Minimalism has changed me. What began as just a journey to own less stuff has changed the way I view myself and the world around me in significant ways.
One of the most significant changes is my reevaluation of how society defines success. Too often, those who make and spend and keep the most resources for themselves are labeled as the “successful ones.”
But this is unfortunate. Some of the best people I know would not be regarded as successful in worldly terms—precisely because they have decided to spend and focus their resources on less material things.
These people are far too rare—or at least, they do not get enough recognition. Instead, it seems ingrained in us to desire and appreciate the praise and the admiration of others. And because of that, many people will compromise greater and more worthwhile pursuits for the facade of temporal, worldly success.
I think it is important for us to no longer take the bait—to no longer heap accolades on those who flaunt selfish pursuits.
To that end, because of how my view of the world and its people has begun to change, I will offer a short list of things that no longer impress me:
The brand name of your clothing. Manufacturing practices are important. So is quality and fit. Why the name printed on the inside (and often times the outside) matter, I will never understand. Too often, people pay a premium just for the privilege of become a walking billboard. I am no longer impressed by the logo on your shirt, your purse, or the face of your watch. Instead, I admire those who are confident in timeless fashion and seek to make an impression by their character and their countenance.
The number of carats in your jewelry. One of the most important chapters in my new book, The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own, contains the story of Bryan and Nicole. Bryan and Nicole, five years into their marriage, continue to make sacrifices each day to help pay off lingering wedding debt—most of which is wrapped around Nicole’s finger. While the size of the rock on someone’s finger is noticed by some, most are not even looking.
The price of your car. The goal of any vehicle is to safely transport persons from Point A to Point B. Reliability is important, so is comfort (especially if you spend lots of time in it). But most luxury (and sport) cars appeal to a different motivation, they are no longer just about transportation. They often appeal to our need to broadcast success and get noticed—even if that means impressing strangers for 60 seconds at a red light.
The square footage of your house. Houses provide shelter and opportunity for stability. They represent investment in both our finances and our neighborhood. Over the course of my life, I have owned several homes (just one at a time) and have experienced the pride that comes from providing and creating a home for my family. But years ago, we intentionally chose to downsize and buy a smaller one. It is a decision I have never regretted. And to this day, when I drive past a large house, the only thing I can think of is how much happier we are in a small one.
The dollars in your bank account. The ultimate measure of success in our world today is personal wealth. Incidentally, we are not the first—this standard holds true across almost every society from the beginning of time. But I’m starting to wonder if we have been using the wrong measure. Maybe the number of dollars in a bank account is not the greatest measurement of success. Maybe instead, the amount of good we are able to accomplish with our lives is a truer measure of success
The model of your cell phone. Just the other day, I was spending time at a local park with my kids and a group of their friends. One of the most repeated conversations I overheard was their constant comparison of technology. “Which iPhone do you have? What number iPod is that? And guess who just got a new iPad for her birthday?” It was alarming to hear kids under the age of 10 spend so much energy comparing models of battery-powered electronics. And as much as I wanted to blame them and correct them, I was reminded that we adults are not that different. If we are not comparing cell phones, we are often lusting after faster computers and bigger television screens.
The age of your retirement. Retirement is the ultimate goal for most people. Unfortunately, this creates an attitude that sees the greatest goal of work is to remove ourselves from it. I think that approach is short-sighted and fails to recognize the fulfillment we find in it. But more than that, the age of someone’s retirement is based on countless factors, many of which are outside of anyone’s control—one man may strike it rich by simply being in the right place at the right time, while another may have experienced the exact opposite circumstance (just ask any number of 65-year old Baby Boomers). And this doesn’t even begin to count those who will continue working late in life because they have graciously used their financial resources to bless others.
The photos on your social media account. Almost everyone posts flattering images and experiences of themselves online—from new clothes and restaurant food to local concerts and airplane wings. These images are closely guarded and selected routinely portraying only the most exciting parts of our lives. With foolish abandon, we blame Photoshop for perpetuating unattainable images of perfection while simultaneously editing and photoshopping our own lives for social media.
