Joshua Becker's Blog, page 20

How to Systematically Declutter Your Life

Note: This is a guest post by Mike Donghia of This Evergreen Home .

Since starting to write about intentional living, I have heard from many people a desire to change. They recognize that their life is too full of the wrong things and that it’s distracting them from giving their best time and energy to the things they value most.

But many of these same people never get started on the journey of decluttering their life. Why is that? 

While it’s not completely established why people don’t follow through with their ow plans, there are typically three contributors at work:

Lack of Clarity – They are unclear about the details or path to achieve their goal.Low Confidence – They have doubts about their ability to follow through or finish the job.Not worth it – They don’t feel the effort is worth the reward.

In all three instances, what we’re really talking about is motivation. While this blog post doesn’t have the space to go into the myriad of research being done on the topic, I wanted to highlight these reasons, because they are at the very heart of the discussion—and the literature is showing that figuring out how to move these levers is critical for making change.

What it boils down to is this: the more clear the path, the more confidence in the outcome, and the more enjoyable the journey… the more likely you are to succeed.

Since so many people desire to declutter their lives and begin to live more intentionally, I believe the most useful thing is to direct my own energy in helping people to solve the pressing motivation problem. 

Clarify Your Path

If you’re serious about decluttering your life, don’t approach it casually. You can’t assume thinking or reading about the problem will keep it top of mind and trickle down into action. One of the best things you can do is to have a crystal clear plan for how you’ll reach your goal of a less cluttered life. I recommend thinking through each area of your life systematically, and planning to focus on each area for an entire month. 

You want to apply as much focused effort on the smallest possible area— this will ensure that you experience plenty of progress, which as you’ll see below, is a key part of keeping motivation high.

While your list might be different, here is a list that my wife and I created as part of our own decluttering journey each month.

Declutter your homeDeclutter your spendingDeclutter your dayDeclutter your habitsDeclutter your wardrobeDeclutter your roomDeclutter your digital lifeDeclutter your mindDeclutter your soulDeclutter your prioritiesDeclutter your desiresDeclutter your spaceIncrease Your Confidence

In the long run, your confidence increases as you accumulate victories across a variety of life’s obstacles. Your history of reaching goals and finishing jobs will inform your subconscious belief that you’ll be able to do it again.

Increasing your confidence in the short-term is a bit different, and it’s actually simpler. All you have to do is make the task smaller and easier. Instead of setting a wildly ambitious goal, try one that you’re 95% confident you can accomplish, and then go out and do it. As you grow in confidence, you’ll naturally want to try harder things, because the easy things will begin to seem boring. 

But in the beginning, don’t get ahead of yourself. Start smaller than you think you should, and build momentum.

As my wife and I designed our year of decluttering with monthly challenges, we aimed for consistency over intensity of effort. So on most days, the task only took a few minutes. But string togethers those efforts over the course of an entire month—and then a whole year—and you’ll really feel a sense of progress.

Celebrate Success

Everyone loves the idea of accomplishing their goals, but much fewer learn to enjoy the journey. But the difference between the two is huge—the excitement of a new goal might fuel you for a few days, but it’s the pleasure you derive from the pursuit that keeps you going until the end.

One simple, but powerful lesson I’ve learned from my wife is the intrinsic joy of tracking your progress visually. The effect is even stronger when the tracking is done physically, as opposed to on a computer, and when the sense of progress is a constant visual cue for how far you’ve come.

For our monthly challenges, my wife made custom printable trackers for each month of the year that we taped to our refrigerator and filled out each evening after dinner. The habit, the ritual, the visual accumulation of filled in circles—they all combined to make the challenge more vivid and real in my mind, and subsequently helped us to follow through.

Don’t Wait (Plus, a Shortcut)

A lot of people like to start goals on January 1st, or even the first day of the month. I say, why wait! There’s always a reason not to get started, why invent arbitrary ones? One of my favorite life hacks is to take action before I feel ready.

The system my wife and I used this past year has been great for us, and it can be easily adapted for nearly anyone’s circumstances. It doesn’t require any special equipment or knowledge. Just follow these 3 simple tips:

Have clear, simple goals. Break down your decluttering goals into 12 parts, and target 1 each month.Start small. Keep the commitment on any 1 day as small as possible. Direct your ambition towards sticking with the plan for a year.Track your progress. Do this visually, and at the same time each day.

***

Mike (and his wife, Mollie) blog at This Evergreen Home where they share their experience with living simply, intentionally, and relationally. If you want to expedite your decluttering journey, and save yourself a bit of administrative work, consider signing up for their premium newsletter, Declutter Your Life. It includes a new challenge each month to help you live a less cluttered life–inside and out.

Why Decluttering Isn’t Like Waving a Magic Wand

Note: This is a guest post from Karen Trefzger of Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff.

When I first began decluttering, I had no idea how long it would take, or even how much unneeded, unloved stuff I had. As I worked through the process—sometimes with quick successes and sometimes more slowly and painstakingly—I began to feel lightness and freedom. I enjoyed having less to care for and worry about, and more time for relationships, goals, and fun.

