Joshua Becker's Blog, page 21

Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life

Recently I came across a quote from Albert Einstein that struck a chord with me:

“The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them.”

I don’t know the exact context within which he offered this quote, but the simple wisdom stopped me in my tracks. (Literally, I was running at the time).

There is both truth and opportunity to be found in this important idea.

Consider, as just one example, the clutter in our homes. If we find ourselves overwhelmed by our possessions or struggling to make a change owning less, at some point we need to evaluate the thinking that initially resulted in a home with too much clutter. Because it didn’t just happen by accident.

Whether we purchase too much, keep too much, have habits to change, or struggle to let go for some reason, somewhere along the way our current thinking resulted in a home with too much clutter.

And if we ever want to fully solve the problem, we’ll need to change our thinking about the possessions we keep.

So if that’s you, and you read Becoming Minimalist specifically looking for inspiration to own less, let me challenge you today: Something in your thought process about possessions needs to change if you are ever going to solve the clutter problem in your home. No doubt there are countless articles on this website designed to help you do that.

But the full opportunity of Einstein’s quote extends beyond decluttering.

It resonates into every area of our lives: relationships, career paths, personal growth, health, and so much more. If we ever want to overcome the significant challenges we face in life, we’ll need to embrace a shift in our thinking (especially if we tried to change before).

Consider relationships. If you’re finding communication difficult or feeling disconnected from others, rehashing the same old methods and habits and attitudes won’t help. To bring about a change like a healthier relationship with others (for example, your spouse), you might need brand new thinking altogether. Maybe a shift in perspective towards empathy, understanding, patience, or unconditional love.

Consider your health. If you’re trying to lose weight or get in shape or change your habits, the old thinking that brought you to your current health situation must change. The solution lies in thinking anew about how you perceive food, fitness, and overall wellness.

Consider your career. If you’re feeling stuck or dissatisfied, doing the same thing over and over, without changing your perspective will keep you on the same treadmill. Maybe it’s time to think about work differently, or how to advance in your career, or maybe even redefine what success means to you.

Even in fighting addictions like smoking, this solution isn’t just about quitting the habit—it’s about changing your perception of stress management, social bonding, or even personal strength.

The list could continue. Even as a society, if we’ve tried the same solutions to problems over and over again with little or no positive result, it’s time to change the way we think about solving the issue.

“The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them.” We must learn to think differently.

Changing our thinking is, of course, easier said than done. And the older we get, the more difficult it becomes. It is a process that requires constant commitment. But it’s worth it.

If we want to end in a different place tomorrow, we must change the thinking that resulted in our current place today.

The process begins with questioning our deep-rooted beliefs, stepping out of our comfort zones, and opening ourselves to the possibility of a new viewpoint. What is a change that you are struggling to bring about in your life?

Once you’ve identified it, think through these steps:

1. Acknowledge the Need for Change

Recognize that the status quo isn’t serving you well.

Accepting this can be challenging, but it’s the first step towards significant change.

2. Question Your Beliefs

It’s natural to hold onto beliefs, even those that might be detrimental.

Try to identify your assumptions first and then challenge them, opening space for fresh perspectives.

3. Develop a Growth Mindset

Embrace the concept of continuous learning and personal growth.

Believe that you can change and improve with consistent effort. Your predisposition doesn’t have to be your future.

4. Learn from Varied Perspectives

Immerse yourself in the thoughts of those who see the world differently. Especially those who seem to have found success in the change you are trying to make. Read books, find a mentor, listen to podcasts—these can offer fresh insights that stimulate new thinking and growth.

These are not overnight solutions but important steps on a journey towards personal development.

Transformation lies in our capacity to change our thoughts. After all, it’s our thoughts that drive our actions and craft our reality.

But there is amazing opportunity in this truth!

Problems that seemed insurmountable suddenly become solvable when we approach them with a new perspective. In many ways, the capacity to see things differently is our greatest tool for change.

Remember, a revolution starts with a single thought. Are you ready to elevate your thinking, revolutionize your life, and transform your reality? The journey starts now.

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

Fill your life with stories to tell, not stuff to show.

The simplicity/minimalism movement is a beautiful community. And I enjoy any opportunity to promote writing that encourages people to live more by owning less.

I invite you to fix yourself a nice warm cup of coffee or tea. Find a quiet moment this weekend. And enjoy some encouraging words to inspire more simplicity in your life today.

