Joshua Fields Millburn's Blog, page 2
May 5, 2025
Podcast 489 | Equipment Clutter
Ryan Nicodemus returns to talk about the things that enhance—and the things that get in the way of—enjoying the adventures, experiences, activities, and hobbies that make life more delightful.
Listen to the EpisodeApple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon
Discussed in This EpisodeHow can I enjoy my adventures and hobbies without getting overwhelmed by the accessories and equipment that accompany those experiences? What activities bring you joy, and what material things are an essential part of those activities? Listener tip: Minimize the noise and opinions to uncover a quieter life. What about equipment, tools, and instruments that get better with time? What do The Minimalists think about minimizing social commitments? How can I declutter if my job requires me to hold on to a bunch of just-in-case items? Should I buy new luggage if I need more room to pack my travel essentials? What do people do to reverse the philosophy, mindset, and practice of minimizing too much? Amass or Trash: Should I donate my books once I’ve read them? Added Value: A song that reminds Joshua of Ryan. Minimal MaximsJoshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.
Wanting what you have is the shortcut to getting what you want.Joy is the default state.Happiness cannot be acquired; it can only be uncovered.All matter matters, but only spirit makes it sacred.Things are not the important things.If it doesn’t add value, it’s not essential.Minimalism is the opposite of deprivation—it highlights the essentials that form the foundation for a meaningful life.Less than enough is depriving. More than enough is overindulging. Enough is the sweet spot in the middle.Even in an empty room, you are complete. Links Mentioned in This EpisodeBook: Outliers Book: A Perfumed ScorpionEssay: “How Much is Enough”Event: Sunday SymposiumPodcast: The RenunciationResource: Minimalist RulebookWatch: ColumbusWatch: OnceWatch: Glen Hansard’s GuitarFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanMalabamaPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.The post Podcast 489 | Equipment Clutter appeared first on The Minimalists.
March 29, 2025
Letting Go in Advance
Clothing clutter accumulates at the checkout line, well before it overflows your closets, hampers, and dresser drawers.
According to the EPA, the average American throws out more than 81 pounds of clothing each year, even though 95% of it could be reused or recycled.
Sounds like we are burdened by the residue of regret.
Sounds like we own more than enough.
Sounds like we don’t need more.
Yet we keep buying more: more shirts and pants and belts and shoes and dresses and shorts and jackets and wallets and purses and accessories, 85% of which will soon occupy space in a landfill.
Why are we so addicted to purchasing new clothes that will shortly become trash?
The answer involves many factors—false promises from marketers, slights of hand from advertisers, unconscious peer pressure from friends and coworkers—but the core characteristic of our overconsumption is consumerism.
Consumerism is the ideology that externalities will complete you—that buying more will somehow make your life more complete.
We believe this nonsense only because we don’t understand what enough is. So we accumulate more than enough, hoping that eventually we’ll get to the point at which our wardrobes, and thus our lives, are perfect.
And yet it doesn’t work.
Consumerism can’t complete you.
Because you are already complete.
Even when you’re standing alone in an empty closet,
dressed in the simplest attire,
you are complete.
Think about it.
Have you ever looked at a newborn and said,
This baby is incomplete
so I better buy her a bunch of new things
to perfect that imperfect little child?
Of course not.
So…
If you were complete when you were born—
when you owned zero possessions—
then at what point did you become incomplete?
You became incomplete
the moment your consumer culture
convinced you to burn yourself
with the flame of consumerism.
Thankfully, that fire
can be extinguished by
the gentle waters of simplicity.
Be it clothes, cars, or commodities, no material possession will complete you or make you happy, even though it feels like they can when you’re steeped in a retail frenzy. If anything, excess possessions cover up your happiness, which means, in a real way, new purchases don’t complete you—they incomplete you!
However, a complete life does exist—it exists on the other side of letting go, letting go of the past by donating and recycling the waste, and then letting go of the future by letting go of the stuff in advance.
You see, the simplest way to get rid of an item is to avoid bringing it home in the first place.
Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.The post Letting Go in Advance appeared first on The Minimalists.
March 5, 2025
The Perfect Closet
The perfect closet exists, but it is not located on the other side of your next purchase.