However, eventually I realized that decluttering isn’t magic. It’s not a once-and-done solution that simplifies life forever after.

You see, clutter is a symptom. And just as a cold medication may bring down your fever, keep your nose from running, and quiet your cough without actually making you well, decluttering reduces visual noise, makes your house easier to keep in order, and soothes stress and overwhelm without getting to the root of the problem. You still have to go through the process of healing the habits that continue to allow clutter into your life.

Four ways to clear clutter from the inside out:

1.  Limit social media usage.

Social media can be a way to keep in touch and find inspiration, but it can also be a big time waster and a way to compare myself, my home, my achievements, and my life with others.

Comparison might help us choose between two or more options. It might inspire us toward self-improvement. But most often, comparing ourselves with what others have or do leads to jealousy and dissatisfaction. And trying to “keep up” leads to an endless search for more. We become unhappy, even if we have enough and should appreciate what we have.

Limiting my time on social media (even deleting some of my profiles) has helped me want less, avoid impulse purchases (which lead to debt and clutter), and be more aware of my blessings.

2.  Decide once.

Some sources suggest that adults make 35,000 decisions per day, from what to wear to what to eat to whether to answer the phone or let it go to voicemail.

Even if that number seems somewhat high, the truth is that we do make decisions large and small from the moment we wake until we fall asleep. At some point, decision fatigue sets in and we start losing self-control and willpower. Our brains conserve energy by acting on impulse or avoiding decisions all together. That’s why you tell your partner, “I don’t care what we eat for dinner—you decide!” Or even, “Let’s just order a pizza tonight.”

One way to overcome decision fatigue (which will also help you avoid impulse purchases and junk accumulation) is to stick with routines. Decide once, and stop reinventing the wheel.  

Some areas where “decide once” works particularly well:

waking and bed timeswearing a uniform or capsule wardrobemeal planning and prepcertain chores/cleaning on certain daysa certain time and place for exercisedealing with the daily mailspecific times to check email, texts, and phone messagesspecific times for prayer, meditation, or a gratitude practice

3.  Let go of imaginary needs.

Babies are happy with so little: Mama’s milk, a few clothes, a safe place to sleep, lots of love.

They have few needs, and yet they’re happy. Or if they’re not happy, it’s usually because one of their few needs isn’t being met.

However, as they grow, those needs expand. They become insatiable.

As adults, we work more, shop more, and still we’re not satisfied. Yet many of our needs are imaginary, fueled by fears, insecurities, and the need to fit in and keep up.

Have any of these imaginary needs become part of your life?

the need to be super-busythe need to be constantly entertainedthe need to please everyonethe need to stay current with news and trendsthe need to look perfect and be perfectthe need to buy/receive gifts for/from everyone on every occasionthe need to impress othersthe need to control the future and be prepared for every contingencythe need to be an early adopterthe need for bigger and bigger experiences and achievements

Letting go isn’t easy. It can be humbling, or even scary. But you can pay attention to how you’re spending your mental energy, make a list of all the things you do and think about, and then decide what’s truly necessary and good.

When you start living with just those essential activities, you might expose some emotions you’ve been crowding out and covering up. You might feel “bored.” You’ve become used to filling your time and thoughts with things that distract you from your main purpose and from simple daily pleasures.

But there’s hope. You can adjust. Soon you won’t need the constant inputs from media, shopping, technology, and a go-go-go lifestyle. You’ll be more inner-directed. And you can fill your life with the things you find truly important and meaningful.

4.  Practice consistently. 

I’ve read many, many books and articles about losing weight and adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle, yet I have no long-term success in those areas. (I do eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.)

Reading about self-improvement can give you much of the pleasure and excitement of changing your life without doing anything really demanding. As long as I’m reading about change or making plans to change, I might not begin the hard work of change. All of my reading and planning is really procrastination.

It’s possible that I want to change but don’t really trust myself. I look at my decades of being overweight and feel doomed to failure. Maybe I’m looking for the magic solution to fix my problem overnight.

But just like decluttering, a new diet isn’t magic. It doesn’t take a ton of special knowledge or carefully honed skills (unlike becoming a surgeon or a violinist). You just have to do something real—take a walk every day, eat smaller portions, save dessert for Friday night only. To stay uncluttered, you need to: 

wait (a day, or two, or even seven) before you buypractice one in one outdo small purges regularly

If you’ve decluttered, you already know how to do it. Of course you can keep reading for enlightenment and encouragement (and I hope you’ll choose my blog and books), but make sure you’re also taking the small, consistent actions that will keep your life clutter-free.

That’s where the magic is.

***

Karen Trefzger is a writer, singer, teacher, wife, mother, and grandmother who has been choosing a simpler life for over 20 years. She is the author of several books about minimalism, and blogs at Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff.

10 Practical Tips for Maintaining Minimalism in Your Life

I first found minimalism 15 years ago.

