Joshua Becker's Blog, page 5

How to Get Motivated to Minimize

Many of us know the feeling of wanting to live with less but are struggling to find the motivation to get started or continuing to make progress after a quick start. The desire is there, but the energy or commitment to the process can be hard to find at times.

Sometimes we find the work is more emotionally tiring than we thought. Sometimes we realize the project is going to take longer than we thought. Other times, life just gets in the way.

Regardless of the reason, it’s a frustrating place to be—living between where you are and where you want to be. However, it is a feeling that many of us have experienced.

In fact, from the interactions I have with people, there are a lot people living in this struggle. You want the benefits of owning less: more time, more space, less stress. But you’re not sure how to find the motivation to take the first step, or the next one after that.

I want to help. You can move forward. It is possible to break out of that struggle and continue making progress (or get started if that’s where you are). Below are some practical steps to help you get motivated to minimize and declutter your life.

1. Tell Yourself Out Loud That This Is Possible

The first, most important, step in any life change that we desire is to believe it is possible—that this change is something we can actually accomplish and that taking the first step is worth it.

But I’d like to add that one of the most powerfully practical things we can do when starting a big project is to hear our own voice telling us that it is possible. So find a quiet moment, look yourself in the mirror and say out loud: “I can do this.”

2. Understand That It Won’t Be Done Overnight

One of the biggest roadblocks to getting started is the overwhelming thought that everything needs to be done at once. But here’s the truth: minimalism is a process, not a destination. The work of decluttering and minimizing won’t happen in a single weekend or even a single month. And that’s okay. For Kim and me (+ 2 kids), the process took nine months.

Instead of focusing on the enormity of the entire project, narrow your view. Tackle one drawer, one closet, or one room at a time. Set realistic goals. Progress is progress, no matter the pace. When we shift our mindset from “I have to get it all done now” to “I’ll take one step today,” we free ourselves from the pressure of perfection and make room for lasting change.

3. Set a Decluttering Deadline for Each Area

Understanding that this process will take time opens yourself up to not being overwhelmed. That being said, we don’t want to go too slow. And sometimes open-ended projects feel too overwhelming to start.

To counter this and find motivation, give yourself a deadline for each area you want to declutter. I recommend one week for each of your home’s “lived-in” areas (living room, bedroom, bathroom, closet, etc). Storage and less-frequently used rooms might take longer.

Zoë Kim once brilliantly said, “You can always declutter just a little bit at a time, but do you really want to be decluttering for the rest of your life?” She is right! Set a deadline for the areas in your homes. This helps manufacture urgency and focus, helping you overcome procrastination.

4. Write Down a Motivation Greater Than “I Just Want to Own Less”

“I want to own less” is a great goal, but it’s not really enough motivation to get us through the hard parts of decluttering. What we really need is a deeper, more meaningful reason to push us through the process. Take a moment and physically write down your reasons.

Perhaps you want more time with family, less stress about maintaining a large home, or financial freedom from excessive spending. Maybe you crave more space for creative pursuits, want to travel, have faith-based motivations, or just desire to live more aligned with your values. When we attach our minimizing efforts to a purpose greater than just reducing clutter, we tap into a source of motivation that can sustain us when the process gets tough.

5. Start With What You Know You Don’t Need

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start. A simple way to begin is by focusing on the items you already know you no longer need or use. These are the low-hanging fruits of decluttering—the things that hold no emotional attachment and are easy to part with. It could be kitchen gadgets you haven’t used in years, clothes you never wear, or toys/games that are no loner used.

By starting with these items, you build momentum and create space—both physically and mentally—to tackle more challenging areas later. In fact, here’s a list of 101 places to start.

6. Make a Donation at Your Local Goodwill or Donation Center

A practical way to take immediate action is by making a donation. Fill a box or bag with items you no longer need, drive to your local Goodwill or donation center, and drop it off. The simple act of getting things out of your home forces you into motion and clears space.

The reality is there might even be a couple of donation boxes or bags already sitting in your home or trunk just waiting to get dropped off. Do it today, There’s a sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing you’ve not only removed clutter but also contributed to someone else’s life.

7. Find Accountability and Support

Getting motivated is easier when we don’t feel like we’re doing it alone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or an online community, finding support and accountability can make a big difference. Share your goals with someone who can encourage you along the way. Better yet, find someone who’s also interested in minimizing, and commit to helping each other stay motivated.

8. Watch This Video: The Story of Stuff

Sometimes all it takes is a little outside inspiration to reignite your motivation. Watch The Story of Stuff, a short film that highlights the impact of overconsumption on our world. The video is 20-years old but is equally relevant today as the day it was published. It was one of the most motivational videos I watched while pursuing minimalism and I know it will inspire you as well.

Minimalism is a process, but it does have an endpoint. And you’ll love it when you get there!

The post How to Get Motivated to Minimize appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

The Stress We Needlessly Bring Into Our Lives

Stress appears to have become a staple of modern life. In fact, according to one recent study, 84% of Americans report feeling stressed at least once a week. Gallup reports half of all Americans (49%) report frequently experiencing stress.

And those numbers are only getting worse—49% is 16 points higher than two decades ago and the highest on record!

This is not good news.

Stress affects more than just our mood. It influences every part of our lives, from our health to our relationships. As most of us know, chronic stress is a significant contributor to heart disease, anxiety, depression, and even obesity. It weakens our immune systems, disrupts sleep, and clouds our ability to think clearly.