According to the Public Interest Research Group, the average American buys 53 new articles of clothing each year. That’s more than one new thing per week and four times as much as in the year 2000. Accordingly, garment manufacturers are now producing more than 100 billion pieces every year.
It’s easy to blame fast fashion for our overconsumption. Indeed, rapacious corporate greed is a part of the problem. But companies are ceaselessly churning out new attire only because we shoppers keep demanding more.
Just like everyone else, you and I yearn to be trendy. When you think about it, though, trendy is just marketing jargon that really means “soon to go out of style.”
Next time you look in the mirror, consider doing more than a ‘fit check. Consider being honest with yourself about those misplaced desires and insecurities that lead to discontent and debt and piles of cheap clothes, not a perfect closet.
As a recovering perfectionist, I know it feels like that new belt, those new shoes, that new dress will scratch your consumer itch. After all, you’re just a few outfits away from a flawless closet, right?
No.
You see, the word perfect comes from the Latin word perficere, which breaks down into per- (“completely”) and facere (“do”). In other words, perfect does not mean flawless; it means completely done.
Thus, the key to a perfect closet is not addition—it is subtraction.
The wardrobe you want won’t be crafted by acquiring more costumes. (How many years have you been sold that lie?) No, perfect is uncovered when you jettison the clutter that incompleted your closet in the first place.
So, instead of buying a new item every week, just like your fellow trendsetters, what would happen if you let go of ten old items this week?
You can start with anything you haven’t worn in the last year. Soon, you will find yourself donating everything you haven’t worn in the last 90 days.
In the end, with all the excess out of the way, all that remains are your favorite clothes. Perfect was hiding in your closet this whole time. No purchase necessary.
Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.The post The Perfect Closet appeared first on The Minimalists.
March 4, 2025
Simplehaven
Sunshine, mountains, ocean waves, palm trees, orange trees, oak trees … and simple living.
This April 25–27, a small group of 30 people will spend three days with Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and T.K. Coleman at Simplehaven, a minimalist retreat in Ojai, California.
Bring your curiosities, questions, challenges, and problems. Joshua, Ryan, and T.K. will help you let go of the possessions, busyness, careers, people, and identities that are weighing you down.
Plus, a few special guests and simple surprises!
You will leave feeling lighter, calmer, freer, and more content.
FAQsWhat times are the sessions?
We’ll spend Friday and Saturday with this small Simplehaven group at the Art Center in Ojai (9 AM–5 PM with a lunch break at noon both days), followed by a larger group meeting on Sunday at Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara (11 AM–2 PM).
Where do we stay?
Ojai has many options: Airbnbs, hotels, camping, an Airstream park near the Art Center. Find your favorite option at ojaivisitors.com.
Where do we eat?
There are a number of great restaurants, grocery stores, taco stands, and coffee shops in Ojai. We’ll recommend our favorites on the first day. For additional recommendations, visit ojaivisitors.com.
Ojai activities?
If you’d like to arrive a few days early, or stay a few days after Simplehaven, you can explore Ojai’s lovely downtown, yoga studios, mediation spaces, artisan stores, hiking trails, bike trails, scenic vistas, public parks, tennis courts, and the Ojai Playhouse. Plan your trip at ojaivisitors.com.
Nearest airports?
Santa Barbara, LAX, Burbank.
Parking?
Free parking in front of the Ojai Art Center.
Can I still register if Simplehaven is sold out?
This is a small retreat with only 30 seats, so once it’s full, no additional spots will be released.
What if I can’t afford a ticket?
If you can’t afford to attend Simplehaven, you can still attend any of our monthly two-hour events in Southern California for free.
Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.The post Simplehaven appeared first on The Minimalists.
March 3, 2025
Fragments
Fragments, The Minimalists’ new short-film series, directed by Danny Martinez and starring Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and T.K. Coleman, is now streaming on YouTube 100% advertisement-free.
Episode 1: The Other Clutter
Episode 2: The Shopping Cart
Episode 3: No Problem
Episode 4: The Boundaries of Discontent
Episode 5: The Museum of Things
Episode 6: Success Does Not Exist
Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.The post Fragments appeared first on The Minimalists.
January 24, 2025
Stop Clinging
Letting go does not require a trip to Goodwill
or a purchase from The Container Store.