And it’s true, trying to declutter the possessions for a family of four is no easy task. The entire process took us about nine months.

But since then, I’ve learned that the challenge doesn’t end with the last box of donations shuffled out the door. It requires consistent vigilance and intentionality to maintain simplicity and freedom in the long run.

The benefits of owning less are amazing. But it’s still easy to fall back into old habits of mindless consumption if we don’t make conscious efforts to sustain our newfound lifestyle.

To that end, no matter where you find yourself on the minimalist journey, here are ten practical tips to help keep your life clutter-free and focused on what truly matters:

1. Set clear boundaries.

Decide which items are necessary for your lifestyle and happiness, and set firm boundaries for what you allow into your space. This can be accomplished numerically (33 articles of clothing, for example), but I’ve found physical boundaries to be the most helpful.

2. Embrace empty spaces.

Don’t feel the need to fill empty spaces in your home. Let the empty space serve as a reminder of the calm and peace that minimalism brings.

3. Find ideas to specifically overcome consumerism.

For example, implement a 48-hour rule for non-essential purchases. Note the item down and revisit after two days. Also, question every ad you see, identifying the need it’s claiming to fill.

4. Declutter as you go.

To live is to consume and almost certainly things will continue to collect in your home. Stay ahead of the clutter and keep your home minimalist by decluttering as you go. Whenever a space starts to feel full, remove the unnecessary—before it feels normal.

5. Buy experiences, not things.

Becoming minimalist doesn’t mean you’ll never spend money again. Prioritize spending on experiences rather than material goods. Travel, concerts, meals with loved ones—these create memories and joy without cluttering your home.

6. Start a gratitude journal.

Appreciate what you already have by jotting down three things you’re grateful for each day or listing them during times of meditation or prayer. Keeping focused on the good things we already have takes our mind off all the things we don’t have.

7. Experiment with time-limited challenges.

Even if you feel good about progress you’ve made, continue to test out living with less experiments in your home. Try living without a certain item or category of items for a set period, like 30 days. You might find a better way of living. Even if you don’t, challenging your assumptions will help keep your home and life minimalist in other areas.

8. Reflect regularly.

Take time to remind yourself why you chose minimalism. What benefits has it brought to your life? Reflecting on these questions can help you stay motivated and committed.

9. Clutterfree habits.

Implement small, daily routines to keep your environment clean and orderly. This might mean making your bed every morning, cleaning up after each meal, or doing a quick decluttering sweep before bed.

10. Find consistent minimalist inspiration.

Having like-minded people around you provides motivation and encouragement. If you don’t have friends or family inspiring in this pursuit, look for inspiration online. In fact, I send out two articles every week focused on intentionality, simplicity, and owning less. Sign up here to receive them.

Just like it’s a choice to not let physical possessions overtake your life, it’s a choice to not let old habits pull you back into a cycle of accumulation. You began your journey into minimalism with a desire to live a life less encumbered by things and more focused on experiences and relationships. That’s amazing! Keep it up!

Minimalism, to reach isn’t fullest potential in our lives, isn’t just a phase.

It’s a brand new way to live for the rest of our lives—helping us make the most of it.

10 Reasons Repeating Outfits Will Simplify Your Life

Note: This is a guest post from Julia Ubbenga of Rich in What Matters.

On a gray morning last month, I stepped out of my bedroom, dressed and ready for the day. 

“Mom, why do you have that again?” Asked my four-year-old daughter between bites of breakfast cereal.

Have what? I wondered.

Scanning my empty hands, my eyes landed on my yellow, graphic “Hello Sunshine” tee. She’s talking about my outfit, I realized. I’d worn the shirt the day before yesterday, but it was clean again, so on it went.

She’s noticing my tendency to repeat clothes, I thought. 

“Do you mean, why am I wearing this shirt again?” I asked, to be sure.

“You have it on again because you want the clouds to go away today?” She said thoughtfully.

I smiled. While I hadn’t been that intentional and chosen my outfit in an attempt influence the weather that day, living a minimalist lifestyle has unearthed an extreme intentionality around my wardrobe.

Why?

Because owning a repeatable, sustainable wardrobe that reflects your personal style is one of the most powerful ways to simplify your life. 

In 1930, the average American woman owned nine outfits. Today, that figure is 30 outfits—one for every day of the month.

Before minimalism, I lived the “more outfits the better” mindset. In high school, I documented clothing pairings daily so as not to wear the same thing twice in the same month. In my first job out of college, I’d rummage through my roommates’ closets regularly, trying to piece together a “new” outfit before sliding into my cubicle. 

Finally, I figured out this outfit preoccupation made life more complicated. In fact, many people are realizing the benefits of becoming outfit repeaters.

Here are 10 reasons I love wearing the same things often (and think you would too):

1. Increased presence 

Clothing can contribute to mental clutter. You decide to wear something, but two hours later you’re stuck wishing you’d worn something different. Maybe it’s proven to be uncomfortable. Or, turns outs, it wasn’t a great fit for the occasion. That interior voice can nag you throughout the day, stealing your peace and presence.