HGTV is Making Our Homes Boring and Us Sad, One Study Says | The Washington Post by Rachel Kurzius. A pair of professors found that home renovation media leads homeowners to decorate for the masses, not for their own happiness.

The Hidden Luxury of Living Frugally: A Path Less Traveled | Simple Money by Joshua Becker. Living simply and staying out of debt is better than living large and owing money.

6 Things Minimalists Always Do to Maintain a Tidy Home | The Spruce by Megan McCarty. Insider knowledge of how minimalists maintain a tidy home from Ashley Murphy and Marissa Hagmeyer.

10 Reasons Why a Simple Lifestyle Can Boost Your Happiness | No Sidebar. Simplicity is about choosing the things that add value to your life and discarding the rest. Here are 10 reasons why you should simplify your life.

The Incredible Power of Focusing for 15 Minutes | Happy Simple Living by Eliza Cross. We can do amazing things by when we take small steps with consistency and perseverance.

Recently Released Inspiring Videos

10 Ways Minimalism Will Help You Be Less Busy | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Sometimes it seems as if being busy has become a badge of honor we love to wear. But does this endless chase ever bring true fulfillment? Doubtful. Here’s how to be less busy.

10 Things We’ve Never Regretted Spending Money On with Kids | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Because we have pursued minimalism for the last 12 years, and have spent less money on possessions, we have more money left over for other things which we have found helpful as a family.

Maybe Your Family Doesn’t Care About Money As Much As You Do

It’s easy to feel underappreciated—especially as parents who work outside the home.

We work hard in our jobs, often times putting in long hours and offering the very best we have. And we return home exhausted—all in an effort to provide for our families.

This feeling of underappreciation, at times, can turn into frustration. We might begin to ask ourselves, “Can’t they see how tired I am? Can’t they see how hard I’m working to provide and pay the bills? Don’t you realize I’m doing all this for you?”

There’s an old saying that goes like this, “Money can’t buy happiness.” In fact, it’s so commonplace and we hear it so often that we reflexively nod in agreement, “Of course, money can’t buy happiness.”

But maybe it would benefit all of us to rethink the truth held in that saying, especially in the context of our family relationships. And even more, when we as the main provider, are feeling undervalued.

It’s really easy to fall into the trap of assuming that our loved ones measure their happiness or satisfaction by the same parameters that we measure ours—career progress, financial stability, material success.

But maybe, just maybe, the most meaningful thing to them has nothing to do with the money you provide. Maybe you are the most meaningful thing to them.

Maybe your family doesn’t care if they have more money, or live in the biggest house, or drive the nicest car, if it means seeing less of you.

What if your kids and spouse are more interested in having you present at their games, sitting with them at dinner, or spending lazy Saturday mornings together? What if all they want is to share their daily joys and challenges with you, to know that you have made them a priority in your day, supporting and cheering them on in their individual journeys?

What if that’s what they want most from you?

What if they don’t care about your potential pay-raise nearly as much as you do? Maybe they just want to sit down and watch a movie together.

It’s time to challenge our long-held beliefs about what it means to provide for a family. Could it be that being present and active in our family’s life is more valuable than any amount of money or material possessions?

Now, this is not to suggest that providing for your family’s financial needs isn’t important. But the point is not to lose sight of what truly matters.

At the end of the day, your family won’t remember the brand of their sneakers or the size of your TV, but they will remember how you made them feel, the memories you created together, and the time you spent with them.

The truth is, you’re already providing for them in the best possible way when you’re present, when you show up—not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally. Meaningful provision is about being there to listen to their stories, to help with their homework, to comfort them in times of distress, or to simply share a laugh together.

This might be a tough reality to face, especially for those who have routinely sacrificed family for financial gain. But it’s a question that we would all be wise to ask ourselves. You might not be able to go back and relive the past, but you can certainly rewrite your future.

The next time you find yourself working late or missing another one of your child’s games, pause and ask yourself: “Is this truly what my family needs from me?” The answer might surprise you.

And the next time you feel underappreciated as the main financial provider, it might help to remind yourself, “Maybe there’s something more important that I can provide for them right now.”

Because maybe, your family doesn’t care about money as much as you do. They just care about you.

How to Pack in Just a Carry-On

Traveling light with just a “carry-on” is an appealing idea, but many people hesitate to give it a try. It’s often easier to stick with what we know, packing everything “just in case,” rather than embracing a new, lighter way of traveling.