Let’s stop trying to impress others with the things that we own. And start trying to inspire them by the lives that we live. (tweet that)
About Joshua Becker
We “graciously used our financial resources” to bless our children with the ability to go to the school of their choice. We will be helping to pay for their student loans well into retirement-if and when we get one. Our children all went on to higher education and all are great kids-just starting out. I wouldn’t change a thing. It was refreshing to read the part of this article on retirement. Made me feel better that I can’t -at least not in the near future-and I’m ok with that. 😊
Living minimally all our adult lives have helped my husband retire early, see more of our family, and who knows what since we are now freed up to live where we want.
Hi
I am looking at getting a paying position that either requires me to work less hours or that requires me to work from home so I can spend more time with my children.
I am wondering if you currently have any paid positions on your site for columnists.
Thank you
U jelly…
Very wise words. I think that many of us admire those who do things for others, or, who stand up for others. This can be in their work or in their free time. Think of the millions who volunteer time and energy to community and overseas projects. Those providing comfort to others, water to rural areas, help in crisis situations. Not to forget the ‘everyday’ sharing of love.
My husband lost a very lucrative banking job when everything crashed in 2009. We went through everything……retirement accounts, IRA was reduced to practically nothing! I have no idea what the future will bring! Retirement? We don’t have that luxury anymore. However, we have learned how to live on a lot less and the things that used to be important, not anymore! God has provided everything we need and my “want list” has nothing to do with “things” anymore! We have 3 grown, married children and 4 grandchildren! Our children are fine, responsible adults. There’s nothing I want more than that! So take your name brand clothes and fine automobiles. But remember you can lose them very quickly! What’s left is humility, less self centeredness, and gratitude for the most important things: family and God’s grace that promises me eternal life! Life here on earth is short compared to eternity!
I know that my response comes late but here it is. This is a huge lesson about having humility in life. I just felt in my heart this is what this is about ; going through it all with pride and find in the experience the life in essence. Thanks, Jane.
While I like the sentiment, I feel it is an idealistic, unrealistic view to take in our current society. You live in a capitalist framework. Complaining about how money works and effects people within that framework I feel is counterintuitive & hypocritical… Especially as you sit and write this article on/in the very results of that society you are referring too. There are a multitude of success types, and each one is subjective depending on your reference point re monetary, emotional, spiritual, acedemic, etc. The mere act of judging someone else because they put value in what you would consider superficial, is hypocritical & detrimental imo. You want to live a certain minimalistic lifestyle, that’s fine, but try not to hold your viewpoints above, and judge those who have a different perspective, which in essence is what you’re doing, and is actually the foundation for your article.
Really? How condescending. You are judging people for being realistic and not admiring your trappings.
Those that put value on name brands likewise judge minimalists who don’t spend as as much as being poor.
You are right. Many people are living in poverty.
I would be more “impressed” about name of clothing and where manufactured…so I know it’s not made in a sweatshop by children in a third world country. The other stuff is easiky worked out.
SO MUCH JUDGEMENT : (
Having enough or too much is each personal gauge. When I had too much, I did not feel the “success” people think I had, but only when decided to live SIMPLE that I felt so successful. Living simple and not let the success of others bother you is more satisfying.
It has always been this way for me. I wear comfortable clothing and never pay attention to other people’s fashion. (Partly because I almost always automatically look at their eyes when I need to)
I only know brands that I see when strolling the Mall. I don’t know cars. My phone is outdated. I’m not aware of the latest gadgets.
And no, I’m not a granny. I’m 22, if that matters.
Most people find me weird because I never pay attention to those material things to the point that I started to think I’m not supposed to be like this. With the wish to be “more normal” I have been trying lately to “notice” what “I’m supposed to notice”. It feels unnatural and pretentious. Thank you for this article. It justifies my… supposed “weirdness”.
Are you on the autism spectrum, my friend? You sound like me and my family. <3
*becoming
Love this article!!
I guess I did not know our family have been working toward the minimalist goal for years. Oh we started out wanting all the nice things all American families have. A big house..nice cars that all match..expensive clothes… toys..
