“The things you own end up owning you.”
― Joshua Fields Millburn
Own Less and Live More
Back in 2015, I discovered minimalism. Ever since then, my life has been much simpler living only with the essentials.
This translated to moving into a smaller place and removing things that no longer add value to my life. They included:
- Dining table
- Television
- Couch
- Coffee table
- Unused clothes
- Unutilized utensils and cookware
I also applied this concept of subtraction to my relationships and professional life. To begin, I reduced interactions with people who don’t excite me. Eventually, I filtered them out of my life entirely. That way I created more time to spend with those who genuinely support me.
As for work, I started focusing on high-value tasks that produced my desired outcomes. As a result, I learned to prioritize efficiency over output.
By managing my energy effectively, I can maximize productivity with minimal time and effort. That way I had more freedom to concentrate on meaningful activities.
Going through the process of decluttering has given me more clarity. Owning less has allowed me to appreciate what I do have. Because everything I now possess has importance and serves a unique purpose.
Downsizing created the following benefits:
- Lower overhead cost
- Less cleaning and maintenance
- More free time and mental space
- Fewer problems and stress
With less, I experienced more. Since my attention and time are limited, I can better focus on engagements and people that truly add value to my life.
Pursue Meaning and Positive Impact
In today’s western culture, society puts a strong emphasis on the accumulation of materialistic things and achievements. They may include the following:
- The amount of money you have
- Your current job title and income
- The size of your house
- The price of your car
- The level of attractiveness of your partner
Because the above can illustrate one’s social status, level of success, and even worthiness, some feel the need to chase prosperity and happiness. However, this fragile type of indication is futile and subjective.
They are not good indicators of your success and self-worth. That’s not to say they aren’t of any importance, but they are not the end all be all. Consider the following questions:
- You can have all the money in the world but you lack a strong reason for getting up every morning, is your life worth living?
- What drives you at the core level?
- Would you still do what you’re doing now if you aren’t compensated with money?
- When you leave this world, will it be a better place than you first found it?
Instead of pursuing fortune, shift towards making a positive impact. To have true significance, your value as a person must be defined by you.
Rather than chasing external things, focus on creating meaningful work. This equates to contributing to a cause you wholeheartedly believe in.
That’s what will get you through complex challenges even when the money isn’t there. You’ll have a deeper drive for your work. By doing so, you’ll begin to believe you are of merit.
While gaining validation can be motivating, concentrating on producing tangible value for others. And when you do that, you’ll indefinitely be rewarded with benefits such as monetary gains.
Experience More Freedom
By living with the essentials, you’ll have more clarity and creativity.
Instead of buying additional things, you’re forced to use what you already have. This allows you to be innovative with your current belongings and intentional with your spending.
When evaluating the necessity of a purchase, wait 30 days. And if you struggle to live without it, the new item will be highly valuable. Otherwise, it’s just a “nice-to-have.”
As for objects that are not used frequently, you’re better off decluttering them. Rental service and/or borrowing from a friend is always an option if they serve you in the future.
Keeping what is quintessential, you assign what remains to a clear objective.
They all have a special role.
You’ll have less anxiety by not having to think about organization and storage space. By not splurging carelessly, you’ll have more money to spend on things and activities you enjoy.
Using that extra time, you can do things you love and explore new opportunities such as:
- Traveling
- Hiking
- Dancing
- Taking classes
Instead of letting things weigh you down, allow them to support and propel you forward.
Closing Thoughts
We all need certain things to live a fulfilled and meaningful life. But the more we hold on to, the more they own us.
When we eliminate the unnecessary clutter, we free ourselves with more zest and freedom.
Next time before you accumulate something, ask yourself:
- “What is it really costing me?”
- “Do I truly need that?”
- “How will my life be better without this?”
By making a conscious decision, you’ll have a deep understanding of everything you have and its distinctive purpose.
I am on a mission to help 1,000,000 people, but I can’t do that without your help. If you have a second, please share this article with anyone who you may think will find it valuable and helpful.
Thank you very much! I greatly appreciate it!
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