But those who have made the switch to packing lighter often find the benefits far outweigh the initial uncertainty.

In fact, I used to be a heavy packer. Our family of four would always check luggage at the airport whenever we flew home to see family—twice/year.

For us, the journey of shifting travel habits began when I was introduced to minimalism. As we began owning less at home, it seemed reasonable that a next step would be to apply the principles of minimalism to my travel habits.

And while I don’t remember exactly the first vacation that we decided to bring just carry-on luggage, I do remember how easy it made traveling and committing to never going back to the way we used to travel.

Similarly, I went on an international trip recently with a friend and told him that we were not waiting at baggage claim and that he had to pack in a carry-on for the trip. As we completed the trip and breezed through customs back home in the states, he turned to me and said, “You were right! This is so much easier. I am never checking luggage again.”

As a family, we follow the same practice on almost every trip. Each of us packs a carry-on—no more. Even on last summer’s book tour, which was close to three weeks long, we all packed our individual belongings in individual carry-on size suitcases.

This not only makes it easy to pack up and unload, it also eliminates the chaos of individuals shuffling through a large suitcase with multiple peoples’ stuff inside.

If the prospect of making this switch intrigues you, you’ll love it!

Here are some practical steps to help you get started:

1. Believe it is possible.

Break free from the mindset that traveling lightly is unattainable, or that your specific circumstances make it impossible. People do it all the time.

In fact, folks from every walk of life manage to pack lightly. Every age, every gender, every length of trip, every family size. If they can do it, you can too.

2. Be thoughtful.

My mom once said to me, “Overpacking is lazy packing.” And she’s right!

Adopting a minimalist packing approach requires careful planning—thinking through your daily needs and choosing items that fulfill those requirements without excess.

But thoughtful effort made on the front-end of the trip saves physical and mental (stress) effort during the trip.

3. Plan Your Outfits.

Avoid the common pitfall of randomly tossing items into your suitcase.

Plan your outfits according to your activities for each day. As I’ll mention later, consider opportunities to mix-and-match and repurpose (especially outerwear).

4. Pack versatile clothes.

Choose clothing items that offer flexibility—pieces that can be mixed and matched.

Neutral colors are your friends. Consider the potential for layering. For example, a light sweater can instantly transform any summer outfit into one suitable for a chilly evening.

5. Repeat outfits.

It might seem unconventional, but most people won’t notice at all. I mean, I’m not suggesting you wear dirty clothes over and over again, but most articles of clothing (especially pants) can be worn more than once between washings.

 Don’t be afraid to wear the same outfit more than once, especially if you’re mixing and matching different pieces.

6. Prepare for laundry.

For longer trips, washing clothes becomes a necessity. Look for accommodations with laundry facilities or locate nearby laundromats. Many hotels have washing machines available—as do most Airbnb’s. If necessary, you can even hand wash items.

7. Skip the souvenirs.

You won’t have room to bring back a bunch of souvenirs, but you’ll love not having to spend time shopping on your trips.

Remember, travel is about the experience, not the material possessions you bring back. If you do need to prove to yourself or someone else that you went on a trip, photos or small mementos like postcards can be as meaningful, if not more, than bulky souvenirs.

8. Pack travel-size liquids.

You won’t be able to bring large amounts of liquids in your carry-on (at least if you are flying). So make an extra point to think this through.

Most toiletries are sold in travel/sample size. That’s what I take. But for very specific items, there are TSA-compliant items to help you keep below the legal limit.

9. If necessary, roll your clothes.

If you find that you’re really close, but can’t quite fit in a carry-on suitcase, try rolling your clothes to save space, rather than folding them flat. You’ll be surprised how much more clothing you can pack with this method.

It does require an iron on the other end of your trip. So I don’t love the method all the time. But if you’re super-close to making it happen, and there’s an iron on the other end, give it a shot!

Personally, I’m more likely to roll my clothes for the return trip where there’s a washing machine waiting for me when I get home. But you can do it either way.

10. Limit your shoes.

Shoes can be the biggest suitcase hoggers. Stick to a couple versatile pairs that work for different occasions and consider wearing your bulkiest pair during transit.

One common justification for overpacking is the fear of running out of clothes. The thinking is, “I’d rather have more than I need on a trip, than be lacking something.”