Now the photos on my fb??? We never did that..I guess we are just too real for that…
WR quickly realized the more we worked to attain the magical dollar amount in our bank…with all our wants..it wasn’t realistic to ever attain it. Of course ..eventually relying solely on our ranch income the writing was on the wall..the our banks wld be filled money borrowed and very little earned! Put that in ur pipe and smoke it..ugh!
The best thing in life that I learned early on in childhood is the ability to gracious and realize that blessings come in all sizes and shapes…even if that is the blessing of a small town thrift store with BIG TIME buys and endless $.50 clothing items that are practically new! Shopping for new to us vehicles was always a priority…but now the goal is to maintain that reliable vehicle and drive it until the wheels fall off or the engine pukes..whichever is first and then use our God given skills put it back together again…like humpty dumpty!! Lol
Knowing reliability is most important and a few dents does not define us…proud to say. .all our vehicles will be paid off this year and our extravagantly bought camper after 10 years is still mint and PAID FOR!! knowing that we will NEVER finance one again!
Our phones will not be upgraded after our original investment two years ago…they are unreliable at our ranch..and besides using them online at home they serve very little purpose. Oh..believe me..I really like having GPS…but I will buy my own phone b4 contracting again!
Last year I read the tidying book…and beyond struggling to let go..I have slowly made progress and cleaned the clutter. ..knowing that I have restuffed..but keeping orespective in mind..that my friends on the Pine Ridge do much with very little..and I have the ability to share with them and my junk is their treasure. .I’m almost happy I’m a hoarder and they are benefiting from my need to become..I’m guess..a minimalist!!
Thank you for this article, I love it. I had a similar experience as to your write-up. I almost lost all of my material possessions when I got separated from my ex, the house, the car, the furniture, etc. It was then that I realized that material things are the easiest to lose, but the hardest to keep is one’s being- that is, who are you after the fall?
I’ve noticed how often people (including my spouse and myself) through their 40’s speak of the value of work and how they will not want to retire, but at some point in perhaps your 50’s or 60’s (or earlier if your work is particularly back-breaking) your body and/or mind stop cooperating as well, and at least a partial retirement starts to sound good. Kudos to those who can and do go longer, but please realize that some of that ambition to keep working forever “because of the value” may be short-sighted. On a related note, that’s why the built up bank account is important, too! I’m not disagreeing at all with the tone of the article or most of the content, just offering a different perspective (that’s rather new to older me, too).
Hi! Yes, you are so right. I am stopping my thoughts every time, when I start thinking negatively about our old house, 10 year old car, 30 year old boat and my same old boring job.. Everything is old, but it is functioning. The fact is that we are healthy, have jobs, have cosy house and a safe car. And a We should not strive against more stuff. I am sure we need to be more minimalistic in the future. I am working on it! ?
This made my day. I have two little boys and I want them to have all the opportunities that I didn’t have (good schools, stable home, excellent childcare). I will not be able to afford a big house, take luxury vacations, drive a new car even though we make a good wage. I don’t want these “things” but I have been feeling sad about not being able to save enough to retire early.
I am going to start thinking of the cost of being a parent as giving graciously to my children while showing them how to live frugally.
Love this post so much!
Minimalism is alright with me. No more competing with the Jone-es, life is great!
I couldn’t agree more! I went to an extravagant black tie wedding this summer and couldn’t help glaring at all of the massive rocks on fingers (and around necks), the luxury cars in the parking lot and designer clothes thinking about so many better things I could do with that money. I have a family diamond, drive a 2007 Honda Fit and wore a 8 year old dress that I bought at a huge discount.
I have a 2007 Honda Fit too! I went to have an oil change and they offered me a credit on a new car.
This made me smile so much. Love all of the points you made and completely agree with the “personal wealth” comment.
Roh I think the biggest lie that has been perpetrated is that everyone in this country can be rich if you work hard enough and follow what other rich people do.it is ludicrous to believe that, it’s impossible to achieve. And that attitude is why we now disdain the poor, as if it’s thier fault. Most rich people achieved their wealth through inheritance. Even those who are now billionaires , they inherited millions, so they already had working capital to invest and a start business. And what Rich people will never tell you us that they did not all gain wealth through legal or moral means. And the other thing they will tell you is that much of it was just dumb luck. Life is not about money and things , it’s about people and relationships. That’s what will matter as you get older and when you draw your last breath.