And while some of the health consequences may feel long-term or go unnoticed in our day-to-day, we feel the short-term negative effects all too well.

We go to bed thinking about what we didn’t accomplish today and wake up already stressed about what tomorrow holds. We feel the constant weight of responsibility on our shoulders. We hate how stress keeps us from being our best partner or parent. And we often turn to unhealthy addictions for relief.

It’s exhausting.

But here’s the thing: It doesn’t need to be this way.

Yes, of course, life has its challenges and some stress is unavoidable. But much of the stress we carry—believe it or not—is self-imposed. It’s stress we needlessly bring into our lives.

I’ll explain what I mean in a moment. But before I do, don’t get defensive. This is amazingly good news. If we’re needlessly bringing stress into our lives, we also have the power to let it go.

Let me explain.

There are genuine stressors in life that no one can avoid. Life is painful and complicated. It is never easy and often requires us to carry a heavy burden. According to the experts, the top five stressful life events include: the death of a loved one, divorce, moving, a major illness or injury, and job loss. No doubt, all of these are significant, painful disruptions to life that affect all of us.

They are unavoidable over the course of a lifetime. These are the kinds of events that metaphorically tear the rug out from underneath our feet and require focus, energy, and bandwidth to deal with. We don’t choose them, but we have to live through them. And stress accompanies that reality.

I am not saying that all stress is avoidable and unnecessary.

But there are other sources of stress in our lives that are avoidable. Stressors that, while we don’t intentionally invite them into our lives, we feel each day because of the choices we make, the pressures we put on ourselves, and the habits we maintain.

This stress is avoidable. And we would be wise to recognize when we are allowing it in.

Consider just this partial list of some of the ways we unnecessarily invite stress into our lives:

Trying to Keeping Up with the Joneses

From the latest gadgets and newest cars to the greenest yard and most luxurious homes, we often measure success by comparing ourselves to others.

But this comparison creates a never-ending cycle of both desire and dissatisfaction—leading us to chase harder and harder after a finish line of contentment we will never arrive at. It is a formula for stress that can never be overcome.

Over-Scheduling Ourselves

Some of us choose to wear busy as a badge of honor. When we do, we pack our schedules with too many commitments in too little time, and invite stress into our lives.

Are there seasons of life that are busy? Certainly. But there is also a somewhat prevalent cultural belief that being busy equates to being successful.

So we overestimate what we can accomplish in a day, adding more and more, and this constant busyness leaves little time for rest or reflection. When we don’t leave space for ourselves, we become overwhelmed, burnt out, and unable to fully enjoy any of the activities we’ve scheduled.

Unnecessary Relationship Drama

All around are relationships. We have relationships at work, in our extended families, in our neighborhoods, and in our social communities (and probably a dozen other areas too).

There are times when relationships need work. But when we invite drama into our families or workplaces by overreacting or gossiping or miscommunication, we spend mental energy on conflicts that don’t advance our relationships, our work, or personal well-being. These distractions consume our time and emotional energy—even when they don’t need to.

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to feel like we need to know everything, be everywhere, and do everything. The pressure to keep up with every social event, keep up with every trend, and stay both informed and involved in every opportunity creates a constant state of stress. Social media amplifies this fear, convincing us that if we’re not present, we’re somehow missing out. But trying to be everywhere only leaves us exhausted and disconnected.

Trying to Impress People

The desire to impress others can be a powerfully motivating force. Whether through our achievements, possessions, or social status, we often invest time and energy into projecting a certain image. But the constant striving to maintain appearances is exhausting and rarely fulfilling. It creates a cycle of anxiety where we never feel good enough, even after reaching milestones we thought would bring validation.

Perfectionism

The need to be perfect—whether at work, in our relationships, in our looks, in our personal development, or even in our hobbies—often leads to unnecessary stress. Perfectionism sets unrealistic standards that are impossible to meet, leaving us feeling like failures even when we’ve done our best. The type of stress that perfectionism invites into our lives, in this regard, is unnecessary. At least, compared to the simple pursuit of progress rather than perfection.

Comparison

Social media, while a great tool for connection, has made comparison an ever-present temptation in our lives. It can be helpful to remember that nobody is perfect and nobody has it all put together as well as the highlights they post on social media—their vacations, achievements, and picture-perfect moments.

Of course, comparison existed before social media. Even many decades ago, Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” But not only does it steal joy, it adds stress. Because the more time we spend comparing ourselves to others, the less we feel we are measuring up, the more pressure we put on ourselves to become someone we are not, and the more stressed we become.

Accumulating Debt

Americans now owe $1.3 trillion in credit card debt alone. Living beyond our means is a major source of financial stress—and financial stress is the number one cause of stress in America. Are there legitimate times and scenarios when expenses exceed income? Absolutely. And when we live even close to that line, stress will likely follow.

But not every person accumulating debt in America does so because of necessity. Sometimes the debt we accumulate is simply because of overspending and allowing consumerism to override our means. And when that is the case, the financial stress we experience is entirely self-imposed (and unnecessary.) Only you will know for sure, but I am one who can quickly attest that a simpler, debt-free life brings far more peace than the fleeting satisfaction of material possessions.

People-Pleasing

Trying to meet everyone’s expectations or avoid disappointing anyone can also lead to stress. When that becomes our goal or motivation, we spread ourselves too thin, saying “yes” to commitments that don’t align with our values, simply to keep the peace or gain approval. This can leave us drained, with little time to care for ourselves or find the peace of living life based on meaningful values.