Simplifying my wardrobe and wearing only what I love has been mentally freeing. I don’t get stuck wondering if I wore the right thing or wishing I’d worn something different. I wear what I love. Every day. And I’m more present for it.

2. Save money 

The average person spends around $160 per month on clothes, which is nearly $2,000 a year. Many of these purchases land in already full closets and are rarely worn.

In writing this, I realized I’ve bought four new clothing items this past year, two of which were needed maternity shirts. Minimalist living has shown me I don’t need to chase the latest trend to feel good about myself. Shopping for clothes is no longer a pastime, which saves me money.

3. Less decision fatigue

We make an average of 35,000 decisions a day. Our brain’s daily decision-making power is finite, meaning the more decisions we make, the harder it becomes to make another one.

Wearing the same thing repeatedly saves your decision-making power. I’ve found my mind is sharper throughout the day when it’s not bogged down in the morning trying to decide what to wear.

4. Less comparison 

Getting caught up in comparison is a guaranteed way to drain your joy. If you’re distracted by other people’s outfits, wishing your wardrobe resembled theirs, you’re missing out on your own life. Purchasing another pair of shoes isn’t going to make you happy (well, maybe briefly, until you see another pair you wish you had… and the cycle of discontentment continues).

Before minimalism, I’d see other people’s outfits and work to replicate them. I thought I needed certain pieces of clothing to fit in (like those faux leather shoes I bought before moving to Spain because I thought they’d make me look more European. Or the over-priced heels I bought—and thankfully returned—before my brother’s wedding because I thought they’d help me fit into the L.A. crowd).

Now, I’m confident in my personal style and happy to wear my outfits over and over again. I’ve found I can still admire someone else’s style, but have no desire to own clothes like them myself.

5. More self-confidence 

What you wear projects a message to the world about what you think of yourself. When you wear what you love and feel best in, you radiate more confidence. Why not do this every day?

I’ve learned what outfits make me feel confident and most authentically myself and which ones don’t. I wear the keepers often. And the rest, I let go.

6. Simplified laundry routine (less clothing clutter)

When you have just a few favorite outfits you wear regularly, you’re more motivated to care for them. You don’t let them pile up in the hamper for a week—you need them sooner than that! This motivates you to stay on top of laundry so you’ll always have your favorite outfits ready to go.

Before minimalism, I’d wear something and throw it in the hamper until I got around to washing it. Sometimes I’d even forget I owned it! Piles of dirty laundry created clutter piles throughout our home. 

Now I know where clothes are at all times—hanging in my closet or in the washing machine (we don’t use a hamper). Our laundry routine has been greatly simplified by owning fewer, more loved outfits. And spending less time on laundry means more time spent on other, more enjoyable, things.

7. Help the environment

North Americans send 12 million tons of clothing to landfills every year, 95 percent of which could have been reused or recycled. Because of fast fashion, we now view clothes as disposable. 

Buying outfits with longevity and repeatability in mind is good for the environment. When you wear the same thing often, you do this. Building a more sustainable wardrobe doesn’t have to break the bank. My favorite place to shop is a Savers thrift store in a well-off area of our city where I find quality pieces for half the price. 

8. You feel better

A trip to your closet can significantly influence how you feel. Seeing clothes you wish you fit into can trigger frustration. Owning clothes with the price tags still attached can trigger guilt. Seeing clothes inherited from a loved one who has passed away can trigger sadness.

I prefer to feel happy when I peer into my closet each morning. Owning only repeatable outfits that I love does this and can set a positive tone for the day.

9. More reminders of how little you need to be happy

Owning a repeatable, small wardrobe constantly sends you the message that contentment can be found in less. A glance at your curated closet prompts thoughts like: “I need so much less than I thought I did to be happy.”

I’m much less likely to buy on impulse or waste time scrolling in search of my next purchase when these thoughts infiltrate my mind every morning. My sense of gratitude also increases the more I remember life truly is better with less.

10. More self-love

When you’re in the habit of wearing repeatable outfits you love, you’re in the habit of seeing, accepting and supporting yourself exactly as you are.

In the words of Mel Robbins, “Keeping clothes in sizes that don’t fit you is not a form of motivation. It causes stress, anxiety, and triggers negative self-talk, all which makes you feel less motivated and it makes it impossible to love and accept your body as you are.”

In my experience, removing clothing items like the “goal dress” or pair of jeans I haven’t fit into in 10 years also removes the “I should be different” message. Repeatable outfits support who you are today, which is the version of you the world needs most.

An unknown quote I love goes like this:

“It’s okay to… repeat clothes, not upgrade your phone, buy second-hand items, live in a simple home. It’s okay to live a simple life.”

If life feels complicated, consider your wardrobe. Could owning a repeatable wardrobe that reflects your personal style create a ripple effect of simplicity throughout your life? In my experience, it absolutely can.

Why not give it a try?

It’s more than okay to become an outfit repeater. 

Your life will become simpler and more meaningful for it.