Me thinks this writer is trying to convince himself otherwise it sounds a lot like he is preaching. We are all different. A person can have all of this and still be a good person. People can have far less and be horrible. I think the real lesson is to work hard and stay on your own path and rate your own progress and stop worrying about the other guy.
Quality clothes fit and feel better and in some cases last longer. Get the car you enjoy regardless that others may be jealous, same with jewelry. Definitely have a big bank account, who else can you count on to take care of you in your old age? I worry about this much more than I envy what others are doing or wearing. Is cell phone envy a thing? This sounds a lot like high school to me. Start being happy for your friends pretty pictures of their families and adventures because if you cannot then you are not a friend. Besides that, even the simplest life can have great beauty in photos.
Great article….. I do almost all of them already and people often finds it weird that I don’t care about name brands, etc. I love my life because of the people that’s IN my life. Thanks again for this awesome article.
Money is a magnifier, if you are a greedy shallow person money will magnify that, similarly if you are a generous giving person money will magnify that. It’s not the money, it’s the person.
I’m in the minority, but I disagree with this sentiment. I think money changes people. Power does the same.
I agree and am living most of what you are saying. The only thing that I disagree with is the bank account. I want enough to be able to replace the transmission in my car if it goes out. And still have enough to live the minimal life style that I do now.
I do donate to worthy organizations, but not enough to make me needy. You have to learn to say no.
About retirement – sometimes health determines the timing.
Very well said! Our journey is not about stuff!
nice article, but i counted it again, it’s “8 things” right?
Wow!! Just noticed Greg authored the source of my interesting concern. Hope Greg, you are ensuring that MINIMALISM isn’t confused with ESSENTIALISM?
I hope people are able to distance themselves from the habit of some colleagues i know who will always try to do the absolute MINMUM! By the way is minimalism same as in the attitude of my colleagues above or is it coterminous with the ‘disciplined pursuit of less’ as advocated by a Havard Business Review?
While you choose to live as a minimalist, others may not. To say that something shouldn’t impress us is saying that your way is the best way. If people work hard to retain an early retirement, it DOES impress me because I’m not disciplined enough to do this! People’s photos on social media allow me to be more familiar with them, what they find important and where they like to spend their time. Likewise if someone chooses to buy a huge house, (whereas I prefer a small one with a more outside space) that also gives me a clue as to who they are as a person…there’s nothing wrong with it. If you want to minimize impacts to the Earth, if that is your ultimate goal, instead of preaching to people how they should live… DON’T HAVE KIDS. Really, that is the ultimate strain on Earth’s resources – a growing population. As minimalist as you can be, having kids adds more humans to world to use up resources. Since you already have two kids, I can confidently say that even though I do not live as a minimalist, I will use less resources over the course of a lifetime than you and your two kids. In the end, it’s all a matter of choice. I choose to drive an old car, to wear my clothes until they fall apart and I to try not to be wasteful, but certainly wouldn’t avoid a friendship with someone just because they chose otherwise. Food for thought.
I agree with you. Maybe looking at what really makes you happy or comfortable is the way to live. Just because one person likes designer items does not make them shallow. Much of the time there is a difference in quality, or the person feels good because now they can afford some luxury. I do think society has a tendency to follow the herd because it looks good-so I’m not supporting pretentiousness, I’m supporting less judging of people in general. Perhaps an article about life balance; giving back, accepting others that are different than yourself, being kind to animals, using language that is kinder, the list could go on.
I liked the general idea of the article and the principles being promoted therein, but the author was, perhaps, too “simplistic” in judging people. Everyone finds enjoyment in different pursuits. For example, my brother drives a sports car because he loves the way it meneuvers. The author may see him pull up to a stop light and make assumptions, but my brother doesn’t spend a lot of money on other things. His life is in balance. The important thing is to do introspection on what works for you and don’t assume it works for another. The beauty of this world is founded in variation.
I agree with you on this. But I think the author just wants to remind ourselves in what really matters in this life and that is selflessness and love just like what Jesus did.