On the surface, this argument seems logical. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find that it overlooks the drawbacks of excess baggage. Extra clothes mean more weight to carry, more items to keep track of, more time spent packing and unpacking, more worries about losing luggage, and more time wasted (arriving much earlier to check your luggage at the airport and time waiting at the baggage carousel waiting for your bag to appear).

Contrast this with the benefits of a minimalist approach: simplicity, convenience, and the joy of focusing on the travel experience rather than managing belongings.

With careful planning, the benefits—saving time, reducing stress, and the joy of traveling lightly—far outweigh the minor inconvenience of potentially doing a little laundry.

If you’ve never tried it, I recommend it. I can almost guarantee, at the end of your first trip, you’ll think to yourself, “You were so right! This is much easier. I am never checking luggage again.”

Minimalism vs. Consumerism: The Benefits of Choosing a Simple Life

Living in today’s world means being constantly surrounded by a culture of consumerism, where value is routinely assigned to how much we own, how much money we spend, how expensive our possessions are, and often times, how much we can show off to others.

But there is another way to approach life—one that offers freedom and meaning and satisfaction beyond material wealth. It’s called minimalism.

Consumerism, the relentless pursuit of buying and owning more, is a treadmill that never stops. It promises happiness around the next corner, with the next purchase. However, the joy derived from a new acquisition fades quickly, always leaving us longing for the next best thing.

This endless cycle of desire and disappointment leaves us with cluttered homes, strained wallets, and distracted minds.

Contrast this with minimalism, an intentional decision to own less and live more. When you choose minimalism, you choose freedom—freedom from debt, freedom from clutter, freedom from the passion to possess, and freedom from the stress that comes with simply maintaining too many possessions.

Minimalism frees up not just physical space, but mental space as well, allowing us to focus on what truly enriches our lives. When the pursuit of material possessions is removed from our affections, we are freed to discover a new (and better) way to live. Minimalism isn’t about removing joy but about making more room for it.

It’s about embracing gratitude for what we already have. Instead of seeking the next shiny object, we take time to appreciate the blessings already present in our lives and look for better ways to contribute.

By choosing minimalism, we decouple our self-worth from our belongings. We reject the narrative that equates happiness with material accumulation. In doing so, we free ourselves to live for relationships, development, and contribution.

Owning less is better than accumulating more. Minimalism allows us to reclaim our time, our finances, our spaces, and our peace of mind.

But minimalism isn’t solely about personal gain. By stepping off the consumer treadmill, we are better able to contribute to our communities and the world. Free from the pressure to constantly acquire, we find ourselves with more resources—time, money, and energy—to give to causes that truly matter to us.

Remember, minimalism is never a one-size-fits-all philosophy. It’s not about fitting your life into a prescribed box. It’s about making room for more—more peace, more experiences, more growth, more contentment, more of what truly matters to you.

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of our greatest values by removing anything that distracts us from them.

So, consider this your invitation to step off the path of consumerism and begin your journey towards minimalism.

It’s a choice to live a fuller, more intentional life.

Minimalism is about living more by owning less.

By choosing minimalism, you’re not just enriching your own life but also making a conscious decision to contribute to the world around you. Now, doesn’t that sound amazing?

How I Found True Happiness Living with Less

Note: This is a guest post by Winnie of Her Digital Coffee.

“I’ve found that the less stuff I own, the less my stuff owns me.” —Nathan W. Morris

Discovering Minimalism

A few years ago, I came across several videos online discussing minimalism. It wasn’t a concept that I was familiar with at the time, but it immediately piqued my interest. I was fascinated by the sheer happiness and fulfillment these individuals found just by living with less, and I had to learn more.

As I began to reflect on my own lifestyle, I found it challenging to envision myself living in the same manner. I took one look around my surroundings and asked myself, “Where do I even start? What if I need all of these things? Is this lifestyle even attainable? How can I possibly find more joy living with less?”

Despite my initial hesitation, I figured it was worth a shot. If my stuff was causing me stress and affecting my productivity, then the least I should be getting out of this experience is more desk space. Little did I know that this journey that I was about to embark on would change the course of my life for the better. 

The Process

I decided to set aside a weekend to sort through my belongings. It should’ve been an easy process, right? But I was wrong. I quickly realized that letting go of things was much harder than I had expected. It was a mental process of detaching from physical items and several hours later, I found myself in the same spot with no progress. 

