of study is: Positive relationships keep us happier, healthier, and help us live longer.”

We were created for community. Minimalism helps us find it.

6. Minimalism reduces fatigue.

We don’t always notice how much energy our possessions demand from us—until they’re gone.

Every item in our home requires attention. It must be cleaned, maintained, organized, repaired, stored, moved, and eventually removed. And when we’re surrounded by too much, we start to feel it—in our minds and in our bodies.

But minimalism doesn’t just alleviate physical fatigue, it alleviates decision fatigue too.

A simple home leads to a simpler day with fewer unimportant decisions to make—which means we are able to make better decisions on things that matter—and better decisions make for better living.

7. Minimalism quiets comparison.

One of the most damaging habits to our mental health is constant comparison. Social media, advertising, even our neighbors’ driveways can subtly whisper, You’re not measuring up.

But minimalism invites a different message: You already have enough.

When we stop chasing what others have, we begin to see the beauty of our own lives more clearly. Gratitude replaces envy. Peace replaces anxiety. Calm replaces turmoil.

And we begin to feel comfortable in our own skin again.

The mental health benefits of minimalism are real—and they’re available to all of us. The most beautiful thing about the list of mental health benefits above is that any of us can begin to experience them right away.

Not because life becomes perfect. But because minimalism prepares for them.

Minimalism won’t solve every problem, but it will give us the space to breathe, the clarity to focus, and the freedom to build something better.

One step at a time. One drawer, one room at a time. One day at a time.

The post How Minimalism Can Improve Your Mental Health appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

10 Ways We Accidentally Teach Our Kids to Value Stuff Over People

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a list ranking the top values that parents want to pass on to their kids. But I imagine most people would have many of the same values near the top: honesty, character, work ethic. A high percentage would also include their faith.

Though I’ve never seen an official list, there is no doubt in my mind “loving others” would rank near the top for nearly every parent. As would words like kindness, generosity, and compassion. We want our kids to prioritize people—especially over possessions.

But I wonder how well we as a society are accomplishing that. Often times, despite our internal desires, our individual actions tell a different story—and our kids notice. In many of our homes, we put more focus on the pursuit of material acquisition than we put on healthy and meaningful relationships. Without even realizing it, we subtly teach our kids to value stuff over people.

Here are 10 ways this can accidentally happen if we’re not careful:

1. We buy more than we need.

Let’s be clear, kids notice when our closets overflow, our garages are too full to park in, and packages regularly show up at the front door. When constant accumulation becomes normal, our children start to believe happiness is found in possessions—because that is the exact message we communicate.

It’s difficult to hear this, but there are not healthy motivations compelling us to acquire more and more. And whatever is motivating us to buy more than we need is a motivation our kids are learning.

2. We fill our homes with talk about shopping.

I don’t know what the most common three-word phrase is in a typical American household. Is it “I love you”? Or is it “I want that,” “It’s on sale,” or “Let’s go shopping”?

When most of our conversations revolve around what we want to buy or get delivered by tomorrow, that way of living becomes normal for our children. Our focus on it sets the expectation that fulfillment is something to be found in the next purchase. Over time, they learn to place their hopes in what’s for sale—rather than in people, growth, or experiences.

3. We hold onto basements full of stuff instead of sharing.

The typical family home in America is filled with countless possessions and items that are no longer being used. As a matter of fact, according to some surveys, nearly 40% of Americans can’t even park in their garage.

It might be normal to have a house full of excess, but this sends a powerful message to our kids—especially when so many others go without.

When we keep closets, attics, and basements filled with things we no longer need, we’re not just making our homes harder to manage. We’re also sending a subtle message to our children that what’s ours is ours, even if someone else could use it more.

Our kids notice when we cling to what could be shared. On the other hand, when we model generosity—when we choose to give rather than keep—they notice that too.

4. We work for money, but don’t show how money can work for others.

Gloria Steinem once said, “It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than watch it accumulate.” Some might argue, “But I’m accumulating money so that I can give it away.” Unfortunately, that time rarely comes. Instead, the more money we acquire, the more we think we need (or just plain want).

There is nothing wrong with working hard to provide and earn a living for our family. But when the goal of our life becomes only accumulating as much money for ourselves as we can get, how can we expect our kids to live any differently? Instead, we would be wise to ask ourselves regularly if having a lot of money is really something to be proud of anyway.

5. We define success in terms of money and possessions.

If our kids constantly hear us discussing success in material ways—celebrating raises, financial milestones, and material achievements more than kindness, generosity, or integrity, they’ll quickly learn to chase the same things. We need to remind ourselves—and them—that real success isn’t measured by possessions, but by how we treat others and use our gifts to impact the world.