***

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist and mom of four who documents her family’s journey into minimalism on her blog, Rich in What Matters. Her teachings on simplicity and intentional living help others live a more meaningful life with less stuff. You can find her on Instagram or check out her free decluttering guide.

Why “Make Your Coffee at Home” is About More Than Just Saving a Few Dollars

Last week, I published an article on Simple Money called “Make Your Coffee at Home” And 50 Other Simple Habits to Save Money.

Most people had kind words to say about the list. But others offered criticism.

The critical and negative comments didn’t surprise me. I’ve been writing on the Internet long enough to know how people respond to certain phrases. And “make your own coffee to save money” is definitely one of them.

As is telling people to stop spending money on avocado toast by the way.

The advice to make your own coffee is often dismissed as trivial or simple or downright insulting. Here’s how one commenter put it over the weekend, “Oh wow, you can make coffee at home? Who knew!”

I know that deciding to make coffee at home, in the grand scheme of things, probably isn’t going to change your entire financial outlook. Because, let’s face it, how much does skipping that cup of coffee save?

Most estimates put the number somewhere less than $2/day—or maybe as high as $1,000/year if you’re buying something fancy every time at Starbuck’s.

That being said, despite the dollar amount savings, I will continue to offer the advice. And here’s why: Making your coffee at home is about more than the couple dollars you save each day.

Making your coffee at home is about recognizing and leaning into the mindset that is required to make the necessary positive financial changes in your life.

It’s about more than the dollars, it’s about embracing a new worldview concerning life and money. As an example, consider what the commitment to making coffee at home displays:

Willingness to Be Inconvenienced.

Brewing your coffee at home may seem less convenient than grabbing a cup on the go, but it shows you’re willing to put in the effort and work to save and get ahead financially.

Choosing Simplicity Over Luxury.

Home-brewed coffee may not always taste as amazing as the fancy latte from the local café. But it can still be enjoyed. And it signifies that you can keep your tastes simple—especially when you’re focused on financial wellness over fleeting pleasure.

Embracing Change in Your Routine.

Deciding to make your coffee at home requires an intentional shift in your daily routine. It demonstrates (and communicates every morning) your desire to make sacrifices and embrace changes to improve your financial situation—whatever it takes.

Faithfulness in the Small Things.

Brewing your own coffee is a small thing and might save you only a couple dollars/day. But in some ways, that’s the point.

Paying attention to even the smallest expenses shows you’re intentional with your money. And when we are faithful in little things, we cultivate the habit to be faithful in larger matters.

Rejection of Status Symbols.

Carrying your own coffee in a thermos to work may lack the prestige of walking in with a Starbucks’s cup, but it shows that you’re not driven by status symbols. You value financial health over appearances.

Breaking Auto-Pilot Spending Habits.

Buying coffee daily is often an automatic action. By choosing to make coffee at home, you’re intentionally disrupting auto-pilot spending, showing a commitment to control your money instead of letting it control you.

Not Needing to Buy Things to Enjoy Yourself.

Enjoying a cup of self-made coffee can bring a simple joy to your day that is not tied to a purchase. It underscores that experiences and contentment don’t have to be bought—they can be brewed at home.

Patience and Discipline.

Saving a few dollars a day might not seem significant, but over time, they add up.

This act reflects patience and discipline in your approach to personal finance, recognizing that the light at the end of the tunnel might be a long way off, but you’ll only get there if you keep moving forward.

Creating and Staying Within Boundaries.

Choosing to make coffee at home is an arbitrary decision that you make for yourself. No one but you knows about it—and you are the only one holding yourself accountable to that commitment. Essentially, you are setting a boundary against impulsive or convenience-based spending. Staying within it proves your self-discipline.

Brewing your coffee at home may seem trivial when looked at in isolation, but it’s a powerful symbol of a broader mindset change. Those who cast shade on the suggestion miss the picture.

It’s about more than just saving a couple of dollars—it’s about a shift in perspective that can move your financial journey towards success.

Of course, there are other small financial habits that we can adopt to bring about changes in our financial circumstances. I don’t mean to pick on only coffee-drinkers in this article. Apply the principle as you see fit.

To anyone who is striving to get out of debt, save more, give more, or improve your family’s financial situation, remember: it is almost always the small, intentional, and consistent steps that lead to significant change.

Might I suggest you start by brewing your coffee at home? Because “Making Your Coffee at Home” is about more than just saving a few dollars, it’s about embracing a mindset that can radically transform your financial future.

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

For the last ten years, I have been compiling and publishing curated articles that inspire simplicity. At first, it was an exercise in communicating to Becoming Minimalist readers the most popular articles I sent out on Twitter.

But over the years, it has become more than that. It has become a place where people (every other week) come for a dose of inspiration. And it has become a place to promote and encourage writers around the world who are publishing content about minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living.

I think you will enjoy this collection of articles hand-selected for you this weekend. Grab some coffee, tea, or lemonade and be inspired to live a simpler life today.