Rather than giving up completely, I managed to feel good about finding a few things to donate. I repeated this process weekly, and while some may say it was tedious operation, it worked for me. This method allowed me to be productive on a pace that I was comfortable with. 

The hardest thing about decluttering is thinking “What if I need this down the road?” Once I couldn’t remember what I had donated the week before, that’s when I knew the answer was “never.” 

The Feeling

After months of consistent effort, I began feeling much lighter. I no longer had an attachment to physical items. It brought me so much peace to look around my space and be greeted with items that actually enhanced and added value to my life. 

I was no longer fazed by trends or felt the pressures from social media to have the newest product or gadget. I began prioritizing experiences, which lead to me becoming more mindful and appreciating the little things in life. 

The feeling of living with less was empowering because I realized just how little I needed to be happy. In fact, my first trip to the mall since my decluttering session was an enlightening experience. I went from impulse shopping to window shopping. It became easier to say no to buying new things and being mindful of my spending.   

More Than the Physical

As my journey progressed, I realized that minimalism had bled into every aspect of my life. What once started with decluttering physical items now turned into a spiritual experience. It’s taught me the importance of letting go of things that don’t serve you. 

If something didn’t add value to my life or make my life easier, then I didn’t want it. I was more mindful of my personal connections. Whether it be a relationship or a friendship, if it’s not healthy or bringing the best of out of me, then it was time to let it go. I learned the true meaning behind quality over quantity. 

Now, I had all the time in the world to enjoy nature, new foods, and exciting experiences, because I was no longer stressed and overwhelmed by my physical surroundings. Rather than collecting physical things that would bring joy for just a moment, I was now collecting memories that would bring me joy for a lifetime.

The Takeaway

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle certainly didn’t happen overnight, but it’s been a worthwhile and rewarding experience. It’s incredible how something as simple as living with less has shifted my mood and perspective so greatly. 

I’ve learned that minimalism is more than just decluttering, owning a certain number of clothing, or limiting yourself to buying cool things. The beautiful thing about this journey is that it’s going to look different for everyone. The journey is going to be unique, just like you are. 

If I had to answer the question that popped into my head before I began my journey which was “How can I possibly find more joy living with less?” I’d answer today by saying, “Through the most magical journey of letting go, that’s when you find your truest self.” 

***

Winnie is the founder and creator of Her Digital Coffee, an online space that dives into lifestyle topics that spark passion and encourage meaningful conversations. Her Digital Coffee’s popular subjects include wellness, sustainability, travel, books, and more. Say hello and connect on Twitter and Instagram.

If Your Only Goal is More, You’ll Never Get There

There’s a trap many of us fall into where we end up spending our entire lives reaching for something we can never attain.

I’m talking about our constant pursuit for more.

So many of us live our lives always longing for more: more money, more home, more status, more likes, more success.

We believe that if we have a little more, we will finally be happy.

But the very nature of “more” is perpetually elusive. Constantly needing more to be happy is like chasing the proverbial carrot just out of reach… or a mirage that recedes as we approach it.

Because when more becomes the goal, we’ll never get there… the finish line always moves away from us.

Rarely do we stop long enough to consider “how much do I need to be happy?” How much money, how much house, how expensive a car, how many pairs of shoes?

Very few people sit long enough to answer that question.

Instead, we just assume, for one reason or another, that “more than I have now” is the right answer.

But here’s the problem: We can never arrive at contentment if more is always required to achieve it.

The relentless pursuit of ‘more’ obscures our arrival at ‘enough.‘ When we constantly focus on all the things we don’t have, we lose sight of all that we already have.

This may not be true in every situation, but many of us reading this article today are already living with more than we had before. What we have now is what we used to think would make us happy.

But even in those circumstances, our internal motivation (encouraged by society around us) is to continue desiring more, and more, and more.

We devalue what we already have, blinded by the allure of what we don’t. And our existing blessings get overlooked by the race for ‘more.’

As we continually run after ‘more,’ we lose sight of ‘enough.’

Even worse, this pursuit of ‘more’ cultivates a sense of lack, a feeling of insufficiency, an ingrained discontent in our heart. Our desire for more whispers that we haven’t accumulated enough for ourselves yet—and it turns our passions inward and self-focused.

The more we want, the less we feel we have.

But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we stopped chasing ‘more’ and started acknowledging ‘enough’? What if we recognized that contentment isn’t about acquiring more, but appreciating what we already have?

