On December 31, I met my friend Jeff Slobotski for coffee at Scooter’s in Omaha, NE. It was a cold morning, but the coffee was warm.
When I ordered, the barista initiated our conversation, “So,” she asked, “Are you ready for the new year?” The question should not have been unexpected—it was New Year’s Eve after all.
And yet, for some reason, I felt ill-equipped to answer. “I don’t know,” I replied, “I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”
As I sat down across the table from Jeff, we began to catch up. If I’m lucky, I see him twice/year. If I’m not, it’s only once. There’s always much to share between us—what has happened since we last talked and what projects we are working on for the future.
It was in that moment, as I was still thinking through the simple question asked at the counter, I first made this observation, “This is, by far, the most ambitious list of goals I have ever had entering a new year.”
Those who know me well, both online and off, know I have been very focused these past 7 months. But until now, I have said very little on this platform. Mostly because this website is not about me primarily, it is about us as a community and everyone else who believes their life is too valuable to waste chasing material possessions.
Also, I must admit, I have shared very little publicly because there are some things that need to be in place before an announcement can be made. But maybe now, halfway through August, is the right time.
Here is what I have been working on this past year and what to expect next at Becoming Minimalist. Each update contains some personal information, but also facets that involve all of us. Because, quite frankly, I don’t think any of this succeeds without you.
A Full-Length Book. Last year, I signed a two-book contract with WaterBrook Multnomah, an imprint of Random House. The first book is going through final edits and will be released in May, 2016. My goal for this book is to “introduce minimalism to the masses” on a larger scale than ever before. In fact, my hope is to put the book on the New York Times bestseller list.
The book argues for owning less, offers practical thoughts on implementing it in your home, and calls the reader to dream big dreams for their life. This book has been a significant undertaking, but I could not be more pleased with it. It shares more about my personal journey into minimalism (the good and the bad) than I have ever shared before and I look forward to telling you more about it in the coming months. I think you are going to find value in it.
A Non-Profit Organization. Our publisher was very generous with their offer—more generous than my modest family needs. I outlined exactly one year ago how Becoming Minimalist supports us, and very few things have changed since writing that post. As a result of our financial needs already being met, my wife and I decided to use the book proceeds to launch a nonprofit organization.
Because the plight of the orphan has always been near to our hearts, we will be launching a new organization this Fall to re-think and re-invent orphan care around the world. The details will be announced right here on November 1. It is a significant undertaking. But I am excited to see firsthand what a community of people who have decided not to buy worthless possessions can accomplish with their money and lives.
Speaking. I am thrilled to see the interest for minimalist living continue to grow. Over the past year, I have spoken to physicians, financial agents, law firms, and highway patrol departments. I have traveled to Stockholm, Boston, Las Vegas, and neighboring communities here in Phoenix. I have spoken at conferences for Senior Move Managers, Sustainable Living Advocates, Simple-Living Enthusiasts, Aspiring Writers, and Young Mothers (just to name a few).
Currently, I receive more requests than I can fulfill. I feel bad turning down opportunities to share this message, but appearing at all of them is no longer possible. However, I work hard to accept as many requests as possible. If the message of owning less would benefit your event or organization, you can request me as a speaker here. Also, you can find my upcoming appearance schedule on the same page. For example, in the next few months, I will be speaking at conferences in Nashville, Minneapolis, and Chicago. If you’re close, join us.
A Do-It-Yourself Program. I am working diligently to create a short, 3-month at-home course to help people make minimalism more of a reality in their lives. Minimalism means different things to different people. But one constant that unites us is the fact that intentionally owning less is a countercultural lifestyle—and people are looking for inspiration, encouragement, and help because of it. This program will provide all of them.
The program will be completed and launched in conjunction with the book as a means to help people move beyond words on a page. But, in order to do it right, I will be offering a pilot course this January before the book releases. You can expect an announcement with details in the month of December.
Social Media Changes. Our social media accounts continue to grow. Our Facebook group is nearing 300,000 people and Twitter followers now exceed 30,000. Over the coming months, I am committed to expanding my reach in two places:
- Pinterest. Some of the material on Becoming Minimalist does very well on Pinterest and I recognize it as a valuable platform to reach others. I will continue to be more intentional about using it.
- Joshua Becker Facebook page. Because the Becoming Minimalist Facebook page is devoted entirely to the idea of owning less, I post very few personal updates on it. However, as my pursuits evolve, some of you are interested in receiving more general updates (nonprofit news, speaking engagements, special announcements, personal meet-ups, etc). If that is you, you can now follow Joshua Becker, Author on Facebook. This will allow me to keep the two accounts distinct.
Email Changes. Roughly 50,000 people receive Becoming Minimalist posts via email. To date, these emails have been automatically generated by Google Feedburner, a service that is free but offers limited control over appearance—I am reminded regularly by those who receive the emails.
Over the past 6 months, I have been testing a new email delivery system that provides greater flexibility in display, appearance, and control. As a result, the emails are far more consistent with the look and feel of the actual Becoming Minimalist webpage. Over the coming months, I will be transitioning everybody over to the new system. If you are already receiving these emails, you won’t need to do anything on your end. You’re going to love it.
If you do not receive Becoming Minimalist posts via email, you can sign up here:
As I mentioned, it’s been a focused year and there are exciting days ahead. I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for all of us.
I’ll be hanging around the comment section today answering any questions you might have.
Coco Lucas says
I am very excited for this upcoming book! What an awesome journey you have been on. I hope one day to be in a financial position to be able to help others on a larger scale. Such a wonderful blessing.
joshua becker says
Just start where you are today with whatever you have.
Keith Adams says
I can hardly wait to read your book. You are such a great role model and have already changed my life in so many ways.
joshua becker says
Thank you for the kind words Keith. And thanks for the opportunity to provide just a little bit of inspiration.