12,795 possessions! Meet the Woman Who Photographed Every Single Thing She Owns | The Guardian by Guy Lane. Most significantly, she says, she came to realize that “only 1% of these objects are important: 99% I could get rid of.”

“Make Your Coffee at Home” And 50 Other Simple Habits to Save Money | Simple Money by Joshua Becker. In a world where we’re bombarded with options to spend, saving money can often feel like an uphill battle. But small, daily habits can make a big difference to your wallet over time.

The 80/20 Rule Helps Simplify Life | The Simple Swan by Alicia Woodward. The 80/20 Rule can help us simplify our work by identifying the most essential tasks and eliminating the time-wasters.

An A-Z Guide to Getting Decluttered | No Sidebar. An A-Z guide that breaks down the decluttering process into manageable tasks, making it easier to achieve a clean, organized home.

Does Minimalism Narrow the Mind or Broaden Your Horizons? | Balance Through Simplicity by Antonia. “Whilst minimalism is a lifestyle, it’s also a wonderful mechanism for personal growth. For finding out what you want in life and how you want that life to look.”

Decluttering Sentimental Items | Little Minimalist on the Prairies by Lauren. Sentimental items can be an extremely difficult category to tackle, but here are a few tips and tricks to help you.

Recently Released Inspiring Videos

10 Signs You Own Too Much Stuff | YouTube by Joshua Becker. The stuff we accumulate affects us in countless ways. It influences the rest we find at home and the role we get to play in the world. Feel like you have too much clutter? Here are 10 signs you own too much stuff.

7 Steps to a Minimalist Wardrobe | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Sometimes it’s easy to become overwhelmed by clothes. If you dread opening the closet every morning and are interested in a minimal capsule wardrobe, here are 7 easy tips to get you started.

10 Timeless Truths That Will Make You Embrace Minimalism Today

Growing in wisdom is one of life’s most worthwhile pursuits.

Wisdom is timeless—it results in understanding truths about life that remain valid through societies and cultures and generations.

The older we get, the more these truths (hopefully) serve as our guiding principles, helping us navigate life more purposefully, effectively, and intentionally.

They also become the life lessons we strive to emulate and pass on to future generations (again, hopefully).

One of the fascinating things about these life truths is how many of them lead us to the path of minimalism, a lifestyle choice that advocates for less stuff and more space for the truly important things.

Whether you’ve just stumbled upon the concept for the first time, or you’re a seasoned minimalist, most pieces of wisdom compel us to pursue a minimalist lifestyle:

For example, here are ten timeless life truths that highlight the importance of minimalism:

1. Life is Short.

Our time here is finite. Every moment is precious, and spending it maintaining or worrying about possessions takes away from time better spent on relationships, passions, and experiences.

Minimalism encourages us to own only what’s necessary, leaving more time to live our lives fully.

2. Our Resources are Limited.

Time, money, energy, and attention—our most valuable resources—are limited. Wasting these on acquiring and managing excess material possessions is a poor investment. Minimalism teaches us to direct our resources toward enriching experiences and personal growth.

3. Comparison is the Thief of Joy.

The desire to acquire often stems from comparing ourselves with others. But this only leads to dissatisfaction and a never-ending cycle of buying more. By choosing minimalism, we focus on our needs and values rather than keeping up with others.

4. Happiness Can’t be Bought.

The joy derived from purchases is often fleeting. True, lasting happiness comes from fulfilling relationships, meaningful work, and inner peace. Through minimalism, we learn to find happiness outside the realm of material possessions.

5. Possessions Don’t Define Us.

We’re much more than what we own. Our identity and worth come from our character, actions, and impact on others—not from our possessions. Minimalism helps us let go of the notion that we need stuff to prove our worth.

6. We Can’t Take it with Us.

At the end of life, we can’t take our possessions with us. What matters then are the memories we’ve made and the lives we’ve touched. Minimalism allows us to focus on building a rich life, not a rich lifestyle.

7. Experiences Matter More Than Things.

Memories from experiences enrich our lives far more than physical things. Minimalism encourages us to prioritize experiences over possessions, leading to a fuller, more rewarding life.

8. Your Life is Too Valuable to Waste.

Your life deserves more than being lost in the endless cycle of acquiring, managing, and worrying about possessions. Minimalism empowers us to focus on what’s truly valuable in life, freeing us from the clutches of materialism.

9. Everything is Temporary.

Possessions are transitory—they break, get lost, or become obsolete. Investing our emotions in them leads to disappointment. Minimalism helps us understand and accept the impermanent nature of things.

10. Giving is Better Than Receiving.

Minimalism enables us to shift from consumption to contribution. The act of giving away our surplus not only clears our own space but also provides for those in need. This shift in perspective, from accumulating to giving, can offer us a profound sense of satisfaction and purpose.

Likely, as you read through these truths, some resonated more than others. But no doubt, these timeless pieces of wisdom have guided us, changed us, and defined us in one way or another.

They also all motivate us to own less and live more.

But to be honest, this is only a short list of wisdom truths that invite us to pursue a more minimalist life. So I’d love to hear your additions!

