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.
Cheryl Smith says
I found this article to be SO helpful. Sometimes, it is so hard to really pin down what God has put us here to do and to find that calling that He has for us. The points you brought out were very inspirational and encouraging to me. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you. :)
Jacob Jolibois says
Thank you Cheryl! God is good =)
Judy says
He’s the best! :) :) :)
Melissa Monforti says
I have asked so many of these questions so many times and doing so has led me to a more meaningful life. Yet, I find I have to keep asking myself! It’s like I reach a new normal and then get restless to see if I can take my life even deeper.
I relate to other creative people’s comments above. It is hard to keep up the good work day after day.
People ask me often how I built my life and business to reflect what I love. I am excited to have this quick read to share with them to get them started. I’m also going to forward it to my life coach. She is always sending me resources like this.
Thank you!
Jacob Jolibois says
Melissa, I love hearing stories of people putting things into practice. Thanks for sharing! Keep it up =)
Nokkela says
This was kind of compelling for me. See, my first career choice _was_ with my passions, things I get caught up on. But the professional life didn’t bring easy flow. I have troubles with the fact that there just isn’t enough real work that pays on the field. (And establishing your own business in a tiny country like Finland is really risky too. We don’t have much niche market.)
But still these questions compell me, because even when I’m out of work, I don’t do exactly things that are related with my first career with all that free time. It’s tricky with art fields – they all are so different… I have found another art field, money is as tight there, but it’s maybe a little bit more doable.
But it does take a ton of creativity (!) to be an artist and try to make your living out of it in a world, that’s driven by markets and individualism. I feel that minimalism is helping. I feel that I even might make the talk about minimalism a part of my work. I don’t know exactly how yet, but it’s a fascinating thought.
Jacob Jolibois says
Nokkela, the fact that you are trying despite the odds says a lot about your character. That’s an exciting journey to be sure.
Sometimes, the things you truly love aren’t necessarily your career (at least for a season of life). On the flip side, with the power of the internet, a lot of seemingly impossible things are possible. If you haven’t yet read BOLD by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler, I would highly suggest it.
Corry says
Jacob,
This post is hitting home right now. Just last night I had a long walk and talk with my 14 year old son. I was asking him questions to get to that understanding of his passions. I was heartbroken to learn that though he is a 4.0 student, he feels no passion whatsoever for any of his studies. He said the only time he ever feels that passion is during competitive sports (he loves playing hockey). For years I thought he was a nature lover, but he admitted he only likes it when he catches the fish, or shoots the turkey. Any advice on helping my son learn his purpose?
Jacob Jolibois says
Hi Corry!
That’s a tough boat to be in, for you and for your son. Sometimes it just takes living through a few different things to figure out what their “why” is.
1. I would ask him a few of the questions in the post (especially #1, 2 and 5)
2. If he enjoys hockey, dig a bit deeper into the “why” behind hockey. Maybe a competitive field is exactly where he would thrive. Here’s a short article that might help you help him: http://www.jacobjolibois.com/blog/why
3. I hear about people stuck in this same rut fairly often (myself included). In answer to it, I put together a free course called “Crafting Your Identity” that is a 7-part series with small exercises throughout that tremendously helped me. Here’s the link: http://www.jacobjolibois.com/courses
Sally says
I went to your “Crafting Your Identity” link but got this message: http://jacobjolibois.com/courses
Judy says
Look at the Chicago Blackhawks!!! :)
Hockey is a beautiful thing.
Peggy says
Hi Jacob,
You have a lot of good questions! I loved the phrase “…some of us live in a constant state of misdirection, unsure of our purpose”. I had a chuckle at that, it would describe me at least until the age of 50… drifting into one position or another in the same company until they laid my department off. By the time that happened, I knew what I wanted to do and was able to transition by going to school and now am working in my new career (which I love).
The troubles I have relate to home stresses (children & grandchildren living with us) and my health. While I love my (very physical) job, I don’t know how long I can expect to do it. And some days I would like to “declutter my family” (get them to move out!!!). My husband and I are introverts, enjoy quiet time, privacy, space. All of these are compromised by our living arrangements.
My decluttering of stuff has slowed down because I’ve been at this awhile and because much of the extra stuff belongs to the children. But my “minimalist” mindset prevents me from actively recluttering at least.
I think the point of what I am trying to say is that I might finally know what my “passions” are but I can’t entirely follow them due to circumstances beyond my control… So, I go where I can :)
Jacob Jolibois says
That’s a great attitude Peggy!
Thankfully, you’re in the right place – Joshua’s family approach to minimalism is wonderful. I would suggest another guest post here on the blog: “Simplicity when your spouse doesn’t get it.”
https://www.becomingminimalist.com/simplicity-when-your-spouse-doesnt-get-it/
The post is dealing with spouses but perhaps it can cross over to your children as well. Best of luck!
Peggy says
Hi Jacob, I read the link you gave me… It makes sense… BUT the dialogue at my house usually goes like this: (Me):”Is it okay to part with this widget” (Child): “Why do you want to get rid of everything??? Just leave it”… There is a lot of blowback LOL
Angela says
I expect it is hard having a house full. You will miss them very much when they do move out me thinks.
Angela
Peggy says
Hi Angela, Yes it is tough to have a house full. We get waked up or kept awake with some frequency. We both work, so this is a definite hardship. We have approximately 1100 square feet, 4 adults, 2 grandchildren (& their toys!) in this space. I know I will miss anyone who leaves… but I am determined to get over it LOL
Karlene says
What an inspiring article! I have really been struggling with stepping out of my comfort zone in a particular area of my life. Thanks for the reminder that I just need to start. So often, when I am thinking of taking a risk, I think of the worst case scenario. The times that I have failed have never been as bad as what I envisioned.
Jacob Jolibois says
Whatever it is that you’re battling, you’re not alone – so many of us are hitting the same wall. But we can all step out and just start!
Best of luck, Karlene =)
chanthol says
Jacob,
I just love your writing. This piece just speaks volume to me. It’s such a great article about direction or redirection and leaning out your life to find the very best. I love it. Thank you for your writing. It is such an inspiring piece.
Jacob Jolibois says
Thank you so much Chanthol!
Elizabeth says
Oh my, I really loved this. My favorite line was, “Purpose is found at the convergence of passion and service.” This life really isn’t all about ourselves, and our own happiness, is it? And yet our greatest happiness will in fact be found when we realize this. Ironic.
Jacob Jolibois says
Amen, Elizabeth!
Linda Larsen says
great timing…we are downsizing, selling the house and retiring and we needed this information to help us see clearly where we are headed rather than “just not going to work”. Thanks!
Jacob Jolibois says
Wow, I’m excited for y’all! I’m glad I could help in some little way.
Angela @ Setting My Intention says
Im still at the decluttering phase of minimalism, but do realize that getting rid of our “stuff” is not the end goal. I appreciate these questions and will have to bookmark them for later in my journey!
Jacob Jolibois says
Good luck Angela! It’s an exciting journey