Chronic Multitasking

In an effort to get more done in a world that is constantly on, many of us have fallen into the habit of multitasking. But research has shown that multitasking reduces efficiency and increases stress. Juggling multiple tasks at once may seem productive, but it often leads to mistakes and burnout, creating more stress in the long run.

Procrastination

Putting off important tasks is another way we invite unnecessary stress into our lives. The habit of delaying work that needs to be done only increases the stress we feel as deadlines approach—and contributes to ever-present, low-level stress knowing that a deadline is looming.

The anxiety of knowing something important is undone weighs on our minds, making it harder to focus on anything else. Procrastination leads to a cycle of stress that could be avoided by taking small, manageable steps toward completion. Here’s how to overcome it, by the way.

Unhealthy Habits

Many of the unhealthy habits we maintain can also be significant sources of stress in our lives. Overeating, not exercising, overworking, and even unhealthy addictions like smoking or excessive drinking add both physical and emotional stress. These habits, although they are not easy to break, often lead to unnecessary personal stress (and maybe even stress for our loved ones).

Everyone’s unhealthy habits may look different, but the impact is the same: they drain our energy, weaken our health, and add unnecessary stress to our lives.

But here’s the important thing: When we remove the unnecessary stress we bring into our lives, we create more space to handle the real stressors! We find ourselves more resilient and capable of facing life’s inevitable challenges.

It is a life-changing reality to discover that much of the stress we carry today is entirely optional. And with intentionality, we can choose to release it, freeing ourselves to live with greater peace and purpose.

The post The Stress We Needlessly Bring Into Our Lives appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

10 Daily Habits to Keep Your Home Clutterfree

“Your home should be the antidote to stress, not the cause.” —Peter Walsh

Most of us aspire to a home that feels calm—a place where we can relax at the end of a long day, a space that brings peace rather than stress. We picture clean countertops, clear floors, and rooms filled with only the things we love.

But for many of us, that vision feels just out of reach. Life is busy, our homes are used every day, and clutter seems to multiply overnight.

Here’s the trick that most people miss: The secret to maintaining a clutterfree home isn’t found in a once-a-year deep clean or a major decluttering project, though those can help. The real key lies in small, daily habits.

Our homes get used every day, so it makes sense that a little attention each day can keep things from spiraling out of control. We don’t need to wait for the perfect time to tidy up or the energy for a big cleaning spree. Instead, we embrace simple habits, all day long, that take just minutes but keep our homes in a constant state of calm.

These daily habits aren’t necessarily difficult or time-consuming, but they make all the difference. When we incorporate them into our routine, they become second nature. Over time, we find that keeping a clutterfree home isn’t something we have to work for—it’s simply the way we live.

Here are 10 daily habits to help you keep your home clutterfree:

1. Wash and put away dishes

After each meal, make it a habit to wash or load the dishes into the dishwasher and put them away when dry. Or, try handwashing your dishes. A clean kitchen sets the tone for the entire home, and when dishes pile up, the space quickly feels chaotic. Tackling them right away ensures a clutterfree, inviting kitchen.

2. Return clothes to the closet or hamper

Instead of leaving clothes on the floor or draped over furniture, take a moment to put them back in the closet or toss them in the hamper. This simple habit keeps bedrooms tidy and prevents laundry from piling up.

3. Tidy up the living room

At the end of each day, spend five to ten minutes straightening up the living room. Fluff pillows, fold blankets, and return out-of-place items to their home. This quick reset makes the space feel organized and ready for the next day.

4. Clear items off the bathroom counter

Bathroom counters can quickly become cluttered with toiletries and products. Each morning or evening, take a moment to clear everything off and put things back where they belong. A clean counter transforms the space and brings a sense of calm.

5. Process the mail immediately

Instead of letting mail pile up on the kitchen counter or entry table, process it as soon as it arrives. Toss junk mail, set aside bills, and store important papers in their designated spot. This habit prevents paper clutter from taking over.

6. Put away shoes and bags

When you walk in the door, it’s easy to leave shoes and bags wherever they land. But putting them away immediately—shoes on the rack, bags in a designated spot—keeps the entryway or living space from becoming cluttered.

7. Wipe down surfaces

Wiping down surfaces like kitchen counters, dining tables, or bathroom sinks each day helps maintain cleanliness and order. It only takes a minute but prevents grime and clutter from building up.

8. Make your bed

One of the simplest habits to start your day off right is making your bed. A made bed brings an immediate sense of order to the room and makes the entire bedroom feel more put-together. It’s a small task with a big impact.

9. Return items to their designated places

As you go about your day, it’s easy to leave things like books, toys, or electronics scattered around the house. Take a few minutes each day to return these items to their designated spots. This keeps your home organized and prevents clutter from building up over time.

10. Include your kids in putting toys away

If you have children, it’s important to involve them in the process of keeping the home clutterfree. At the end of the day, encourage them to help put away their toys. Not only does this keep the home organized, but it also teaches them responsibility and the value of a tidy space.

If you’re just getting started trying to establish a clutterfree home, these might sound daunting at the beginning. And if own too much stuff, they will be more difficult

But, owning fewer things makes all of this even easier. When we simplify our possessions, there’s less to tidy, less to clean, and less to manage. Minimalism allows us to focus on what matters most—creating a home that is not just clutterfree, but filled with peace, purpose, and joy.