Because…
Letting go is not something you do.
It is something you stop doing.
You stop pretending every thing is precious or sentimental.
You stop holding on to unworn clothes and jewelry and makeup.
You stop sheltering crusty camping gear and worn-out workout equipment.
You stop cherishing musty stacks of unread books and magazines.
You stop storing dusty home decorations in clutter coffins.
You stop buying new things that will soon turn into old clutter.
You stop fantasizing that more square footage will lead to more fulfillment.
You stop tethering your identity to your car and house and bank balance.
Like carrying an oversized suitcase for a great distance,
you would benefit greatly by setting down
any possession that weighs you down.
However…
Letting go extends beyond your material clutter.
If you truly want to let go…
You stop binding yourself to toxic relationships.
You stop acting like busyness is a good thing.
You stop trying to “fix” every imaginary problem.
You stop turning to breaking news for information.
You stop mistaking information for wisdom.
You stop posturing as if achievements make you, you.
You stop assuming that success equals satisfaction.
You stop chasing happiness because you finally realize that externalities will never satiate your insatiable desire for more.
You see, letting go is not something you do.
It happens naturally when you stop clinging.
Like clutching a hot coal in your hand,
you must stop holding on
to stop the pain.
No matter the fixation—
be it possessions or people or prosperity—
clinging always leads to suffering.
Always.
Yet when you let go of the clinging,
you pick up freedom, peace, equanimity.
But if you hold on,
you will get dragged.
The post Stop Clinging appeared first on The Minimalists.
January 8, 2025
Breaking Silence: The Minimalists Return to Social Media
Decluttering Tips. The Minimalists stopped using social media in 2024. Now we are returning in a different way in 2025—creating short, useful decluttering videos for our audience. As we ease back in, what kind of minimizing and purchasing tips would you like to see from us? Let us know in the comments on this Instagram post.
Minimalist Home Tours. JFM will also be sharing home-tour photos on his personal Instagram Stories throughout January. Follow along if you’re looking for minimalist home-decluttering inspiration.
Favorite Reels. While you’re on IG, feel free to DM us your favorite decluttering Reels, like this one, so we can share the most useful and funny insights with our audience.
Household Clutter. Speaking of clutter, we’re recording a five-part Household Clutter series on The Minimalists Podcast, featuring many of your favorite minimalists. If you have a question about livingroom, closet, garage, bedroom, or cabinet clutter, email a voice recording to podcast@theminimalists.com so we can feature your voice on the show. Deadline is January 13, 2025.
Exciting times!
Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.The post Breaking Silence: The Minimalists Return to Social Media appeared first on The Minimalists.
December 27, 2024
Things Own You
Did you get everything on your Christmas wish list this year?
They say you should be careful what you wish for.
Because you just might get it.
The paradox of obtaining a coveted thing
is that you never desired the possession;
you desired the desire.
It is the feeling you yearned for,
not the thing itself.
The moment you possess a new possession,
the tables turn, and
that possession begins to possess you.
Every possession has the ability to dispossess.
On a relatively short timeline,
the objects of your desire
degenerate into
the objects of your discontent.
After a few months…
Your Lunya Washable Silk Robe
begins to tatter.
Your Gucci Jordaan Bit Loafers
give you blisters.
Your Moncler Virgin Wool Rib Beanie
makes your scalp itch.
Your Bottega Veneta Mini Wallace Intricate Leather Shoulder Bag
grows heavy with regret.
Your Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro LED Light Therapy Device
runs out of batteries.
Your SMEG 2 Slice Toaster with 6 Presets and Defrost Function and Removable Crumb Tray
burns your breakfast.
Your Saint Laurent Matelassé Leather Credit Card Case
is a stark reminder of the debt you’ve accumulated this year.
Uh oh, after getting everything you wanted,
you no longer want what you wanted.
And then, when the desire is gone, you realize
it was entirely a one-way relationship—
the things you wanted never wanted you in the first place.
At last,
you don’t own your things
if your things own you.
The post Things Own You appeared first on The Minimalists.
December 14, 2024
Don’t Collect All Four!
People sometimes ask why we wrote four books. “That’s not very minimalist!” Hehe. Well, when you’re a minimalist, everything you do is steeped in irony. In truth, each book communicates a unique perspective on simple living.