A whole new way of life would open for each of us.

So let’s redefine our pursuits. Let’s realign our measure of success. Let’s learn to count differently. And let’s aim for ‘enough’ instead of ‘more.’

Just to be clear, this article isn’t about settling for less in life, it’s about understanding the value of contentment and the ambition that accompanies it.

Consider how your attitude, your days, and your pursuits would change if we stopped setting ‘more’ as the goal and began recognizing that we already have ‘enough.’

Do you have food on your table and a roof over your head? Are there clothes in your closet? Do you have love in your life and opportunity to serve others? If so, maybe you already have all that you need to be happy.

And removing the unquenchable desire for more may be the most life-giving decision you make today.

Enough is a reachable destination. More is a journey with no end.

Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads.

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

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

Every other week, I gather articles that inspire and motivate us to lead simpler lives. My hope is to equip all of us with the courage to let go and the determination to live with less. 

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

Here’s Why 1,500 Square Feet Is The Best Home Size | Southern Living by Zoe Gowen. There’s a lot of freedom in paring down and only maintaining the space that you need.

Breaking the Cycle: How to Overcome Retail Therapy | Simple Money by Joshua Becker. The first step in overcoming retail therapy is to recognize it for what it is: a temporary solution to a deeper issue.

How to Declutter Kids’ Rooms – Experts Share Their 9 Top Sorting and Storage Tricks | Homes and Gardens by Lola Houlton. Dreading decluttering your child’s bedroom? This task can be made simple when you follow these steps to create a tidy space.

8 Unexpected Perks of a Clutter-Free Home | No Sidebar. Maintaining a clutter-free home requires effort, but it comes with numerous unexpected benefits that extend beyond a tidy appearance.

How to be a Minimalist and Live With Less | Homes to Love by Emma Markezik. Minimalists Inga and Mike Campbell share their liberating journey of living more simply.

Minimalism May be the Secret Ingredient Your Family NEEDS | Happy Simple Mom by Brooke. “Becoming a minimalist family is not as impossible as some make it seem.  There are also many benefits to being a minimalist family!”

Recently Released Inspiring Videos

Living in the Shadow of Death | YouTube by Joshua Becker. During one of my last conversations with my grandfather, he made a statement to me that I found to be incredibly profound.

15 Years, 15 Lessons: My Journey of Becoming Minimalist | YouTube by Joshua Becker. These last 15 years have been a journey of learning, understanding, and growth as our family has embraced a minimalist lifestyle.

Tackle Your Clutter Battles: 5 Life-Changing Questions

Have you ever stood in your attic or basement, decluttering box in hand, motivated to finally make progress decluttering your stuff, but then begin hesitating over actually making decisions?

Maybe it’s a certain category of items (books, hobby supplies, sentimental items). Maybe it’s items that just carry a heavier emotional weight than others. Or maybe you find yourself unsure about decluttering anything and everything.

Well, your situation and response are not unique. The process of removing clutter can be both physically and emotionally draining. But that doesn’t mean you should stay there—stuck.

There may be some items that are more difficult than others to minimize, but that doesn’t mean we should give up on the process—especially if there is a better life available to us after the work is done.

So, to get you started, here are five questions to ask yourself when decluttering feels tough:

1. Does this item align with my present, or am I holding onto it because it was part of my past?

Marie Kondo says it this way, “The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.”

Life is a journey, and the seasons of our lives change continually.

An item that once held great significance or brought great joy might not hold the same value now. Whether it’s a hobby-related item from a pastime you no longer pursue, or mementos from a chapter of your life that has closed, it’s important to evaluate whether these items still have a place in your current and future life.

Holding onto too much of our past can sometimes prevent us from making the most of our present and future. I’m thankful for my past, I’m just not moving in that direction—and neither are you.

If the item no longer aligns with who you are and where you’re heading, perhaps it’s time to let it go.

2. How often do I use or enjoy this item?

The true value of an item lies not in its cost, its rarity, or its ‘potential’ use, but in the enjoyment and value it brings into our life.

If an item sits unused and unappreciated, it’s not contributing value. Even worse, it is taking away from our potential.

So, whether it’s clothes we never wear, gadgets we never use, or books we never read, unused items can take up space and energy. There’s nothing wrong with holding onto a few items that aren’t used regularly, but boxes and boxes of unused things become a drag on our potential.

So, if the item isn’t used or enjoyed regularly, it might not be as valuable to keep as you think.