The post 10 Daily Habits to Keep Your Home Clutterfree appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Life is Not a Spectator Sport

Life, it seems to me, is not a spectator sport. It is not something that happens to us while we sit on the sidelines.

Just the opposite: Life is something we are meant to participate in fully. Even more, it is something we will never fully appreciate or make the most of until we engage our whole selves in it.

But, too often, we withdraw. Or at the very least, we find ourselves waiting—waiting for the right moment, the right opportunity, the perfect circumstances. We convince ourselves that we’ll take action when things align just right. But here’s the reality: life doesn’t wait for us. The days and hours keep ticking by.

If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, now is the time to do it.

We all have dreams, ambitions, and ideas about the kind of life we want to live. Maybe it’s a passion you’ve been neglecting, a project you’ve always wanted to start, or a cause you’ve felt drawn to. Whatever it is, it’s time to stop waiting and start doing. There’s no perfect time and there’s no guarantee that things will fall into place later. You could spend your life on the sidelines.

The only thing we can do and can control is that we show up. We take a step, starting with where we are, what we have, and what we know. Jump while you can.

Other times, we sit on the sidelines by placing blame on ourselves, other people, or even society for the things we don’t like about our lives. Again, we fall into the trap of letting life happen to us, rather than getting actively involved in changing our lives for the better—and the world for the better as well.

When I conducted my survey research for Things That Matter, one of the most heart-breaking statistics I discovered is that “62% of people believe their past mistakes are holding them back from achieving the future they’d like to have.” Even more heart-breaking, “55% of people say that ‘wrongs committed against me’ are holding them back from achieving the future they’d like to have.”

No doubt, there are great mistakes and evils that are committed in this world—and some of them were directly committed against you. I am so sorry to know that.

It is easy to point fingers at others or your past self and blame them for the current condition of your life. And I’m not saying it’s going to be easy to overcome that past hurt and pain that exists in your life. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be active in confronting it and working to overcome it.

The responsibility for action is yours, and it’s yours alone. No one else is going to live your life for you. If we ever want to see change, whether in our own lives or in the world around us, we have to be people of action and activity. We are the ones to make it happen.

I think in our world today, it is easy to be a spectator. We can spend hours and hours watching television series and never reach the end of available programming. We can scroll 24 hours/day on social media, we can watch events unfold and talking heads endlessly on news channels, or find another video game to play on our phones or consoles.

But if we want to make a difference—whether in our personal lives, in our communities, or in the world—we need to get involved. It’s not enough to wish things were different or to hope that someone (or the government) will step up to bring about the change we desire. We are the ones who need to act!

If you see a change that needs to happen in your life, you are the only one that can accomplish that. If you see an unhealthy habit in your life, it’s up to you to change it. If you don’t like your clutter, your job, your finances, your relationships, or the current trajectory of your life, it’s up to you to make the change.

Equally so, when you see a need in the world, don’t assume someone else will handle it. Whether it’s standing up for justice, lending a helping hand, or supporting a cause you care about, don’t just sit back and wait for others to take the lead. Each of us has something to offer. We all have unique talents, passions, and experiences that shape how we can contribute. But none of that matters unless we choose to step forward and get involved.

The truth is, life is happening right now. 1,440 minutes are going to pass today—whether you use them for good or merely let them pass by is up to you.

Every day you are alive is another opportunity to make a difference, to move closer to the life we want to live, and to contribute something meaningful to the world around us. So don’t let this one go wasted.

Minimalism has helped me realize this truth more clearly. By owning less, I’ve freed up time, energy, and resources to focus on what matters. I’ve been able to see how much of my life was being wasted on foolish pursuits and readjust accordingly.

But minimalism isn’t my greatest goal—it’s the tool. It’s a way to remove the distractions that keep us from living fully. When we let go of what doesn’t matter, we’re able to focus more on what does. And that’s where the real work begins.

Life is not meant to be observed. It’s meant to be lived. So don’t wait for tomorrow or for someone else to give you permission. Get involved, take action, and make the most of the one life you’ve been given.

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Five Signs You Might Need a Digital Detox

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” ―Anne Lamott

I have made my living on the Internet as a writer for the last eleven years. No doubt I am thankful for the Internet and all the opportunities it has afforded me to inspire people to own less.

But technology, for all its benefits and opportunities, can also quickly begin to overwhelm us and distract us. I see it every day in my own life and others.

For that reason, one of the most important steps I have ever taken to keep my use of technology healthy and balanced is an annual digital detox.

Simply put, once a year, I take an extended break from technology. I have experimented with different durations of time over the years, ranging anywhere from seven days to 40 days. But have found the most effective time-frame for a helpful digital detox to be 29 days.

Whenever I take a tech fast, I inevitably learn I am more addicted to my devices than I thought. But that is the nature of addiction, isn’t it? We never fully realize our level of addiction until the item is taken away. The only way to truly discover technology’s controlling influence on your life is to turn it off, walk away, and sense how strong the pull is to turn it back on.

During the detox, I place strict boundaries on myself for the time frame selected. For example, I might still use my phone for calls and texts but remove all other functions, apps, opportunities, and distractions (even camera and maps). I still use my computer for work, but limit the amount of time and the websites that I allow myself to visit. While I usually try to remove as much technology as possible during the annual detox, I have implemented different guidelines at different times during different seasons in my life.