Rachel says
I am making plans to volunteer at an orphanage in Cambodia, due to laws being passed, have lost their funding. They care for 25 children. I am using the principles you have shared to make funding this trip possible. I am selling so many of my things and stopped purchasing for the next 6 months. Thank you for sharing your journey.
joshua becker says
Hearing stories like this brighten my entire week.
Hannah Goering says
Thanks for sharing Joshua – I look forward to the new book! Your blog has been quite an inspiration to me (the launching point, really!) on my own minimalist journey and has been the source I’ve pointed other friends to when they’ve asked what this “minimalist nonsense is all about.” I’m also interested in what you’re going to do with orphan care around the world – the org I’m working for right now, Bright Hope, is launching orphan and vulnerable children initiatives in East Africa right now to help keep families together and provide home-based care for orphans rather than sending them to orphanages.
joshua becker says
The mission of Bright Hope is in-line with our long-range goals. However, in the short-term, our strategy is to bring home-based care to orphanages by finding solutions that better mimic the family-unit.
Amy says
Bring Love In is another organization that does this. They bring orphans and widows together to form families. It’s truly beautiful.
Cathy says
Joshua, I found your blog in February in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep due to the stresses of a home reno. I was already on a minimalist journey, but your blog has sped up the process and now I am wanting to help others with this transformation in person. It’s my passion and my calling to help others. I understand your blogs, books, and future endeavors will reach the masses, but have you thought about providing a platform for individuals like me to legally use your work, provide workshops, and services in my community. Actually physically helping people minimize their chaos under the “Becoming Minimalist” branding. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Debbie Carlson-Gould says
Hi Joshua, Congratulations! Sooo very excited for you and for all of us! Your writings (and those of your guest writers) have helped me crystallize my own thoughts and feelings about how I’d like to proceed with positive intention into the second half of my life. My daughter is grown, my PR/marketing/events career is losing its appeal, and we still have this sorta big house that I don’t feel like cleaning anymore…haha! But that’s just part of it.
My experience in finding your writing is similar to Cathy’s, and I am wondering the same thing as she: is there a platform for individuals like me to legally reference your work, provide workshops, and/or services in my community? (I live in the Seattle area.) If the answer is “no”, that’s okay. I’m exploring many issues and needs to which I may apply my energies and skills moving forward. It’s just that I find reducing the excess demand for “stuff” gets to the root of so many problems our world faces. (I know, I know- preaching to the choir!) Would love to hear from you either way. Soon, you’ll be so famous, you’ll be getting all sorts of similar inquiries!
Thanks again for all you do. Be well, and do good, ~Debbie
joshua becker says
Well Cathy, I must say, I had never considered the idea. Do you really think that is something people would be interested in?
Cathy says
YES!!! I would love to facilitate your workshops! Like Debbie whom commented above I believe in doing it legally and under a minimal (understanding your time is valuable) mentor ship.
Marion says
I agree. I think there is a real opportunity here in Australia for this sort of thing. I would love to talk to others about my minimalist journey.
Amy says
I would second the other comments, I would also love to facilitate a workshop like that. I have been working on developing a community education class to introduce people to simple living. In the interest of simplicity, why re-invent the wheel? Together as a group we could touch many lives.
Matthew says
Both “The Minimalists” (Joshua Fields Milburn & Ryan Nicodemus) and SimpleRev emphasize local meet-ups, community building, etc. FYI.
Lisa says
I had a similar thought! You mentioned that you can’t keep up with the speaking engagements, so this could be a great opportunity to expand your reach. Most of us believe in the minimalist movement but don’t have your eloquent words to explain it to others. I am a training specialist, and I’ve learned that people can become excellent facilitators with the right materials. If you could train us and provide us with the right materials, we could spread the minimalist message in our communities.
The challenge, of course, is the logistics of making it happen. I can’t help but think of a pyramid scheme but without the money focus (because we are minimalists, after all!). You’d be the general, we’d be your officers, and together we could reach a whole army. I would be the first to sign up if you did something like this!
Anna Reid says
Yes!! I, too, would facilitate this type of concept!!!
joan says
Had a similar idea: accredited corps of speakers/workshop facilatators, starting small at first, maybe one or two.
Gail says
I will pray for you and your family as all your ventures grow
Laura Beth says
What a joy and a blessing you have been to so many! In your writing and by your example.
And now with wave 2 coming, the non profit…youll be able to reach more folks in different ways.
I am thrilled for you and your family and anxiously await your next book.
Laura Beth
joshua becker says
Thanks Laura. It has been a huge undertaking, but we are confident it has all been time well-spent.
Missy says
Thank you for sharing your upcoming news! All seem sure to encourage and inspire.
I’m curious about the book. We have four kids and a another on the way. Minimalism looks different for us. Will any of it address the larger family pursuing minimalism?
joshua becker says
Concerning specifics on parenting, Clutterfree with Kids provides a bit more than the upcoming book.
Liz Tobin says
Joshua .. Congrats on this new endeavor. Looking forward to the book! Love the way you are touching lives. Let us know when you’re speaking in Florida. Would love to catch up!
Minimalism Rocks! says
Yes, please let us know if you’re ever coming to Florida!
Linda Stoll says
The book is sure to be a smash hit, Josh.
And the non-profit? Well, words simply fail …
No wonder God is blessing you so abundantly.
Thanks for showing us what true success looks like. It’s not at all about the wallet, is it …
joshua becker says
Success is not found in the amount we keep for ourselves. Success is found in what we offer to others.
Jennifer Murakami says
You continue to inspire me with the intentional and beautiful way you live your life. Good luck with all of your new endeavors!