Being a minimalist is not my greatest goal in life. It is not my greatest obsession. I dream much bigger dreams for my life.
I am passionate about my soul, my wife, my kids, my friends, solving problems, and influencing others for good. I want to live a significant life that makes the most of the potential and opportunities I have been given.
I will focus on these priorities above everything else. They are the most important to me and the most important for the world around me.
In short: I am a husband, a father, and a human being first. I am a minimalist second.
This is not to discount the lifestyle I have chosen and have dedicated the last ten years of my life to promoting.
Minimalism is a means to that very end.
Minimalism removes physical distractions so my greatest priorities can be elevated. It allows my life to be defined by eternal pursuits, those dreams that will long outlast me, not by the physical possessions in my home.
Minimalism is a means to an end, but it is not the end itself.
Minimalism simplifies life. It focuses our energies on things that matter. But obsessing about minimalism begins to complicate it again. And I refuse to allow possessions to define my life—not the collection of them or the removal of them. My desire is that my possessions will never be a burden to me, whether in abundance or lack.
At the end of my life, I want to hear my children say, “You were a good father,” not “you were good at being a minimalist.” I want people to remember me as a friend and servant and someone who stayed focused on the needs of others, not as “a minimalist.”
Therefore, I choose minimalism. But it will never become an obsession. It will define my lifestyle, but not my life.
I invite you: Dream big dreams with your life. Dream bigger dreams than minimalism. Pursue greater achievements with your newfound time, energy, and money.
Minimalism is not the finish line. It is only a manner of arriving there.
Joy says
Amen to that! You are always an inspiration to what truly matters.
L Paurus says
Amen!
Rachel Strawbridge says
I love this!! thank you. I enjoy calling myself a minimalist because it reminds me of my intention but I love the clear way you have put it as the way to achieve our real goals.
thank you for the clarification
Ivaylo Durmonski says
Really on point. I love your perspective about this. It’s super true!
Stephanie says
I needed to read that today! Lately I’ve been feeling pressure (1000% self-inflicted) to get rid of stuff so I needed to be reminded that minimalism is a means to a much greater end :)
janita Pavelka says
Fantastic article. Yes, space in our environment = space in our mind and soul.
What are the desires of your heart?
You’ll have more time to search inwardly and meditate.
Ola says
I love this- I know I don’t want to get so caught up in de-cluttering that I miss out on other things. But the process is so transformative it really sets you up for dreaming bigger dreams.
The distinction between “lifestyle” and “life” matters as well.
David Y says
Spot on!
In his book The Road to Character, David Brooks wrote about the difference between resume virtues and eulogy virtues. Looks like Joshua knows which are more important.
Balaka Ghosal says
Spot on. For me, minimalism helps me discover myself better and easier.
If I’m a better mom, minimalism has cleared up the time for me to play that role with more focus, rather than buying one more thing to prove to my son that I’m good.
Our lives get defined by moments, but things.
We came without things into this world, we’ll leave without taking anything with us (Not even the body! Seriously!). All we have to spend meaningful are the moments in between.
Nancy kimbrow says
Motivating message as always!