But the purpose is always the same: Reorient my thinking around and use of technology in my life and work.

Every time I go on digital detox, it proves to be a powerful reset for me in my relationship to technology. And inevitably rebalances my life around things that matter in the long-run.

To help you know if a 29-day Digital Detox would be valuable, here are five signs you might need one:

1. You spend more time on your devices than you intended.

Technology can be like quicksand—sticky and challenging to escape.

Haven’t we all gotten hooked after one article and stayed for another article, comment, or share? You click on an article that should only take five to ten minutes of your time, but then continue scrolling down your News feed afterward… Before you know it, you’ve spent fifteen to twenty minutes mindlessly scrolling.

The squandering of time is a direct and obvious consequence of the built-in attraction of games, sites, and apps. You may find it easier to disrupt this habit entirely and then start again, rather than to merely try to curb it.

2. You feel guilt or dissatisfaction after spending time with your electronic devices.

When I eat a bag of chips, I immediately feel the salt on my tongue. Eventually, the saltiness dulls and oils remain. The residue remains on my fingertips. But when I overeat on these empty calories, I feel dissatisfied.

Technology use has a similar reward-regret curve. Each site and article provides a little nugget of instant gratification. Too many, and I’m inclined to regret this use of time.

If you’re filled with negative emotions after spending time on tech, that’s a not-so-subtle hint that you need to go on a tech break.

3. You are motivated by a fear of missing out.

FOMO is a recognized form of social anxiety that has gotten worse in our day. It’s the worry that others might be having fun online while you’re not there. If I’m not watching that video or scrolling that feed, I’m going to be the loser who isn’t in on the cool thing that’s happening.

The truth is, you’ll always miss out on something. There’s always more we can participate in, but time is limited and being busier is not the answer. To teach yourself this truth, do the subversive thing and deliberately miss out on communication and entertainment.

During your 29 day fast from technology, you can give the most important people a way to get through to you in an emergency. Everything else can just wait.

4. You experience urges to check and check again.

The little red symbol says you’ve got fifteen new emails. What if they’re important? You’d better check now!

Yes, you were on Facebook just half an hour ago. But a lot has downloaded into your feed in that time.

You’ve already scanned the headlines on your favorite news channel several times, but since the last time, a “breaking news alert” may have started scrolling in the ticker box.

Find out how much more you can get done if you stop interrupting your own concentration. And how unnecessary nearly all of that information is that you were obsessively checking on.

5. You never have enough time in your day.

Once I was talking about the distraction of technology with my kids at the kitchen counter. They got out their phones and reported their screen time and most-used apps.

“Now what about you, Dad?” said Salem.

Of course, to keep this fair I had to check too.

What I found still haunts me. I’d picked up my phone more than fifty times that day. I’d spent more than three hours on email, social media, text messaging, and web browsing. While a lot of that was for work, it was still far more than I would have guessed or could have justified.

At the end of a day, it’s not uncommon to feel like we’ve been incredibly busy. The busyness and stress are real, but if you were to reduce tech usage, might it help you feel calmer and more available for what matters?

If you recognize yourself in the list above, try a twenty-nine-day digital detox. Sure, you can do it successfully for a different length of time, but I’ve observed that twenty-nine days seems to give most people the right amount of time for abstaining from technology and gaining a new perspective on it.

When you’re doing your digital detox, make it as comprehensive as you possibly can. I realize there are exceptions. Maybe you have to use email and text for your work. Maybe you’ve got teens with driver’s licenses and you want to keep your cell phone on when they’re out of the house. But still, the more you can cut out, the more effective this exercise will be.

And don’t give in before the twenty-nine days are up. You’ll be shocked at how much personal growth can happen in twenty-nine days!

—

This article is an adapted excerpt from my latest book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life. Things That Matter is currently available in digital format for just $1.99 (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks). If you’ve been wanting to read the book, now is a great time to get it! Anyone who buys the book this week and wants to receive my 6-week Video Series to accompany the book for free, can do that by signing up here with just your receipt/order number.

The post Five Signs You Might Need a Digital Detox appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

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.

8 Decluttering Mistakes Professional Organisers are Tired of Seeing – and How to Avoid Them | Yahoo by Jullia Joson. Professional declutterers and organisers share the most common decluttering mistakes they see people making.

From Sorrow to Soaring: How Minimalism Can Heal Hurt | Simply Minimally by Heather Spiva. “Life will never be perfect. But if I can surround myself with the lifestyle I want to have, regardless of what comes my way, then no matter what happens or what pain takes place, I win.”

I Kept Track of Every Single Item That Entered Our Home Over a Month | To Love and To Learn by Torrie Meidell. “I’ve been trying to look at our stuff and our clutter in fresh ways so that I can remind myself of my ‘why’ and give myself motivation to keep pushing through the hard.”

12 Items You Won’t Miss When You Embrace Minimalism | No Sidebar. When you embrace a minimalist lifestyle, you begin to experience freedom not just from stuff, but from many of the burdens that weigh us down in everyday life.

How to Declutter Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide | USA Today by Naomi Barr. If you’ve been overwhelmed by household clutter, you’re not alone: Almost 30% of homeowners feel the same. What’s more, about 50% of respondents said clutter negatively impacted their mental health.