6. We envy those who have more.

Our kids pick up quickly on our attitudes toward others. When we admire or envy neighbors, friends, family members, colleagues (or even celebrities) solely for their wealth or possessions, we subtly communicate that having more stuff is what makes someone admirable.

That is why it is so important we learn to define success differently and choose mentors worth imitating—both for ourselves and our kids. Let’s go out of our way to celebrate the attributes in others we most want to see in our children.

7. We only use gifts and rewards to communicate love.

If every achievement or special moment is celebrated with a new toy, gadget, or thing, we’re teaching our kids to associate love and approval with the acquisition of material possessions. I’m not against giving gifts to express respect, love, and admiration. But it would be wise for all of us to rethink the wisdom of buying things we don’t need as an expression of love. Surely there are better ways to do that.

8. We frequently use shopping as family entertainment.

If our outings and weekends frequently involve trips to malls or stores “just to look around,” our kids learn to equate fun with consumption.

But when we choose activities that focus on relationships, adventure, or creativity instead, we begin to model for our kids that there are more meaningful forms of entertainment than shopping. This is something to keep in mind as much on a lazy Saturday afternoon as it is on a summer trip.

9. We prioritize a home filled with nice things rather than warmth and connection.

One of the most welcoming and loving homes I ever spent an evening in had a dirt floor. And I have experienced hospitality in lavish homes as well. No doubt, I have felt warmth and connection in homes of all types.

A perfect home is never counted in square footage or the cost of furnishings. And physical possessions should never take priority in our homes over the people who live there or visit.

10. We stress constantly about money, instead of modeling peace through simplicity.

According to surveys, 72% of Americans report feeling stressed about money. Now, I understand there are many people with legitimate financial hardships—but it certainly isn’t 72% of us. Something else is causing that stress. In most cases, it’s the endless desire for more.

Often, our financial anxiety doesn’t stem from an inability to provide what we need for our families, but rather from living and desiring a lifestyle of excess. We fall behind or worry that we’re not keeping up because we’re comparing ourselves to others or feel pressured by society’s standards of success. Choosing a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle can relieve much of that stress. It shifts our focus from always wanting more to being content with what we have—allowing us to teach our children financial peace and intentionality by our example.

Every parent knows that when it comes to the values we model for our children, actions will always speak louder than words. It is one thing to tell them people matter more than possessions; it’s another to consistently live that truth every day. But the better we get at it, the better they will live it.

Now, some might ask, “Can’t I choose both people and stuff? Why does it have to be one or the other?”

It’s a fair question. But here’s the truth worth remembering: the more we fill our lives with unnecessary possessions, the less room we have for more important pursuits—like investing in relationships with other people. Every dollar, every hour, every bit of emotional energy spent pursuing and managing stuff is a resource that could have been used for relationships, generosity, kindness, compassion, and investing in others. In many cases, it is either/or (which is the reason for minimalism in the first place).

When we choose to intentionally own less, we remove distraction and free ourselves to live aligned with our deepest values. And that, ultimately, is the legacy we want to leave our children.

The post 10 Ways We Accidentally Teach Our Kids to Value Stuff Over People appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Life is a Thinking Game

We don’t drift into the life we want. We get there by living with focus—every day.

My son and I have been following the NBA playoffs closely this year. Growing up in South Dakota, I’ve been a lifelong Timberwolves fan. My son grew up in New England and cheers for the Celtics. Because they both had good teams this year and made a deep run into the playoffs, we’ve enjoyed keeping up with the scores and watching the games together.

I played basketball in high school and continue to play in a league even today. It’s an Over-40 Rec League at the local gym, but still…

In basketball, there’s a phrase that gets used quite a bit: Regress to the mean.

The phrase actually comes from statistical analysis and means this: “The phenomenon where if one sample of a random variable is extreme, the next sampling of the same variable is likely to be closer to its average.”

In the game of basketball, it looks like this: Let’s say a player, over the course of a season, makes 50% of their shots. If they begin a game making their first nine shots in a row, it doesn’t mean they’re going to make their next nine shots. In fact, it’s more likely they’ll soon hit a cold streak and “regress to the mean.” Most likely, by the end of the game (or series), their shooting percent will be close to their average of 50%.

In some ways, I think this is a helpful way to view life.