Add to my list in the comments below. What timeless life truths highlight the importance of minimalism for you?

12 Powerful Arguments to Break Free from Overconsumption

I strive to lead a minimalistic lifestyle. But just to be clear, that doesn’t translate to owning nothing.

We’re a family of four. As you might guess, we have beds, dressers, living room furniture, a television, a dining table, desk, tableware, and my kids have their own rooms with their own possessions in their closets.

My wife likes to sew and read, and I like to cook, write, and play sports. We appreciate a minimalist lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean we own nothing. To live is to consume after all.

However, our mission has been to own just what we need—to remove ourselves from the grasp and false promises of overconsumption.

Overconsumption starts when we cross the boundaries of our needs and move haphazardly into the realm of wants.

The struggle is real. Credit cards allow us to spend beyond our income all the while advertisements nudge our desires towards material possessions. Our culture further normalizes this behavior.

It is overconsumption that fuels the desire for constantly larger homes, faster cars, fashionable attire, newer tech, and cluttered storage. It sells the illusion of happiness, but only results in a relentless craving for more. It robs us of purpose, misdirects our passions, and depletes our resources.

It is time to break free from this ruthless cycle.

We need to reflect and recognize that overconsumption isn’t fulfilling its promise of delivering happiness and satisfaction. Consumption is a necessity, but overconsumption isn’t.

And we can lead a more fulfilling and enjoyable life by intentionally rejecting it.

Here are 12 compelling reasons to escape overconsumption in your life:

1. Reduced Debt

In the US, consumers’ average credit card balance is $5,910. Overall, Americans owe just short of $1 trillion dollar ($986 billion to be exact).

This debt burden induces stress and binds us to jobs we dislike. Buy less, get out of debt.

2. Less Maintenance

Owning fewer possessions means less time and energy spent on upkeep.

Reducing our attachment to material possessions gives us more freedom and time for pursuits that truly matter.

3. Diminished Lifestyle Envy

Today’s digital age bombards us with lifestyle images that spur envy and dissatisfaction.

Rejecting overconsumption can help quiet the desire to constantly upscale lifestyle norms like trying to “keep up with the Joneses.”

4. Minimal Environmental Footprint

Overconsumption strains our planet’s resources. Living simply respects our planet’s capacity and contributes to its sustainability.

5. Less Influence from Trends and Fad

Every generation brings new trends that entice us to spend.

Stepping away from overconsumption lets us appreciate the value of timeless items and saves us from chasing fleeting fashion trends.

6. Less Social Pressure

Our society promotes spending as a means to show off wealth. By resisting overconsumption, we can break free from the pressure to impress with material possessions.

7. Increased Generosity

Choosing minimalism over overconsumption gives us more time, energy, and financial resources. It also helps us take our attention off ourselves and helps us see the actual need of others.

8. Greater Contentment

Some believe you need contentment to curb overconsumption.

However, my experience has been that actively resisting overconsumption cultivates a profound sense of contentment and satisfaction in our lives.

9. Heightened Awareness

Overconsumption blinds us to the false claims of fulfillment and happiness sold by department stores. Stepping back gives us a clearer perspective on these empty promises.

10. More Appreciation for Life’s Intangibles

Real life thrives in the intangible: love, hope, faith.

Our actions should reflect our understanding that the most precious aspects of life are not material possessions.

11. Greater Financial Intentionality

Escaping overconsumption enables us to better manage and direct our finances towards what truly matters to us. Whether that’s donating more to causes we care about, investing in experiences like travel, or building an emergency fund, financial intentionality becomes attainable when we conquer overconsumption.

12. Promoting Healthier Relationships

Overconsumption often strains relationships due to the financial stress it creates.

By breaking free from it, we can focus more on cultivating and nurturing our relationships—especially as we free us time and resources for that purpose.

Breaking away from overconsumption is not an easy endeavor. If it were, more of us would be doing it. But it’s a battle worth fighting.

Overconsumption steals more from our lives than we recognize.

15 Questions That Will Change How You Shop

The path to intentional living is not always easy—especially with advertising and social pressures constantly urging us to buy.

To take back control of our resources (and lives), it’s important to step back and ask some hard questions before reaching for our wallets.

To help, here are 15 questions to guide your purchasing decisions and help you live more intentionally:

1. Do I really need this?

The most basic question. Differentiating between wants and needs can drastically cut down unnecessary purchases.

2. Do I own something else that can serve the same purpose?

Sometimes we simply forget about the things we already own that can serve the same purpose.

3. Am I buying this primarily because it’s on sale?

A bargain is only a good deal if you needed the item in the first place.

4. Will I actually use it regularly?

An item that you’ll only use once or twice may not be worth the investment.

5. Can I borrow this from someone instead of buying it?

For items you’ll use infrequently, borrowing can be a smart and economical choice.

6. What else could I do with this money?

Opportunity cost should always be an important factor in decision making.

7. Will it add value to my life or help me fulfill my purpose?

If the answer is no, it’s probably not worth it.