Recently Released Inspiring Videos

5 Things People With Tidy Homes Don’t Do | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Struggling to keep up and wondering how to keep your house clean? Some people seem to be able to do it effortlessly. Keeping a tidy home isn’t just about what you do, but what you don’t do.

Find a Rational Minimalism that Works For You | YouTube by Joshua Becker. While extreme minimalism may appeal to some, most of us will appreciate a more practical approach to minimalism that takes our lifestyles into account.

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Living a Simple Life is Not a Step Backward

There is a misconception that simplicity is about taking a step back. That a simple life is a move toward something outdated, outgrown, or even selling short our potential. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Living a simpler life is not a step back. Just the opposite. It is a step forward.

It is a deliberate, courageous, counter-cultural step forward. It is a step toward a life more aligned with our values, more focused on what matters, and more fulfilling in ways that material possessions and societal status can never provide.

Choosing to live a simple life is not about settling for less—it is about moving toward more and better. It is about taking a stand for the kind of life we want to live and recognizing that culture’s most-praised pursuits—money, possessions, prestige—often distract us from meaning, significance, and joy.

Consider it this way, a simple life is…

A Step Toward Values

When we choose simplicity, we prioritize our deepest values over cultural expectations.

Society often tells us to measure success by the size of our bank account, the neighborhood of our home, the number (or value) of our possessions, or the career we hold. But deep down, we all know those things do not bring lasting happiness or fulfillment. They are temporary and fleeting. And even worse, they sometimes come at the cost of our well-being, faith, relationships, and peace of mind.

Choosing a simple life frees us from the constant pressure to keep up with others and enables us to live a life that is true to ourselves. And that sounds like a step forward to me!

A Step Toward Intentionality

A simple life is marked by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. Living a simple life means intentionally promoting the things we most value and removing everything that distracts us from it.

As a result, it forces intentionality upon us. It helps us bring improvement in almost all aspects of life because a simple life is a decision to focus on things that matter. It invites us to invest our time, energy, and resources in the things that align with our deepest values (however we define that).

Intentionality looks different for everybody, as no two individuals are the same, but it requires each of us to dive deeper and become more introspective about our values and passions.

A Step Toward Impact

Living a simpler life brings not just personal benefit, it also sets an example for others. When we choose to live simply, we send a powerful message to our children, our peers, and our community. We show them that there is a different way to live—a way that is not driven by materialism or consumerism, but by values, integrity, and purpose.

In a world that is increasingly obsessed with consumption, it is even more important that someone model a different way of living. By choosing simplicity, we show our children that true happiness is not found in the accumulation of possessions—it must be found elsewhere.

A Step Toward Opportunity

Happiness is not found in money, possessions, or prestige. These things may bring temporary pleasure or a quick hit of dopamine, but they do not lead to lasting fulfillment. Lasting happiness must be found elsewhere.

Simplicity is a step forward because it removes our pursuit of happiness in such things. Where do people look for happiness when living a simple life? Well, that answer will change from one person to another. But a simple life always shifts our pursuit of happiness away from unfulfilling places. And that is a powerful step forward.

A Step Toward Responsibility

Living a simpler life is a step forward because it calls us to recognize our responsibility to the world and to others. In a world of limited resources, it is more important than ever that we live with intention and mindfulness. By choosing to live simply, we reduce our impact on the environment, free up resources for generosity, and free up our lives to live for a cause bigger than ourselves.

A Step Toward Health

A simpler life often leads to better physical, mental, and emotional health. One must only look at the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and stress to recognize that our current way of living is not sustainable.

By choosing to live a simple life, we reduce the nonessentials in our lives and often reduce stress and anxiety as well. We also make more intentional choices about our diet, exercise, and overall well-being. Simplicity allows us to prioritize self-care and mindfulness, which are essential for a healthy, balanced life.

A Step Toward Contentment

Simplicity helps us find contentment in what we have rather than constantly seeking more. It teaches us to appreciate the small joys and blessings that life offers each day.

When we focus less on all the things we want, we are able to appreciate more the good that we already have. And when we stop comparing ourselves to others, we open ourselves to finding a deep sense of contentment and peace. This shift in perspective also allows us to live a life of gratitude.

It is important for all of us to remember that living a simpler life is not a step back. It is a step forward into a life that is richer, fuller, and more aligned with our true selves. It is a step forward into a life that is guided by values, not by societal pressures. It is a step forward into a life that is more intentional, more impactful, and more fulfilling.

What are you waiting for?

The post Living a Simple Life is Not a Step Backward appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

10 Super Practical Ways Minimalism Will Help You Be Less Busy

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” —Socrates

A few years ago, the New York Times labeled the modern family the most stressed, tired, and rushed generation of all time. Few of us would disagree with that description.

Of course, one of the reasons this description is true is because our modern generation owns more stuff than at any other time in human history. As material goods have become more accessible and more affordable, we have accumulated more and more. And the more stuff we own, the more stuff we need to manage.

Additionally, as the pace of the world has increased, so has the expectation that being busy is something to be proud of. We even have a word for it now: busy bragging. We complain about how busy life has become… but we are always sure to complain loud enough that everyone can hear us. As if, being busy has become a badge of honor we love to wear.

But does this endless chase ever bring true fulfillment? Doubtful.

As Socrates said, beware the barrenness of a busy life. A focused and intentional life is a wonderful thing to be proud of. But being busy about all the wrong things? That can only lead to regret.

Minimalism offers a different perspective and approach. It offers an opportunity to escape busyness. And it does this in super practical ways.