Agree! The author judges generally, without distinguishing details. I have “carats”, not because of a request, but because my husband chose the gift. I have a safe, sound, lovely car, not to impress, but because we chose safety and comfort because we spend so much time on the road. We have a large house because we hoped to have a large family. Sadly, that was not to be, but to move at this time in life would be expensive and unproductive. The real rule is, “Don’t judge.”
The first lesson on your list brought me back down to earth. I was going to put in money for a designer wallet, but since reading your list, I’m going to go see if I can find a simple wallet at Ross for less. If I can’t find one after that, it’s the designer wallet for me. ;D It’s a GUESS wallet and it’s really cute. ^^ It’s a $40 wallet and since I got extra Christmas money for Christmas, I decided I wanted to treat myself to a luxary item. ^^ That is, if I don’t find a wallet I like at Ross first. :D
But I can’t help feeling impressed at my cousins’ houses. You see, my mom, who I live with, has a decorating style that is just not my thing. But my cousins decorate their houses in a way that matches closer to my personal style of decorating. Every time I go to one of their homes, I feel relaxed and feel like I am in a vacation home. Everything is just so neatly decorated and best of all, there is no clutter or “throw off” tables lying around. Everything is put away in each house. It is very nice and I wish my mom’s house was decorated and arranged in a similar manner. I know I shouldn’t be impressed by things others have, but I just can’t help it. :C
But my room in my mom’s house is my own slice of minimalist heaven. Every time I am in my room and everything is in its place, I feel relaxed. ^^ When the weather gets warmer, I’m going to add some “luxary” to my room by painting my wooden furnature white. I’m into the whole “minimalist white furnature” look, so I hope everything will work out for me. Wish me well! : )
We all seek happiness. He who has the most toys is never satisfied. She who has the best makeup is loneliest woman in town.
Start a revolution. Stop buying junk you can’t maintain. Garbage in, garbage out.
My greatest treasures are friends. They are friends simply because I like them.
Another item for the list: Being a minimalist in order to elevate yourself over those around you.
While I agree with the list, there is a danger of thinking you’re better than someone who has a new car just because you drive an older car. That would be wrong. One does not have to be wealthy to be haughty.
Yes, James! Our motivation is key!
Agreed 100%!!!
Looking for a book for teens that shares these ideas.
Read an article under Zen Habits yesterday dealing with Teens and Money. It was along the same lines as: http://zenhabits.net/teens/ and http://zenhabits.net/10-lessons-to-teach-your-kids-about-money/
Thanks for the post. Great reminders. So many people trapped in the more, more, me, me rat race. From shiny cars, to brand name clothes, never ending cycle of new furniture or the latest cell phones. I used to be jealous, but when thinking of the debt these people are in, I actually feel sorry for them. I am trying to buy American made, when possible, because its sickening to see the price tag on the brands people idolize and know that someone earned mere pennies in a third world country to make this item, that normally ends getting thrown in pile in closet as we chase after the next item on our list. Shows how sick our society really is, and the way we are teaching it to our kids is even sadder yet. It’s like swimming against tide with a teenage girl, I try to point out that having new things is nice, but we all have to pay the piper sooner or later.
I do believe having security for the future by saving, investing, is important. The problem is when they fail to live a full life because they refuse to spend any money and suffer because of it. No one has ever had a coffin with saddlebags and I have yet to see a hearse pulling a uhaul. God gave us a life to enjoy as much as possible. It’s up to us to share and make the most of it.
Thanks so much! Well said! My husband and I have already said the statement to those who hoard their money and spend nothing, not enjoying life etc …that they think the hearse will be pulling a Uhaul! Makes people think! Everything in BALANCE because you don’t even know how long you are going to live!!
Exactly! My husband has told others already about the hearse pulling a u-haul! They all chuckle at that one and it really gets them thinking! Enjoy life to the fullest…it may end sooner, not everyone gets to have the blessing of reaching retirement age.
I love your article. You hit it on the head. Keep up the good work.
I would add the amount of time you exercise or spend in a gym. People living healthily is great. Ultimately, nobone cares but you.
You’re right, money in your bank account should not impress because it’s no longer money, but fiat debt created from nothing. The carats in your jewelry, however, represent real wealth that cannot be created out of thin air. Of course, that shouldn’t impress people either, but it is something of value, unlike paper debt-based money.