Because what I’ve noticed, the older I get, is that there seems to be a constant pressure on our lives to regress to the mean of the society around us. By that I mean, there’s a continual pull to return to the average lifestyle of the people around us. And only when we purposefully live intentional lives are we able to resist that pull and overcome it.

There’s a funny saying I once heard about exercise: “Finally hit my fitness goals! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go to the gym again every day for the rest of my life to make sure I don’t lose it all by tomorrow.”

If you’ve ever tried to maintain a healthy body, you know this is an absolutely true statement.

Getting in shape isn’t something that just happens once and then it’s over. It requires intention every day. If not, we slowly regress to the cultural norm of sedentary living.

Of course, we can see this principle in other areas of life too:

Eating healthyLearning and growingStaying out of debtLiving a minimalist lifeGenerosity and service to othersKindness and compassionMaintaining healthy relationshipsSpiritual growthGratitudeSelf-discipline

And the list could go on. If we don’t constantly lift up these attributes, it becomes easy to neglect them.

In fact, almost all of the positive traits we hope to embody in life require constant attention and focus. They don’t just happen by accident. Left unattended, healthy habits drift—because everything in life tends toward disorder, not order.

This is why we sometimes feel surprised when good habits slip—even after weeks or months of consistency. It’s not a failure, it’s the nature of life. The pull toward distraction, comfort, and conformity is strong and baked-in to the human existence. But being aware of that pull helps us resist it. Knowing it’s coming is half the battle.

Life is a thinking game. And intentionality is required—not just for a season—but for a lifetime.

I suppose there are some who might hear this and think, “Well then, what’s the point of trying to live an intentional life if I have to work at it forever?”

But I think there are at least two reasons:

1. It does get easier.

A basketball player who shoots 33% for most of their life can increase their average to 50% through practice and discipline. Of course, regression to the mean means that player won’t shoot 9-for-9 every night. But it does mean, their baseline standard of life, even after regression is at a higher point than before they started.

The same is true for us. The more consistently we show up in the areas that matter, the more they become second nature. The effort required might not disappear, but it does lessen. And our foundation becomes stronger and more resilient over time.

2. Our lives are valuable.

Each of our lives holds incredible worth, and there are people in the world who need us to live our best life. We need us to live our best life. And so do our families, our communities, and the causes we care about.

There are people you can love better than anyone else. There are problems in the world that you are uniquely equipped to solve. Getting to the end of our lives with the fewest regrets—and the highest level of pride—is often contingent on whether we chose to show up and be intentional each day.

Life is a thinking game. Positive habits require consistent attention and focus.

But they are always worth it.

The post Life is a Thinking Game appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

10 Minimalist Challenges to Help Simplify Your Life

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” —Hans Hofmann

Minimalism is a lifestyle that holds benefit for everyone. Owning fewer possessions means we have more time, money, and energy for meaningful pursuits rather than merely material ones.

That being said, not everyone is ready to adopt minimalism fully as a lifestyle—but they can still benefit from some of the ideas.

Of course, either way, it is hard to deny the pressure of a culture that constantly tells us that more is better. Advertisements flood our screens and streets urging us to buy more, own more, and strive endlessly to accumulate.

This relentless messaging and behavior it compels leaves us overwhelmed—surrounded by clutter, drained of energy, and depleted of our most precious resource: time.

That is why minimalism continues to grow.

Deep inside, we know physical possessions won’t bring us the lasting joy or fulfillment we desire or that they promise. Real happiness never arrives with an “Order Delivered” notification.

Joy, happiness, and contentment must be found somewhere else.

I hope this message is resonating as true. Choosing simplicity sparks intentionality and frees us to focus our lives better on aligning more with our deepest values and goals.

But, if you’re not ready to jump in all at once, let me offer you a few minimalist challenges to test it out. Each may be used on a minimalist’s journey to owning less. But just taken one at a time, they don’t seem as difficult.

Here are ten minimalist challenges you can try. Any of the ten will begin to simplify your life in important ways:

1. Go One Month Without Buying Anything (Except Food and Consumables)

Challenge yourself to a month-long spending freeze. Don’t overthink it as impossible. People do it all the time. It might be helpful to know that you can still buy groceries, toiletries, gas for the car, and cleaning supplies (consumables)—just commit to buying no non-consumable items for one month.

You’ll save more money than you think (just imagine your next credit card statement showing up with an almost zero balance). Even better, this intentional shopping freeze will help you appreciate what you already have and offer new insights into your spending triggers. Win-win.

2. Reduce Your Wardrobe by 25%

Generally speaking, we wear just 20% of our clothing 80% of the time. Reduce your wardrobe by a quarter, keeping only the clothes you love and regularly use. I almost guarantee you can get there by just getting rid of clothes you never wear anymore anyway.