Here are 10 ways adopting a minimalist lifestyle can help you be less busy:

1. Less Shopping

When we break free from the consumer culture that urges us to buy, buy, buy, we inevitably spend less time in stores and online marketplaces.

Minimalism teaches us to prioritize needs over wants, which results in fewer shopping trips (and less time researching and returning products).

2. Fewer Distractions

By minimizing physical clutter, we remove distractions from our work and living spaces.

This increased opportunity for focus can lead to greater productivity, allowing us to accomplish tasks more efficiently and freeing up time.

3. More Efficient Wardrobe

Having a minimalist wardrobe means less time spent deciding what to wear every day.

It also means less time doing laundry, shopping for clothes, and organizing your closet.

There’s a reason many successful people are adopting the idea.

4. Less Cleaning and Organizing

A minimalist home requires less upkeep. And with fewer items to clean, maintain, and organize, we are rewarded with more time in our day to spend on anything we want.

Want a cleaner home? Own less stuff. It works every time.

5. The Ripple Effect of Intentionality

Embracing minimalism in one aspect of our lives tends to have a ripple effect that spills over into other areas like our calendar, our habits, and even the work that we do.

Intentionality sparks intentionality.

6. Clearer Values

Minimalism forces us to articulate and prioritize our greatest values.

When we understand what truly matters to us, we make better decisions about how we spend our time. We can say no to activities that don’t align with these values and free up hours for the ones that do.

7. A New Appreciation for Quiet Moments

As we become more comfortable with the idea of ‘less,’ we start cherishing quiet moments.

Instead of feeling the need to fill every minute with activity, we learn to appreciate the peace found in simple, quiet moments. And these quiet moments of solitude both feed our soul and direct our path.

8. Less Financial Stress

With fewer possessions and fewer purchases, minimalism offers opportunity to experience less financial stress. And fewer financial worries mean less time consumed by anxiety, budgeting, bill paying, and sometimes arguing.

9. Less Decision Fatigue

Each day, we make numerous decisions—what to wear, what to eat, how we entertain ourselves, what chores or errands to complete.

Owning less and simplifying our routines can reduce the number of these daily decisions, saving us mental energy and time—and in the long run, leading to better decisions.

10. Life Lived in Alignment

With less clutter, we are free to focus on what matters most to us. Our most finite resources (money, time, energy, focus) can be spent on our greatest values.

And when they are, life gets less “busy.” There are still wonderfully important things for us to accomplish—but alignment doesn’t feel like busyness; it feels like purpose.

As always, minimalism is a personal journey and will look different from person to person.

But in a world of increased stress, rush, and hurry… a little less busyness can be appreciated by everyone. Minimalism makes that possible.

The post 10 Super Practical Ways Minimalism Will Help You Be Less Busy appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

My Top 8 Recent YouTube Videos

If you didn’t know, I’ve been making YouTube videos to accompany this blog for 6 years. It’s a joy to be able to connect with a new audience and share my content in a way that may work better for some people than reading. I’m so grateful for our audience of 310,000 subscribers, and for 500,000 views every month. Amazing!

In case you’ve missed them, I want to take this opportunity to share with you some of our most popular recent videos.

1. 24 Things to Declutter in 2024

A list of 24 things you shouldn’t be carrying still in 2024. If you are ready to put in some effort decluttering unnecessary possessions from your home, you’ll love the change.

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2. 15 Little Changes You Can Make in Your Home to Help It Serve You Better

Does managing and maintaining your home cause you stress? If so, here are 15 easy ways to make caring for your your home less stressful.

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3. 7 Lies That Lead to a Cluttered Home

Nobody, when asked what they most want to accomplish in life, responds by saying, “I just want to own as much clutter as possible.” Owning more stuff than we need isn’t something people purposefully set out to do. But somehow, it happens—despite being a great source of stress in our lives.

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4. 9 Types of Clothes You Can Declutter Immediately

Have you ever looked into your closet and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of items? It’s a common scenario for many, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you. To get you started, here are nine types of clothing items you can consider removing from your closet today.

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5. 9 Simple Ideas to Thin Out Your Closet

There are many reasons the capsule wardrobe movement is growing so rapidly. A thinned out minimalist wardrobe is less stressful, less time-consuming, and more convenient.

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6. 14 Reasons I’ve Been Able to Sustain Minimalism for 14 Years

How seeing the bigger picture behind minimalism and the greater motivation for it keeps me focused on owning less.

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7. 10 Signs You Own Too Much Stuff

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.

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8. 21 Life Changing Minimalist Experiments to Try in Your Home

There is a beautiful life-giving joy to be found in the realization of how little we actually need. Minimalist experiments can help us discover that.

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I publish new videos every Friday. If you’d like to be notified when I do, you can subscribe to my channel on YouTube right here.

The post My Top 8 Recent YouTube Videos appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.

Your Unique Minimalism: What Kind is Just Right for You?

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

Contrary to popular belief, minimalism isn’t a numbers game. It’s not about owning fewer than 100 things or a 33-piece wardrobe.

Numbers like that can turn minimalism into a competition, which is all wrong. That habit of comparison is what makes us try to keep up with the Joneses. It’s what pushes us to buy the latest and greatest, even if we don’t need it, even if we can’t afford it, simply so we’ll fit in and gain respect. 

The comparison trap is the last place we want to end up.

