Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Jacob Jolibois.
Minimalism removes the meaningless to make room for the meaningful.
Properly understood, it is easy to get caught up in the minimalist lifestyle. The idea of removing the meaningless to make room for the meaningful is attractive to many.
Before long, garbage bags line the edge of the road and the backseat of the car is loaded with boxes for Goodwill. But as we finalize the details on our latest eBay auction, we may sit back and wonder, “Now what?”
What was the point of this exercise anyway? What is the “meaningful” that we are supposed to be making room for? While some people are born knowing precisely what they want to do with their lives, some of us live in a constant state of misdirection, unsure of our purpose. Every shiny thing we try, we soon discover, is not what we thought it would be.
As a result, minimalism becomes just another shiny thing we discard when it doesn’t fulfill us. But, if we discover our meaningful pursuits, minimalism becomes a tool that empowers us to realize it.
Here then, are six important questions to help anyone discover their unique, most meaningful pursuits:
1. What currently leads to most of my happiness and fulfillment?
“This is the true joy of life, the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.” —George Bernard Shaw
Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto discovered a principle wherein 80% of results stem from 20% of the causes. Therefore, if we could pinpoint the 20% of activity that supplies 80% of our happiness and fulfillment, we could begin taking steps toward maximizing our time and resources within the 20% and moving away from the 80%. Be intentional about breaking down what makes you happy and leverage your minimalist lifestyle to make time for those activities.
2. What concern or problem do I feel most compelled to solve?
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. illuminated the heart and soul of defining our “why”: others. In a world where individualistic concerns are championed, the world-changers and the misfits must unite around a cause larger than themselves. It is there that we will find an answer to our “why” that wells up inside of us and motivates us to make a difference.
3. What would I spend my day doing if I knew I couldn’t fail?
After answering this question, answer a second—what is the worst case scenario if you attempt it now and fail? I would be willing to bet that most of you will discover the worst case scenario isn’t all that bad. If we give our fears a name, they tend to shrink. They’re like the wizard behind the curtain—only an illusion.
“There are two types of people in this world. There are people who see the thing they want and there are people who see the thing preventing them from getting what they want.” —Unknown
4. What do I get so consumed with that I forget to eat or sleep?
“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Jane Fitzgerald
Purpose is found at the convergence of passion and service. What makes each of us unique is the sum of our individual experiences, traits, skills, interests, and aptitudes. We must tap into the practices that fulfill us and find a way to marry it with our cause (see the answers to questions 2 and 3). There we will find our “why”.
5. What does my perfect day look like?
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” —Cheshire Cat, Alice in Wonderland
Outlining a clear picture of our “why” in practical terms gives us clarity and direction instead of a vague, romanticized goal. It allows us to dig into the details and honestly ask ourselves what we desire. With this clear destination in mind, we can be proactive in our journey.
6. What is one step I can take this week toward realizing my “meaningful?”
“A vision without a task is but a dream, a task without a vision is drudgery, a vision and a task is the hope of the world.” —From a church in Sussex, England, ca.1730
Now that we have named our values, burdens, fears, passions and goals, we have a better understanding of why we do what we do. Though we may not have all of the answers now, we have a place from which to start.
At this point, it is crucial to give ourselves a few small wins in the beginning to build momentum. Write down at least one step you can take this week toward your purpose. It could be reaching out to a friend, writing an outline, or setting aside $100.
The important thing is to start. And to discover more and more space to pursue it.
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Jacob Jolibois writes at JacobJolibois.com, helping others craft a simple, yet impactful life. You can also find him on Twitter.
obi angel says
Like. Very encouraging n inspiring!!
Jacob Jolibois says
Thank you Obi!
Mark Tong says
Hi Jacob – I so agree with your point about ‘worst case scenarios’. In reality if everything goes wrong, the worst that happens is you have to start again -it’s rarely life threatening and yet we often perceive it that way
Jacob Jolibois says
Exactly Mark! And what’s so bad about starting over? It’s a clean slate full of possibilities =)
Good reminder.