After the change, your closet will be less crowded, mornings will be less stressful, and you’ll discover the joy of wearing your favorite items guilt-free. If you want to change your life overnight, try this challenge and declutter 25% of your clothes.

3. Declutter the Decorations on One Shelf or Wall Unit

First, take a thoughtful, focused walk through your home looking at the different surfaces. Then, choose just one shelf (or entire wall unit if you’re ambitious) and remove all the decorations without genuine meaning or sentimental value. Afterward, notice how your home better reflects your personality and tells your story in a more intentional way. (It’ll also be easier to dust.)

4. Clear Off One Surface in Your Bedroom

Select a surface in your bedroom—perhaps your nightstand, dresser, or desk—and clear it completely. Keep this surface consistently clutter-free for a period of time. See how much the feeling of your room changes with just one clean and clear surface in the space. If you love it, go for two surfaces.

5. Set Up a Toy Rotation for Your Kids

Limit the number of toys your children have access to at any given time by setting up a toy rotation. I offer the toy rotation idea because it won’t require actually discarding any toys which will be easier for everyone. Decide to store away a number of toys, letting your kids know you’ll change them out soon enough.

After they get used to the change, see how they interact. Fewer toys out at once means less clutter, easier cleanup, and it encourages your kids to engage their imaginations and creativity more fully.

6. Box Up One Small (or Medium) Box of Kitchen Utensils

It’s more burdensome to cook in a cluttered kitchen than we realize. A decluttered, tidy kitchen makes cooking more enjoyable and we tend to eat healthier too. This challenge will help you test that out. Box up one box of kitchen gadgets that are rarely used or cluttering your drawers—then, store it out of sight.

My guess is you’ll quickly appreciate how a simpler kitchen is easier to clean AND makes cooking more enjoyable.

7. Donate Two Boxes of Unused Items to a Local Thrift Store

Identify two boxes’ worth of possessions you no longer use or need. Donating them not only frees up physical space but also fosters gratitude and generosity. See how it makes you feel to donate your excess to those in need. I think you’ll love it.

8. Clean Your Kitchen Every Night for One Week

End each day by tidying and cleaning your kitchen. Waking up to a clean kitchen will impact your morning more than you realize. This challenge is easier if you’ve done some decluttering in the kitchen (cleaning becomes easier everywhere decluttering happens), but the one week challenge can be tried at any time.

9. Review Your Credit Card Statement Line-by-Line

Carefully examine each item on your next credit card bill. Don’t just glance at the bottom or scan through the list, but look at every charge and give specific thought to each purchase. Can you even remember most of the stuff you bought last month without having to look it up? Do some math in your head (or on paper) and figure how much less money could have been spent with a more minimalist approach to spending.

This challenge reveals how much money we waste. But more than that, it will help you understand your spending habits and immediately fosters healthier financial decisions moving forward.

10. Set a Daily Digital Curfew

Challenge yourself to turn off screens after a certain hour—perhaps 8pm—for one entire week. Reclaim your evenings. If you hate it, you can always change back. But if the curfew helps you sleep better, or provides opportunity for deeper connection with family members and/or personal reflection, maybe you won’t.

Simplifying life doesn’t always require drastic transformations. Start small with just one of these challenges. See if it helps. If it does, try another. You don’t have to become a minimalist to test out any of them.

The post 10 Minimalist Challenges to Help Simplify Your Life appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Messes Must Be Cleaned Up

One of the laws of physics I learned in high school was the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

Officially, it says, “The level of disorder in the universe is steadily increasing. Systems tend to move from ordered behavior to more random behavior.“

In simpler terms, it says this: Left on their own, systems tend toward disorder.

That’s why a cup of coffee left on the counter cools over time, not the other way around. It’s why sandcastles crumble, buildings decay, and 52 playing cards thrown on the floor don’t become a stacked deck on their own. Everything, in the absence of outside energy, moves from order to chaos.

This law is always at work—in nature, in science—and in our homes and lives.

I was thinking about this fact recently as I finished writing the manuscript of my next book. The words were typed on my computer, of course. But over the months of researching and writing, I collected a large number of notes and pieces of paper—loose sheets of handwritten outlines, printed pages to edit, notecards, lists, folders of relevant projects, even a stack of books I referenced often. Over time, I placed more and more of them on a shelf near my desk.