Mike,
Have you ever had jewelry appraised? It might be worth just a fraction of the purchase price. And it can get lost or stolen, or the jewels might come out of the setting.
Money in the bank, to me, represents security, a safety net to cover the unexpected life events, as well as a future exchange for a worthy goal with minimal debt. – education, travel, retirement, a home. It’s not necessary to flaunt your bank balance. What should be more impressive is what you’re saving that money for. That may be a better measure of one’s character.
You listed 8 things.
Thank you for sharing this. Please continue to put your thoughts. How can we look for ways to be minimalist , without compromising things that matter most and of great value to our life.
After hearing from my fiance last night that I was “more materialistic than he realized” I, myself, realized that I need to change my outlook on the way I view success and life. I literally could not have stumbled upon a more well written article that articulates exactly the view I need to regain about life.
I think that with the everyday hustle and bustle, and being a young professional in a corporate environment, it puts a lot of pressure on young people to “show” that they are serious about being professional. I think the way I’ve been trying to prove my success is through things. Name brand shoes, clothes, and purses. Honestly, that’s not who I am and I want to go back to the carefree, confident, and secure person I once was.
Thank you for this article. Like I stated prior, it truly hit home after the discussion I had last night with the one I love the most in this world. Definitely a great way to put things into perspective.
a good look at yourself is the start of not being so selfish and self-important!!
Very good list. Also, I think that admiring and trying to emulate the Hollywood elite might be added. The more I think about the wasteful lifestyles they have while so many people are struggling just to make ends meet, I’m just disgusted and disenchanted.
I love this list!! it’s a good start to stop be selfish!!
Hey, you posted on my birthday! xD
Anyway, I totally agree with you on the Hollywood thing. All these people have so much money and what do they spend it all on? Oversized car collections, new houses the size of Texas (who needs a house that big!?), and $1000+ designer bags made of dead animals. If I had a lot of money like these rich people do, I would create a trust and stick the rest of my money in a retirement account. If I were to buy any expensive designer bag, I would have it confirmed that the bag was made by a professional purse maker getting paid a living wage. That is the ONLY reason if I would drop $1000 dollars or more or less on an expensive designer bag. I would also buy a set of American made knifes if I had my own home. I saw some at Costco and they costed under $1000 for a set of them. But they would last you forever!
But I digress. Sherry, I completely agree with you and I wish the rich would share more of their money to help others less fortunate than they are instead of hauling all of their cash away in a bank account. : |
Let us not forget many, perhaps most, wealthy people contribute their time and financial resources to creating jobs and helping others in ways we may never see. It is not for us to determine how others live their lives or spend their money. This is America don’t forget!
Thank you for such an honest and “on point” article!
It was as if you were reading my thoughts exactly!
:)
Everyone is guilty of these pleasures. as you make more money you can afford more and buy more. Its like everyone wants to blame the rich for their success and not learn how they did it. Let’s all just give up. Right time right place is true but it’s also the capability of a person to recognize the true opportunity. Don’t tell me you are of the same caliber as Bill Gates or others. We all tend to hide our skeletons of failures, just need a scape goat rich person to blame. I’d like to know what I’m doing wrong and fix it to get there. People from all sphere of life have seen success…..and the truly successful people have seen more failures than success. Question here is,!why does it bother you to see someone doing better than you? Why can’t you take inspiration from what they have achieved. Bill gates and others also donate millions and yet drive luxurious cars, but knowing most people, your first impression of him in a his luxury would be of a showoff. Sad that we are all so quick to judge and demonize successful people. Don’t be so quick to judge a book by its cover. Don’t let your insecurities get the better of you. Question to ask is, what is my level of success and am I happy there? If not, then perseverance is your best approach. No matter where you are in life, there will always be people making more than you and less than you.