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
Very inspiring words, Jacob! I so agree that no matter what your goal or dream may be, the most important thing is just to start. Too often we can be paralyzed by the fear of failing or the thing that stands in our way. Simply starting can give us that confidence we need to succeed and conquer :)
Jacob Jolibois says
Thank you Christina!
Small wins early on are a magical thing, aren’t they =)
BrownVagabonder says
I absolutely love these six questions – especially the one ‘What would you do if you knew you could not fail?’ What a powerful question. If we went into every pursuit with the knowing that we could not fail, can you imagine how many more things we would try? Unfortunately our thinking analyzing brain comes into everything, and delineates all the ways we can fail, before we even step foot into the arena. Thanks for the post!
Jacob Jolibois says
I know the feeling – I’m super analytical and get caught up in the prospect of failure quite often. That question (along with #3) works wonders to get me out of that funk =)
Simone Malcolm says
Me too, Jacob, and I’ve often caught myself over-thinking and obsessively analyzing at the expense of intuitively trusting and just doing.
Another question I also find really helpful is to ask: ‘what did I enjoy as a child or teenager?’ For example I used to love solving ‘design and functionality’ problems, mainly of an architectural nature. Even now, the act of simplifying anything, while keeping it timeless, beautiful and useful has always been a huge buzz for me.
kariane says
For me, I find the best way to keep in touch with my why (and myself in general) is to take a walk alone. Then I can listen to what my heart has to say. I wrote a bit about it here: http://everydaymindfulliving.com/taking-a-walk-alone/
Jacob Jolibois says
I completely agree, Kariane – long walks just to think is such a great way to clear your mind and understand your “why.”
Simone Malcolm says
I totally agree Kariane. Funny how whatever the problem, the rhythm of walking while communing with nature seems to work every time. As does the old adage of ‘sleeping on it’ – the unconscious mind will always find a way.
Great article Jacob – thanks for addressing the important questions.
Maureen@ADebtFreeStressFreeLife says
Great post and I think your questions are spot on in helping to discover your joy.
Karen @ Pieces of Contentment says
A powerful list. I especially like the quote from the old church in Sussex.
Jacob Jolibois says
Me too Karen!
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
This is such a great post. Minimalism is a tool and not a destination– I definitely try to tell people that as often as I can! The point is not to “win” at minimalism, but to use it towards the greatest purposes that compel us. So more more important than downsizing, simplifying and decluttering is finding that one thing– the thing that makes us come to life.
Jacob Jolibois says
Thanks Daisy!
By the way, I’ve loved reading about some of your travels. Sounds like you’re learning a lot along the way =)
sheryl says
thank you daisy for your comment. it really resonated with me. I am still fairly new to this and am in the middle of downsizing/de cluttering. I have been wondering about what happens after, how to keep my focus (a general life problem I have!), and so much more! I am looking forward to finding my one thing, right after I get rid of the MANY things in the way!
Meryl @ Simple Family Home says
The “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” question is a great one. I’m currently considering undertaking a Master’s in Public Health and have been wondering if it is my fear of failure that is what is really holding me back. Great post!
Jacob Jolibois says
Wow, congrats Meryl! That’s an exciting undertaking =)
Don’t let fear get ya – best of luck!
Kim says
I have an MPH. I got it 25 years ago. I love my career and am passionate about Public Health. I am now CEO of a nonprofit organization that focuses on teen pregnancy prevention. You will be surrounded by passionate people working to make a difference in the world.If you are able to join the Peace Corps either before or after your MPH, it will boost your skills and experience and transform your life.
Simplify Life Blog says
Jacob, that is the one of the best articles I have read in awhile. We have to determine what is truly meaningful because what you may consider meaningful I may call meaningless,
With that said, meaningful is personal. I liked all the questions, but I really thought #3 and #5 were really interesting.
I never imagined everything I tried being a success. I probably would get bored of success.
What would my day be like? Do not know. However, I would be happier. Interesting
Jacob Jolibois says
Thank you!
Exactly – I think each of our journeys are unique. That’s why I love hearing everyone’s individual stories.
Simplify Life Blog says
Jacob, how would answer #3?
Simplify Life Blog says
oops, You.