As the writing continued, the pile slowly grew. One stack turned into two, and two stacks turned into three. Piles of notecards got higher and higher. Papers intermingled. Things got buried. The mess expanded, more and more, until eventually the entire shelf was overtaken with notes for the book.

The mess didn’t improve with time—it only worsened. The system tended toward disorder, not order. And it stayed that way, until just last week, when the book was completed and I finally took the time and effort to clean it up fully.

Because here’s the thing about messes: They don’t clean themselves. They require attention.

When my kids were younger, Kim and I had a mantra that we would use often. Especially after meals or light snacks in the evening, if someone left their plate on the counter near the sink, I’d say, “You know that plate’s not going to clean itself. Somebody in this family is going to have to do it. It might as well be you since you’re the one who dirtied it.”

I wish I could say the mantra was 100% effective—but we all know better than that.

Regardless, there is an important truth hidden in that reality that we would be wise to remind ourselves of—even beyond our teenage years.

Messes don’t clean themselves. The universe moves naturally toward disorder, not order.

This is important to see and apply accordingly in our homes. Messes only grow as clutter attracts more and more clutter.

The mail you left on the counter will only pile up higher—until you make the effort to sort it.The dishes in your sink will remain dirty—until you make the effort to clean them.The clothes in your closet will take up more and more space—until you make the effort to discard some.The boxes of stuff in your basement will remain there—until you take the time to sort them.The garage will remain too full to park in—until you get out there and declutter the stuff.

And maybe, some of us need to stop reading right here, and go make the change to bring about the order in our home that we’ve been wanting.

But this principle doesn’t stop at our possessions. Messes don’t clean themselves. The universe only moves toward order when energy is applied:

If we’re living paycheck to paycheck, avoiding the numbers won’t change the math. Our attention and energy is required to fix it.

If our lifestyle is unhealthy, doing the same thing over and over won’t bring change. Our attention and energy is required to change it.

If we don’t like the direction of our life, attention and energy will be required to start moving in a different direction.

If there is a strained relationship in our life, ignoring the hard work won’t solve it. Attention, energy—and probably humility—will be required.

We can spend a lot of time waiting for the right moment, the perfect motivation, or the ideal set of circumstances. But messes rarely resolve themselves as we wait. They grow. And the longer we delay, the more energy it takes to clean them up.

So maybe today is a good day to ask: What mess in my life is waiting for my attention?

And what small step can I take before the sun sets to begin cleaning it up?

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The Bigger Your Dream, The Better Version of Yourself You Become

Some people, it seems, merely drift through life. While others appear driven and focused.

Have you ever wondered why that is? Is it personality? Upbringing? Talent? Ambition?

There’s no doubt that those factors play a role in how each of us approach life.

But I think there is something more important, something available to all of us, that also motivates us to live intentional lives—and ultimately become the best version of ourselves.

That potential can be found in the size of the dream we choose to pursue.

You see, when the goals that we choose for ourselves are meaningful—when they matter deeply to our hearts and souls—they compel us and equip us to become better versions of ourselves. Therefore, getting clear on what is most important to us is an important step in self-development.

We can drift through life pursing nothing. We can take small steps to accomplish small goals. Or we can live each day with passion and ambition to accomplish something lasting.

There are two ways big dreams help us grow: 

1. They almost always require our hardest work. And because of that, we are forced to improve and develop ourselves if we are ever going to meet them.

2. But even more important, our dreams and goals motivate us and shape us. When we pursue meaningful pursuits, work is no longer drudgery. Work becomes meaningful. Discipline and sacrifice are not activities to avoid. Our goals make them desirable—because our focus is on a prize worth giving everything for.

In that way, we don’t become better versions of ourselves by accident or because someone required us to do so. That is always a recipe for disaster. We become better because the finish line is worth becoming better for.

Unfortunately, not every dream brings out the best in us.

If the biggest goals in our lives center on items that bring only fleeting or passing or temporary happiness, they may motivate us for a bit. But in the long run, our hearts and souls scream out to us that the pursuit is empty. 

Goals of accumulating money, possessions, or popularity can motivate for awhile. But often, at some point in our lives, we realize that we sold out our greatest potential for the fading trinkets of this world. When we are focused on self, comparison, leisure, or when we allow fear to dictate the size of our dreams, we end up chasing things that can never satisfy. And our development is stunted.

There’s nothing wrong with being successful in a career or becoming the best employee or boss that we can possibly become. But we sell ourselves short when our dreams stop at comfort, status, or luxury.