Minimalism is about figuring out what matters to you and then getting rid of things that steal your money, time, and talents away from that. Each of us will have different answers to what’s most important, so our versions of minimalism will look different. In fact, my minimalism today, as half of a long-married couple nearing retirement, looks different from what it did 18 years ago, when I was homeschooling two teens, working as a bookkeeper, directing a choir, and performing as a classical singer.

Minimalism is not about rules.

Minimalism is for everyone —single location-independent entrepreneurs, families with little kids, seniors looking to downsize, and everyone in between. Minimalism is for everyone, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s not about rules, it’s about you.

Your version of minimalism will be unique to you. It depends on what you value, what your goals are, and what your family, job, and lifestyle are like.

The only “requirement” to minimalism is that you identify what’s important to you and what you care about most. Then remove the things that aren’t necessary or valuable to you, and the things that distract you or prevent you from having or being what you most desire. You can’t get minimalism wrong if you’ve done that.

As life and circumstances change, your priorities and values may change too, which means your minimalism may look different. You might want to minimize even more, or a new situation might require a few more things, or you might need to accommodate the activities of a family as well as your own.

It’s still minimalism. There are no minimalist police to punish you for owning “too much,” or minimalist awards for owning the least. 

It can be helpful to read about choices made by other minimalists, what they’ve learned, what their stumbling blocks and their successes have been, and what tips they have to share. I hope my blog and my books can be resources like that, full of encouragement, insight, and inspiration to try something you haven’t thought of before. You won’t copy me, but you might learn about or even disagree with something that helps you craft your own version of a minimalist life.

How to start

What if you’re new to the idea of minimalism, and feeling a bit overwhelmed without a set of hard-and-fast rules to follow? Or what if you’ve been decluttering and getting less busy for a while, but aren’t sure how much further you want (or need) to go?

It helps to ask questions, get clear about what kind of minimalist you want to be, and decide what you need to do to achieve it.

We’re all crafting a life. We’re motivated by sticks, carrots, and an ideal of comfort and satisfaction.

3 questions to uncover your unique brand of minimalism

1.  What’s your stick?

What brought you to minimalism in the first place?  What’s your motivation for seeking a simpler life?  What needs fixing?

Are you tired of cleaning and organizing and never seeing much difference for long?Are you overwhelmed by your schedule and responsibilities?Are you sick of spending most of your free time dealing with your possessions, and want more time and energy for family, friends, hobbies, your career, or something else?Are you moving, and need to streamline before you start packing everything up?Are you facing a major life change—marriage, divorce, a new baby, a new career or business, retirement—and you need freedom and focus to move ahead?Are you appalled at the waste generated by the typical consumerist lifestyle?Are you feeling trapped by debt?Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or even depressed, and want something better than just gritting your teeth and getting through each day?

There are many reasons you might be attracted to minimalism, and understanding yours helps you figure out what you want to accomplish by paring down. You can get clear about your minimalist goals.

I had several reasons to learn about minimalism almost 30 years ago. My husband and I wanted to get a handle on finances so we could live on one salary while I homeschooled our young children, we were feeling overrun by toys, and I needed to break a bad habit of binge shopping and purging.

Reminding yourself of your “why” can help you when you get bogged down with decluttering, feel conflicted about getting rid of something, or struggle to say no.

2.  What’s your carrot?

Joshua Becker has defined minimalism as “the intentional promotion of the things we most value, and the removal of anything that distracts us from it.” That’s a great open-ended definition, but it means that to become minimalist, we must understand what we value most. What do you hope to gain from minimalism?

Take time to think and get very clear about this.  Maybe you value:

quality time with your familyattention and focus for your careerfinances and freedom to travelleisure for a favorite hobbyenergy to devote to an important cause

… or something else.

For me, all those years ago, I wanted to give my best talents and ideas to raising and educating my children. When they got a bit older, I concentrated on my career in music, particularly operatic performance. Today I want to focus on writing the best content I can offer for my readers, while still having plenty of time for my grandsons. And I’ve always wanted a neat, clean, comfortable home and healthy meals without spending a large portion of my time struggling to manage it. Minimalism has made it possible.

What are you trying to make more time and space for by embracing minimalism? What do you care most about that a simpler life can make possible? Write it down so you can remind yourself when old habits try to creep back.

3.  What does comfort look like to you?

As you go through the process of decluttering and simplifying, you need to figure out what enough looks and feels like for you. How will you know you’ve arrived at the sweet spot—that satisfying place the carrot and stick were guiding and goading you toward? This destination is important, because you need to let go of everything beyond it.

Only you will know what enough is for you. Some people decide that enough is owning less than 100 possessions. Others decide their place of enough is much more than that.  

Enough means:

keeping the things that add value to your life because you use them regularly and/or they make you happygetting rid of the excess 

This is a personal decision, but it won’t be set in stone. It’s a good idea to challenge and reevaluate your ideas every so often. For one thing, it keeps life interesting to make experiments and learn about yourself. For another, it reminds you to keep resisting the loud and demanding voices of our culture, the ones that say more is always better.

Your perfect number

Minimalism isn’t a numbers game, but there is a number that’s just right for you. Whether that Goldilocks situation requires just two sets of sheets for each bed, one television, or an attractive capsule wardrobe, finding it is going to give your life the freedom and focus you’ve been looking for.

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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.

The post Your Unique Minimalism: What Kind is Just Right for You? appeared first on Becoming Minimalist.