3. If I were shopping now, would I buy this?

This question can provide a fresh perspective and help us make new, objective decisions.

Imagine you’re at a store, looking at the item for the first time. Would you buy it? If not, why?

This can help us realize that we might be holding onto items due to a sense of obligation, guilt, or the endowment effect, rather than their actual value to us.

If you wouldn’t choose to bring this item into your life today, it might not be worth keeping.

4. Would allowing someone else the opportunity to use this item breathe more life into it?

Think about the book you’ve read and loved, the dress you wore once, or the tool you rarely use. These are all items that could be life-enhancing to someone else.

In fact, the very thing you are struggling to declutter and allowing to collect dust on your shelf may be the very thing someone in your community is praying for—especially when you think of items that can be used by young families with young children struggling to make ends meet.

If you’re not fully utilizing or cherishing something, consider gifting it a new life with someone else. This thought can make letting go easier and more fulfilling.

In this way, decluttering stuff can be about more than just discarding, it’s redistributing for better use of resources.

5. Is the emotional or financial cost of keeping this item worth it?

Every item we own comes with a cost. It could be a financial cost, like maintenance or storage fees, or an emotional cost, like stress or guilt.

It might be a photo album that brings up painful memories, or an expensive item you never use but feel guilty getting rid of.

We often underestimate the mental and emotional burden of clutter—it can drain our energy, distract our attention, and weigh on our minds.

If the cost of keeping the item outweighs its value to you, it might be time to let it go.

Sometimes we want to keep items from a past season of life that we loved… other times we hold on to items from a past season of life that we wish had turned out differently. In either case, the emotional distraction is a wage that we pay every time we see the item. Free yourself.

Like I mentioned earlier, decluttering can be difficult at times. And different people struggle with different categories of possessions to minimize.

And while these five questions may not solve every difficult decision you have to make on your journey to owning less, I believe they form a strong foundation for starting to think differently about your stuff—especially those items that are hard to part with.

The Real Cost of What We Buy

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” —Henry David Thoreau

If you want to become more intentional with your spending, here’s a truth that is helpful to keep in mind:

Whenever we buy something, we’re deciding that it’s worth more than anything else we could have used that money for.

You see, we only get to spend our money once. And every time we make a purchase, we have less money for something else.

Sure, we can always make more money, but that doesn’t change the reality that we can never re-spend the dollars we just spent.

So it would be wise for us to make sure the items we purchase are more valuable than the things we are turning down.

Now, before I continue, I should mention that this isn’t a post about thrift or frugality. I am not about to argue that we should stop spending money altogether. Just the contrary.

This post is about recognizing the choices we make with our money and re-examining the values we’re living by every time we make a purchase—whether it be $10, $100, or $10,000.

We’re not just buying things with our money; we’re making decisions about what we value most.

This simple realization can change how we approach our finances and, in turn, our life.

As Henry David Thoreau once said, “The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”

And this truth applies to not just the dollars spent or the time that we gave up to earn the money in the first place. It also applies to the “other thing” we could have spent our money on. Because every time we make a purchase, we have less money for something else.

Every unplanned clothing purchase and every non-essential kitchen gadget eats into our financial capacity to explore, learn, and give.

Every new tech gadget or bathroom upgrade means less money for family trips that create lifelong memories, less money for tackling debts, or less money for supporting causes we care about.

Every small little purchase on Amazon that we “click to ship” means fewer dollars left over for that girl’s trip, spontaneously planned by our friends, that we hadn’t saved enough money to afford.

This is not an article to guilt anybody into changing their habits. Instead, it’s an invitation to be mindful about where our money goes, to make sure our purchases reflect our true selves and values.

Turning the tide of spending can ripple into an ocean of change, and with increased intentionality, we can be the initiators of that change.

What if we chose not to buy an unnecessary item and instead used that money to contribute to a cause, invest in an experience, or assist someone in need?

The joy from a new purchase always fades, but the fulfillment from these other choices can last a lifetime. Rarely is an unneeded item, added to our already-full homes, worth more than the opportunity we let slip by.

So, before your next purchase, ask yourself:

Is this item really worth more than the something else I am passing up?

When we start to consider all the possible better purchases, we’re doing more than managing our finances. We’re saying ‘yes’ to the potential of our money to bring us closer to the life we desire—not one filled with possessions, but with experiences, growth, and impact.