There are more meaningful dreams available to us:

—Raising a family that can carry your values and legacy into future generations.
—Solving problems that we see in the world.
—Loving the people around us and contributing to society in a positive way.
—Serving others, benefiting others, using our talents and gifts to help others.
—Passing on wisdom and understanding to move people forward. 
—Bringing about the greatest good in the world with the one life that we have to live.

These are the kinds of dreams that change us in the long-run. They shape our mornings, afternoons, and evenings. They shape how we spend our money and our hours. They redefine fulfillment and meaning. And in so doing, they compel us to become better versions of ourselves each day and every day.

So dream bigger dreams for your life than possessions or money or status.

The bigger the dream, the better version of ourselves we become.

And everybody benefits from that.

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Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

Minimalism is a lifestyle choice with countless benefits.

For one thing, choosing to live a minimalist life isn’t just about decluttering your space, it’s about redirecting your time, money, and energy toward 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 with your favorite beverage and enjoy these articles picked to inspire you.

How to Curb Impulse Shopping (or Similar Behaviors) | Zen Habits by Leo Babauta. The root of an impulse habit is that we have some kind of stress, and the habit is a way to soothe it.

8 Things You Will Inevitably Regret Not Letting Go of Sooner in Your Life | Marc & Angel Hack Life by Marc Chernoff. Oftentimes you don’t even realize you’re blocking your own present blessings by holding on to everything so tightly.

10 Everyday Decluttering Tasks to Create a Clutterfree Home | No Sidebar. Most of us don’t want a home that feels chaotic. We want peace. We want calm. We want a space that feels like a refuge—not a source of stress. 

7 Reasons to Stop Wasting Money on Fast Fashion | Simple Money by Joshua Becker. The goal is to live intentionally—with purpose, simplicity, and peace. And that’s something no fast fashion rack will ever offer.

The Return of Dumb Things | Yahoo by Kerry Justich. “I want to feel more connected with the world around me and what media I’m choosing to consume, rather than passively listening, watching and wasting away hours I can’t get back.”

Recently Released Inspiring Videos

25 Obsolete Items you Can Get Rid of Right Now | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Technology changes, lifestyles evolve, and yet, many of us still hold on to items that no longer serve a purpose. Here are 25 things you can declutter right away—because in 2025, you just don’t need them anymore.

It is Better to Donate than Resell | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Over time, our most significant and recurring motivation to declutter came from the realization that our excess could become a blessing to somebody else.

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

The Support You’ve Been Looking For: One-on-One Help to Own Less

For the past 15 years, the driving passion behind this website has been simple: to inspire and help people own less and live more.

I hope, in one way or another, it’s been helpful to you in your pursuit.

At first, this blog was the only resource I offered. I published articles three times per week and made them freely available to anyone who subscribed by email. (You still can, by the way.)

But a website built on one-off articles has its limits. It becomes a stream of consciousness—topics shared in no particular order, simply based on what I was learning, thinking about, or wanting to articulate at the time.

The articles were helpful—and still are—but now, just 30 short of 1,000 posts, they can be difficult to navigate. I started receiving more and more emails asking, “Do you have any articles about _____?” And often, I did—they were just buried in the Archives.

So in 2016, I published The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own. The book laid out a straightforward argument for how owning less helps us pursue bigger and better dreams for our lives.

I hoped it would inspire many people to embrace a new way of living. With over 100,000 copies sold, I’d say that’s a pretty good start.

But as the book and blog gained readers, I began to notice something.

Many people had read about minimalism and wanted the benefits of it—but still struggled to put the principles into practice.

So nine years ago, I launched a solution: The Uncluttered Course.

I created the course to provide everything a book, blog post, or YouTube video cannot: structure, accountability, weekly challenges, a supportive community, and an opportunity to ask questions and feel heard.

The course has changed countless lives. I still receive emails that say, “I took your Uncluttered Course in 20xx and it changed my life.”

And I always respond the same way: “I may have provided inspiration and structure—but you did the hard work.”

A few years ago, in 2023, I sat down with a pen and paper and asked myself a new question: What more could I do to help people own less?

I mapped out the entire journey someone might go through—from first hearing about minimalism, to decluttering their home, to building long-term habits that maintain a clutter-free life, to eventually inviting others into its benefits.

No matter where someone finds themselves on that path, I want to help them take their next step.

That process led me to a realization: As much as I love this blog, the books, and the online course, there are still some people who need something more personal in their journey.

They don’t want to go through the process alone. They don’t want to figure it out online.

They want in-person help. One-on-one. In their actual home.

Sometimes that’s because they feel stuck. Other times it’s because they need personal support. And sometimes, they’re just too busy to do it on their own.