8. How many hours of work does this purchase equate to?

Considering purchases in terms of work hours can give you a sobering perspective.

9. Will I have to maintain it?

Maintenance costs can add up, both in terms of money and time.

10. Am I buying this for myself, or am I influenced by someone else’s opinion or desire?

Sometimes, we shop to impress or fit in. Ensure your purchase is driven by your needs and not external influence.

11. Can this purchase wait?

If it’s not urgent, give it some time. You might realize you can do without it. And I can’t stress this point enough.

12. What is my emotional state?

Buying things when you’re stressed, bored, or unhappy can lead to regretful purchases.

13. Is this an impulse buy?

If it wasn’t on your list or in your plan, pause and reconsider.

14. What will happen if I don’t buy this?

If the answer is “not much,” it might not be a necessary purchase.

15. Will this purchase potentially lead to more purchases?

Beware of the Diderot Effect—a spiral where one purchase leads to another. Ensure that what you’re buying won’t necessitate further spending.

Making intentional decisions about our purchases can help us align our actions with our values, avoid unnecessary clutter, and live more fulfilling lives.

Try asking yourself any (or all) of these questions the next time you’re thinking of making a purchase.

The Hidden Truth Behind Retail Pricing: What’s A Blender Really Worth?

Recently, while walking through a local store, a shiny new blender marked down from $99 to $59 caught my attention. On the surface, it looked like a great deal!

But a question stopped me in my tracks: “Why exactly am I so ready to believe that this blender’s worth is $99? Just because the store told me? How much is a blender really worth?”

It’s a question that doesn’t cross our minds often. But maybe it should.

Let’s face it. Most of us don’t know the actual cost of manufacturing a blender, delivering it to a shelf, or staffing the store. Or forget blenders, we don’t know the actual cost of any item we purchase—be it a pair of pants, a purse, a car sunshade, or a new set of golf clubs.

We just take the retailer’s word for it.

They tell us that the blender is worth $99, but we can have it today for only $59! Or that this purse usually costs $250, but since it’s on clearance, we can own it for $109. Or for two days only, this Fire TV Stick 4K which is usually $49.99 can be gobbled up for just $22.99.

There are even entire stores dedicated to selling products marked WAY down below “Actual Retail Value.”

Basic economic principles like supply and demand have a role to play in free market pricing, certainly. But it doesn’t end there. In fact, that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Beneath the surface, there’s an entire tangled web of clever retail strategies and pricing tricks designed to part us with our hard-earned money.

Consider decoy pricing, for instance, where a company offers at least three products: a high-priced one, a low-priced one, and one in the middle. The middle-priced product is supposed to be seen as a “compromise” choice. Customers perceive it as not too expensive, but also not of lower quality, making it the most attractive option.

Then there’s the tactic of anchoring, where a high initial price is set, then ‘slashed’ to create an illusion of value. And don’t forget charm pricing—selling something for $59.99 rather than $60.

Prestige pricing is another trick up the retailer’s sleeve. Here, higher prices are used to convey quality, luxury, or exclusivity. The $300 designer shirt you’re eyeing does more than fulfill your need for clothing—it’s a statement about your style, your status, and your personal brand. Sometimes it’s just priced higher to trick your mind into thinking its higher quality.

But do these retail prices accurately reflect an item’s intrinsic value or its manufacturing cost?

Most often, they do not. These prices are carefully crafted psychological tricks designed to drive consumption, exploiting our desire for value, status, and a good deal.

So, before you’re lured in by that “50% off” tag, clearance rack, or coupon offering $10 off if you spend $50, pause and take a moment.

Ask yourself, is this something you genuinely need? Will it add long-term value to your life, or is it the bright red “sale” sign that’s doing the talking? Is your purchase motivated by a genuine need for the item or is it a knee-jerk response to the retailer’s cunning pricing game?

Remember, if you didn’t need an item before it went on sale, you don’t suddenly need it today just because it’s on a clearance rack. Don’t let a sale tell you what you need.

Last week, Amazon congratulated itself posting its single most profitable day ever and most successful Amazon Prime Day. The two-day event saw consumers splurge an astounding $12.7 billion across the web—a whopping 6.1% jump from a year ago.

Did we really need an additional $12.7 billion in products in our homes? Or was most of the spending driven by perceived bargains and the illusion of savings, rather than an actual need or desire for the products purchased?

If we want to take back control of our resources and lives, it’s time we stop letting price tags and clever retail strategies dictate our buying decisions.

The real worth of an item shouldn’t be dictated by numbers arbitrarily printed on a tag or website. It should be determined by the value it brings to our lives.

And it’s time we, as consumers, adopt a more suspicious eye towards pricing, especially those enticing marked-down prices.

So the next time you see a slashed price on a retail shelf or an online clearance sale, pause for a moment. Look beyond the flashing red sign, beyond the “limited-time offer.” Ask yourself, “I wonder how much that blender is actually worth…”

Start to see the game for what it is and take back control of your consumption.