Everything That Remains is the why-to book. Our personal story of letting go. This book documents our five-year journey into minimalism, and it answers these questions: Why have I given so much meaning to material possessions? Why have I been so discontented? What if everything I ever wanted isn’t what I actually want? Of everything we’ve written, this is our favorite. Perhaps that’s why it’s our #1 bestseller!
Minimalism is the what-to book. It highlights the five values we focus on to live a meaningful life, and it answers these questions: What is a meaningful life? Who is the person I want to become? How will I define my success after letting go of the excess stuff?
Essential is the how-to book. The “best of The Minimalists,” this collection of 150 essays focuses on twelve distinct areas of intentional living and answers this question: How would every area of my life be better with less?
Love People, Use Things is the who-to book. It describes, in detail, the seven essential relationships that benefit from simplifying, and it elucidates The Minimalists’ core message: love people and use things because the opposite never works.
For the best experience, we recommend reading them in the above order: why, what, how, and who. Of course, you don’t need to collect any of our books; once you enjoy your copy, pass it on to someone who might find value in its words.
–Joshua & Ryan
P.S. Our books are also available in these languages. For a short list of books that have influenced us over the years, check out our book recommendations .
You May Also EnjoyHow to Start a Successful Blog TodayLearn how to start a blog in less than an hour. Follow the step-by-step instructions we used when starting our blog, which now has reached more than 20 million people. Creating this blog is one of the best decisions Ryan and I ever made. After all, our blog is how we earn a living. More important, it's how we add value to other people's lives. Read more
30-Day Minimalism GameLet's play a simple game together. We call it the 30-Day Minimalism Game. Find a friend, family member, or coworker who's willing to minimize their stuff with you next month. Read more
11 Ways to Write BetterWe are all writers now. Whether you write books, blog posts, emails, Instagram captions, or text messages, you are a writer. No matter your preferred medium, here are a few tips to help you write more effectively. Read more
Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.The post Don’t Collect All Four! appeared first on The Minimalists.
September 30, 2024
Podcast 462 | Toxic Superfoods
In this public episode of The Minimalists Podcast, The Minimalists speak with Sally K. Norton, author of Toxic Superfoods, about the supposed health foods that are making us sick and inflamed. Listen to the full Maximal episode on The Minimalists Private Podcast.
Listen to the Minimal EpisodeApple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon · MP3
Discussed in This EpisodeWhat is a “toxic superfood” and how are these foods making us sick?What are some symptoms that point toward oxalate overload?How can we apply minimalism to our diets?What processed foods and preservatives do we want to eliminate from our diets?What other foods are toxic or problematic?When are blood tests a waste of time and money?Will an Animal-Based Diet help with chronic pain and brain fog?When is a vegan diet helpful and when is it harmful?How has Earthing helped Lisa?What role does our food play in skin conditions like acne, dandruff, flaky skin, rashes, psoriasis, and eczema?What is the gut microbiome’s role in our overall health?What causes my cravings for sweet foods, and how do I get rid of those cravings?What role does our food intake play in arthritis, inflammation, depression, and anxiety?Why does gluten make many people feel awful?What does chronic inflammation do to the brain?What are the pros and cons of dairy consumption?Does Sally recommend supplements like vitamins B, C, and magnesium?How does a person’s diet affect their libido and sex drive?In summary, is there an ideal diet for most human beings?Minimal MaximsJoshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.
The human diet is a simple diet.Our bodies and brains are not standing in separate corners of the room.Food cravings are often a byproduct of a nutritional deficiency.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: “Got To Be”App: Seed Oil ScoutBook: Toxic Superfoods Course: Simplify EverythingEssay: “I Shouldn’t Have to Deal With This”Instagram: Sally K. NortonPatreon: Friday Afternoon Minimalist ZoomPodcast: Food ClutterPodcast: TraumaPodcast: Lucy MailingPodcast: Decluttering the GutProbiotic: Coconut CultYouTube: Sally K. NortonWebsite: ParawellnessWebsite: Sally K. NortonWebsite: EarthingFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanMalabamaPost-Production PeterAlyssa BorrelliMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.The post Podcast 462 | Toxic Superfoods appeared first on The Minimalists.