I think the point he is making is not questioning success, but questioning what he will define as success for himself and how that differs with what society in general defines as success. It is entirely appropriate to ask that question and then define those things for yourself, without envy or judgement of others. Other valid questions that I have found helpful from reading this website are: does this (thing, experience, relationship) add value to my life? Am I mindlessly following the crowd or am I making decisions that will help me achieve life goals? Are my desires being shaped by advertisements, insatiable needs, insecurities or are they controlled by reason? None of these questions are for other people. The audience of this website is not so judgy. We ask these questions and determine the answers for OURSELVES. If people reading this article choose to judge others then that is on them, it is not the point of the article. I agree with you completely that there are wealthy persons that have name brand clothes, huge houses, and fancy cars and who contribute greatly to society. The fact that you can be a “show off” and still be good person is not a valid reason to ignore the intent and sound reasoning of this excellent article.
These are not 7 ?
haha I noticed that too. It’s really 8 things. Good points though!
I noticed that too it’s 8. But for me “Keep it Simple” is the Secret to Life success
Yes. It is our ‘imposed by others’ or our own definition of success that is critical here. How many of our behaviours are controlled by some ideals or beliefs that do not ring true to what we want from our life for ourselves? I feel this article is encouraging us to consider how success is measured for our personal fulfilment.
And could that way be one that is supporting all of us to let go of the negative things such as comparison with the rich and famous, as the success benchmarks?
While I agree with the statements in this article myself, the problem with me believing is that the rest of the world would need to follow the same train of thoughts. I don’t foresee that happening anytime soon in this world of pressure to keep up with the Jones’ on many different levels and don’t see any real change in the next 40 years!
I like your thoughts . You have wisdom to understand every situation and peoples mindset. And you dont judge.
I like the way you think!
Roh- I don’t think this article is pointing fingers, but more a “look in the mirror” on where life can side track so many of us so easily!
This comment is a good leveller. Balanced lives, is the ideal. I agree with both posts & it takes time for us all to get close to the ideal way to live & give. And yes, none of us has the right to judge another until we reach perfection & to the best of my knowledge, there’s only been one who achieved that position & that’s the one example I choose to follow.
How sad, that he wants to trivialize success. Does he think that Bill Gates didn’t have failures?
To whom much has been given, much will be expected.
Ah, to be close to homeless, way to dream big.
I think you have taken him and the Word out of context a bit. Read some more of his blogs for a bigger picture.
Perfect reply????????
The problem is not rich people but that our society thinks that more money equals success. The fact that you said you are doing better than someone else is the point.
Not only do we live in a society that kids have to go to college, go in debt at an early age, get a good job that pays for things like big houses, expensive cars, and lots of clothing , but many times these things are traded for family time. Kids are raised with parents that are never there, but they have the latest gifts, cars, I phones etc. Other people are teaching their children. They are losing respect for each other.
Is someone really better because they have more money? Maybe the richest people are the ones that have time to play a board game with their kids, teach tables manners while sharing a meal together etc. The value of family is forever changed because of money.
And what is being done to the planet?
More money means more stuff. More phones in the landfills, clothing, toys etc. More oil for bigger and bigger houses, cars etc. More factories for us to buy more stuff while we shop and give the already rich corporations the ability to even run our government.
This money that makes you feel superior to others is a false sense of security. For without the pay check, what would you have?
The Real rich to me are those that are self sufficient. They have true security and probably even stronger family ties.
Rethink what you know.
Being self sufficient is a myth
Wow, yes more failures than success, it’s great to have all we need through hard work, give, perfect balance, at 49 I still travel like a backpacker but at least I get to go and see the world meet the locals, for me it’s all about doing the things you love, love my family, travel and photograph thing that make my heart beat faster, simple life of every day joys….
People should definitely not turn the minimalism into another sort of hatred. If I wear clothes that should not be immediately thrown into the trash container I’d like to think it’s my right and not anyone’s business.
Where can I find your book Only what matters to purchase for my library? My patrons at Princeton Public Library, Princeton, Indiana, would enjoy this. I did not find it posted on Amazon. Please respond to my email, and not this site.
Thanks, I truly appreciate your newsletter and share with my patrons.
I tell people “when Under Armor or some NFL team pays me to be their billboard… only then will i consider wearing their crap.”
Why do you need his book??? He just told you everything you need to THINK about.
Try watching “The Secret” and reading the book. Be grateful and all will fall into place… REALLY!