Unfortunately, many professional organizers are focused on organizing what we already own—not helping us remove what we don’t need. It can be hard to explain to someone that the goal isn’t better organization—it’s owning less.

The world needs more Professional Declutterers.

So over the past two years, I’ve been training both professionals and passionate individuals in my approach to decluttering and minimalism.

During our live professional trainings, I work directly with participants—teaching the most effective methods I’ve found to help people own less and live more.

Today, nearly 100 individuals have completed the training. They live all over the world and are equipped to come into your home (or work virtually) to walk with you step-by-step through the process.

If you’re looking for personal support to help you declutter, they are available and ready to serve. Here is a website where you can find their information.

Of course, this is their livelihood. Hiring someone for individualized support will cost more than a book or course designed for a larger audience. But if you’re stuck, the investment is worth it—for your home, your peace, your time, and your life.

*I don’t receive any commission from their work.

Each of these professionals has my full recommendation. I’ve trained them personally. They have proven their understanding of my methods. And I believe they can help you.

If you need the help, reach out. Owning less is worth it.

—

PS: If you’re a professional organizer—or even just someone passionate about helping others own less—I’d love to teach you. I offer this training three times per year. If you’d like more information or want to be notified the next time registration opens, sign up here.

The post The Support You’ve Been Looking For: One-on-One Help to Own Less appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Are the Apps on Your Phone Helping You or Hurting You?

According to some studies, the average person touches their phone 2,617 times every day. And, on average, we now spend an average of 5 hours and 16 minutes per day on our phones.

When I was young, our phones were just a tool for communication with others, but those days are long gone. They are now an almost essential device to get through our days. Even more, when you think about it, they have become the screen and lens through which we experience life. We scroll, text, shop, track, plan, capture, play, and navigate every day—all from a device we carry in our pocket.

With a device that has become so powerful in our lives, it is important that we are intentional in how we structure it and use it. Not just in terms of the amount of time we spend on it (although that is incredibly important), but how we use it. Are we setting up our phones, and the apps we download for it, in a way that improves our life or detracts from it?

Are the apps on your phone helping you live an intentional life focused on the things that matter most—or distracting you from it?

Distraction is everywhere these days. But unlike many of life’s interruptions, the apps on our phone are entirely within our control. Every single one is something we chose to download, chose to keep—and chose where to place on our screen.

Some apps are helpful, no doubt. They serve a clear purpose—whether it’s finding directions, tracking habits, locating information quickly, learning a new skill, focusing on a hobby, improving productivity, capturing family memories, or connecting with others. These tools can absolutely improve our lives and drive an intentional life.

But not all apps serve us.

Some only consume our time and attention. They distract us from people and relationships. They steal our focus and dash our productivity. They compel shopping and poor financial decisions. Some stir up stress in our lives.

There are some apps on our phones that do not motivate us to live our best lives. They offer the illusion of a better life while simultaneously pulling us further from the people and purposes that matter most.

I encourage you to look at the apps on your phone in a new way today. Ask yourself about each one, “Is this app helping me live the life I want and achieve the dream I have for my life?”

Because if it’s not, it’s distracting you from it. And the power to decide how your phone is going to serve you is in our hands today—literally.

How to Use Your Phone More Intentionally

Here are five simple but helpful ways to make sure the apps on your phone are contributing to a more meaningful life rather than keeping you from it:

1. Take Inventory

Begin by taking a look at how much time you spend on each app on your phone. Don’t just guess, but actually look. Here’s where to check on an Apple phone and here’s where to check on an Android phone.

Decide, right then and there, whether each app (starting with the most used) is one that is helping you live a more intentional life or keeping you from it.

2. Remove One App That Doesn’t Align with Your Values

It’s okay to start small. Just choose one app (the higher up your time-used list, the better) that consistently wastes time, distracts you, adds stress, or leads to unhealthy habits.

Just one. Delete it—and pay attention to what happens next in your life. If you like who you are becoming after the change, consider finding another… and then another.

3. Make Your Home Screen an Encouraging Place

Your home screen receives more of your brain’s attention than anywhere on the phone. It is the first thing you see when you turn on your phone and has the potential to immediately encourage intentionality or distraction. Build it strategically. Fill it with the apps that reflect your desires and values: a calendar, a reading app, a journal, a health app, a shortcut to Becoming Minimalist…

And move time-wasting, distracting apps—like social media, games, or shopping platforms—to your second or third screen.

