“Life is not a matter of chance… it is a matter of choice.” ― Ka
24 hours. Every day we get them. And every day we use them. Sometimes we use them wisely: creating, exercising, resting, cooking, eating. Other times, the hours are wasted: mindless Internet surfing, watching too much television, worrying, or oversleeping. But every single day, the hours are always used. This is the very nature of time. There is not “more” use of time, only “better.”
This is also the very nature of money. Our finances are always used somewhere. They may be directed towards the house payment, the grocery bill, the student loan, the savings account, or others, but our money is always spent somewhere. There is not “more” use of money, only “better.”
I have found the principle of “not more, but better” holds true for many of our most important resources: money, time, energy, focus, mental capacity, relationships. Understanding this truth and embracing it becomes an important principle in living a thoughtful and intentional life. Life is, after all, the sum of our choices. And often times, the choice isn’t more, but better.
Recognizing that positive change is not a matter of choosing more, but choosing better is a powerful motivator. There is freedom to be found in it. It can be a freeing and inspiring shift in our thinking. Consider these practical examples:
Time
I used to think I didn’t have enough time to exercise. But when I made an intentional commitment to begin exercising regularly, the use of my time began to change. There were not extra hours in the day, only a change in how I used them. As a result, I began to spend less time watching television. Exercise was not a use of more time, it was a better use of my existing time.
Money
Similarly with money, I used to think there was never enough. But as we began our journey towards minimalism, we soon discovered we had more money available than ever before. Not because we were making more, but because we were spending less at the shopping mall. Suddenly, we were able to redirect more finances towards saving, giving, and creating memorable experiences for our family. We did not spend more of our money, we spent it better.
Food
As positive changes began taking place in my home and life, I felt drawn to eat better. As a result, I began learning how to cook and enjoy healthier foods and meals. Junk food was being replaced with fruits and vegetables and chicken and fish. I didn’t add food to my diet, I changed the food in my diet. Not more, better.
Focus
Often times, one of the greatest changes we can embrace in our lives is learning where to place our focus. When I began to intentionally choose to meditate on the positives in my life rather than the negatives, I opened my heart to gratitude, contentment, and joy. This was not a result of more focus, but better focus.
Relationships
Whether we choose to spend our time with ourselves, positive influences, or negative influences, our relationships are always directed somewhere. These voices we allow into our lives impact us greatly. When I work to choose positive relationships that inspire me to contribute value to this world, it naturally changes who I spend my time with. Again, not more relationships, better relationships.
There are, of course, some elements of life that are not finite. Our capacity for love, hope, and joy will always grow as we discover more and more places to find them. But often times, this growth is not a result of choosing “more” for our lives, but choosing “better.”
ren says
JUST had food conversation with BF, he thought I spent too much on gelato….and we should go back to the cheaper brand of ice cream. HOWEVER, I enjoy a small portion, of a great quality gelato, than an entire bowlful of cheap ice cream (and its not THAT cheap) that I add whipped cream and chocolate sauce to. Same as the great whole coffee beans I buy. Fresh and better quality.
Too me, rather have a small amount of quality than large amount of subpar.
Me, here, now. says
I love the simple concept of not ‘more,’ but ‘better’. It makes absolute sense in a crazy world that makes little sense.
Carolyn Bostic says
Ever since I came across this blog, I’ve been doing more online reading just to see what all you delightful people say. And it helps as I can step away for awhile if I need to complete a task, returning on my own schedule.
Makes Sense says
I’ve been preparing to cut the cable this month as I end my 2 year contract. Already put in the stop order on that. That will be and extra $80 a month in my pocket.
I have a guilty pleasure of shoes, and I mean nice expensive shoes. Only bought a pair of workout shoes this year for $60.
Putting as much away as possible. I don’t want to be in this rat race forever. I’m focused more on “experiences” than “stuff.”
Jim says
I agree with this concept, I’ve been slowly trying to embrace the idea of minimalist. It is hard sometimes, I recently sold our camper, because of the cost of upkeep, and lack of use of it! My wife didn’t see it the way I did, and jokingly said she was going to delete this web site from being able to read it! LOL
Now it seems that since I sold it, I’m constantly looking at the other campers for sale that are newer!
The urge to buy seems overwhelming at times, just because we can. I really like your statement about buying on borrowed money, and finding time to exercise.
I still need to work on the food, but I’ve also been working on the relationships!
I will continue to try to keep it all in focus.
Thank you
Jim says
Josh,
You’ve been hitting me good, with your last few post. I need it! I’m at a point in my life that change is inevetable. I’ve been reading your post for the last few months, and know this is a great place to start.
Thank you
Pam says
Thank you for this post! I have been intending to live more intentionally for a while now, but continue to fail…I read this and it made it sound simple :) My first step wil be to re-read this every day for a week as a reminder. I feel that if I have this in front of me I will remember how to implement it…again, THANK YOU!
Jodelieh Blue says
Hello Joshua,
Thank you once again for this post. Just three words: ‘Not More, Better’ helps me to get focussed on my work, but also on my task as a mother and Christian.
Keep on writing…
Bernadette says
Particularly love the application of this idea to time. Thank you!
Christina says
I love all your articles. However, as someone being stuck with student loan debt and healthcare bills I have more than a hard time to feel optimistic of “making choices” that help me to be minimalist. I feel that you cannot get ill if you don’t want to go broke. It is a terrible system we live in and there is no real change in sight imo. I dread getting old in this country and have thought of moving back to Europe when I get to this point. I think I won’t be able to get old if I were sick here. Even with the most minimalist lifestyle.
Anne Stockwell says
Minimalism is about making conscious choices. When you have to do without things you truly need, that’s not minimalism, that’s poverty. Poverty is not a virtue; it is a terrible thing. I am so sorry you are going through this and I hope your situation changes for the better very soon.