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)
Herb Patterson says
“The best things in life are not things.” I’m working on this. I have sold almost 150 things online. I am decluttering one thing per day. I can only buy something if it replaces something else. It is hard for me, but I am trying. Your articles help immensely.
Tasmanian Minimalist says
It gets easier- trust me.
Julia says
I am enjoying your posts so much. At 61 I am learning the joys of minimalism from my son and daughter. About 10 years ago we started shedding the false images of success and concentrating on what brought us personal fulfillment and joy. My husband and I both have jobs that are not high earning by USA standards but we enjoy them greatly and hope to keep working as long as possible.
As to all the tweeting comments, I don’t use it but am continually amazed at all the good that can come from social media. Just as in a past era when good roads, stable government and a common language helped spread an amazing message, social media can be used for the same purpose in our time.
Jacquie Mitchell says
My husband and I love reading our minimalist posts each day as they are inspiring and help you to define who you are or want to be. I have shared many posts and by doing so have encouraged others to look at their own lives and what they have. I see no harm in tweeting or sharing and don’t see a comparison to a name brand at all. Everyone has choices in this world if you don’t like a site on social media then don’t read it, I myself will continue to grow and learn from Josh’s wisdom and truly thank him for caring enough to share his knowledge.
Judy says
Joshua—I couldn’t agree with you more! :)
And I’ll add one more to the list: How much your pedigree dog cost! lol —I rescued a beautiful bull-mastiff who was found running the streets of Alabama— pregnant, starving and full blown heart-worm. Well, 5 years later, I now have a gorgeous and healthy dog. She is the best dog I have ever owned! What a sweetheart. And did I mention she is BEAUTIFUL?! :) I will miss this baby when God takes her back, but I know there will be another sweetie up for adoption who needs a forever home.
Tasmanian Minimalist says
Yay! You’re fabulous. All kudos from one dog lover, to another. All my dogs are mixers.
Michael says
This post has definitely stuck a cord with me. I used to fall victim to the material measurements listed in this post. But as I get older, I care less and less as I’ve realised that this kind of thinking only increases your expectation gap, thus more depression and negativity.
We need to change up the metrics and instead measure how we create more time to do the things that actually make us happy. And of course, this usually means eliminating things that add no real value to your life.
Thanks for sharing.
Jennifer says
I enjoyed this post. I think I’ve embraced most of the things you talk about but I’m really glad you included retirement age as I feel this is the new thing to feel bad about. As someone who lives in an extremely expensive city and chooses to work for a charity I expect to be working to the bitter end :-) Happily I enjoy my work and it certainly makes a positive benefit to people’s lives.
Jacqueline says
i sat on the bus the other day and looked at what other people were wearing, my goodness fake nails that looked like talons and eyelashes that resembled caterpillars, i am not being jealous or nasty, but it seems i am a minority for i don,t wear make up and i buy clothes i like no matter brand or not, thankfully i am no longer that insecure, it is just so sad to be trapped by these things, it sadden me when we can equally look down on someone because they are the minority, have done that too, i don,t think living without things that you love or bring you joy are wrong either, i think its good to encourage people in who they are not what they have, for whats inside a person is what really matters thanks for the reminder josh xxxxJacqueline
Jenny says
You make my life so much richer for sharing your wisdom. Thanks so much for every single post you write. x
johan says
Inspiring. But actually you named 8 things.
Nice joy says
Great article. Best one in this week.