4. Do a Little Research on Apps that Support Your Goals

Just like there are many time-wasting and distraction-filled apps on the market, there are also many, many wonderful apps and tools available for you to use to improve your life. I encourage you to not just delete time-wasting apps and leave a void, but fill your digital space with tools that help you in life.

Whether you’re trying to exercise more, eat better, read more, write better, spend less, save more, focus more, grow in your faith, learn more, expand a hobby, build a habit, or declutter your home—there is likely an app that can help.

Sometimes all it takes is thinking to yourself, “I wonder if there’s an app that will help me….” and then googling to see if any options pop up. If you find one that might help, put it on your home screen (see Step #3) to encourage your progress.

5. Review Your App Choices Regularly

Apps seem to come and go pretty quickly in our affections and in our attentions. Removing one time-wasting app doesn’t mean we don’t default to another. Or trying out a habit-building app this week doesn’t mean we’ll still use it next week.

Set a regular reminder to review your apps. Quarterly, at least. Maybe even more often at first. You can decide—just know creating a phone set-up that serves you isn’t a one-time decision. Take some time to ask questions like: What’s serving you well? What’s becoming a distraction? What’s no longer needed?

There is no doubt our phones are powerful tools in our lives. In fact, most of you are reading this article on a phone right now. Let’s work hard to craft them into tools that help us live better, not more distracted.

The post Are the Apps on Your Phone Helping You or Hurting You? appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

When the Stuff You Love Keeps You From the Stuff You Love

There’s something natural about the way people hold onto sentimental items from their past.

A child’s toy. A handwritten card. The trophy from the winning game. Souvenirs from concerts attended or trips taken. Boxes of items once owned by our parents, grandparents, or other loved ones. 

For many of us, these things aren’t just household items like extra Tupperware in the kitchen cabinet that can be decluttered when a lid goes missing. They represent the people we love, the experiences we’ve cherished, or the accomplishments we worked hard to achieve.

For that reason, the attachment is emotional. That’s why we refer to it as sentimental. And it can be one of the most difficult categories of items to minimize.

But over time, those meaningful items start to add up if we don’t declutter them. Isn’t that true? Closets fill. Boxes pile up in the attic, basement, and garage. Pieces of furniture begin to collect. Sometimes we even need to rent a storage unit down the street to keep all the sentimental belongings we’re holding onto.

Our spaces become a museum of the past. And slowly, without even realizing it, unless we choose to take intentional action, the stuff we love begins to keep us from the stuff we love. 

Here’s what I mean by that:

The stuff we keep—no matter how lovingly—brings burden and weight onto our lives. Every possession does. They take up space. They need to be stored, organized, cleaned, protected, and worried about. They add time, expense, stress, and mental weight to our lives. Every item we choose to keep takes up physical space in our home and mental space in our mind.

The excess can begin to keep us from peace, calm, freedom, space, and intentionality. As a result, the sentimental items we accumulate can begin to keep us from being fully alive and present in our daily life. They begin to pull our energy from the very life and opportunities we would choose to remember.

We’ve held onto the toys and clothes from when our kids were young. But when the basement is so full of stuff we are constantly thinking about needing to clean it out—we are distracted from the people right in front of us today.

We purchased and kept souvenirs so that we’d never forget the trips that we’ve taken. But when the house is so full of clutter the cleaning and organizing is never done—we become too busy to take new trips today.

We hung all the trophies and certificates we earned through our accomplishments in the past. But when our walls and offices are so full of relics from our achievements in the past—we forget to dream about new goals in the future.

We couldn’t find the strength to declutter the personal possessions of a spouse who passed too early because we loved them so much. But when their things keep us from moving forward into our next season of life—we often miss out on the joy that they would have wanted us to experience.

It’s not that we love too much. It’s just that the items we keep to remember the things we love might actually end up keeping us from discovering and enjoying more of those people and adventures in the future.

The stuff we love begins to keep us from the stuff we love. 

It is important to remember that we don’t love the physical objects. We love the people they represent, the experiences they remind us of, and the accomplishments they signify. This might be fine—unless our physical possessions begin to keep us from loving more people, having more experiences, and achieving more accomplishments.

So take a second look at the sentimental clutter you are holding on to. And if it is distracting you from living your best life in this current season of your life, then it is time for action.

Releasing sentimental objects isn’t about thinking less of your past. It’s about honoring your past by living fully in the present. You’re not being forced to decide what memories to keep, you are creating space for more experiences worth remembering in the future.

Are you ready to get started? If so, here is my advice on How to Handle Sentimental Clutter.

The post When the Stuff You Love Keeps You From the Stuff You Love appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.