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)
Janice Franklin says
I also loved this post. It puts into words the feelings I have as I have moved into a more minimalist lifestyle over the past couple of years. I particularly liked the comment on the latest technology. I have frequently had the 12 year olds I teach comment negatively on my older model cell phone that only texts and makes phone calls (no smartphone for me.) My standard response is to ask them if they really want to be the kind of person who judges someone else on what they own rather than how they treat others and live their lives. That really makes them think!
Rina says
I absolutely agree with Beth. If you know your purpose, you will agree with Joshua’s post.
Montana Healthy Living says
Not everyone spends more money to try and impress others.
Some of the things on this list are I agree with, but you get what you pay for. If you want good quality you are going to pay more. Case in point: my hubby just traded his Toyota Tundra that never gave him any problems for a GMC that is 9 years newer, and shaping up to be nothing but problems. If Toyota made the truck he needs, we wouldn’t be in this boat. For us, it’s not about the name or trying to impress anyone, but quality. Some people spend more money on things because in the end it can be a smart thing. I don’t care what people think of my clothes, cars, phones, etc. I care if they’re constantly needing replaced or repaired.
Andrew says
It’s crazy how much time and energy goes into trying to impress other people.
I’m a huge fan of this blog because the mindset of everything around us pushes us to be a certain way, when the most important and meaningful things are right in front of us.
Lori in Prescott says
That Anna is one smart cookie to get Brian and Nicole to pay off her rock!
Bev. says
I was taught from a young age to be humble. You don’t brag about what you have. My husband and I bought one home, a bungalow (ranch) that fit a family of 4 very nicely. We talked of going bigger once but as my husband pointed out, some day the kids will have their own homes and what are we going to do with a big house? That made perfect sense to me.
I’ve never been impressed with cars or homes, but losing my husband at 47 truly taught me that it’s not what you have in your life that matters, it’s the people.
Janete Canteri says
I agree with you Bev.
Shawn says
Who is Anna and how did she end up interfering with Bryan and Nicole’s happiness? Are they polygamists? What gives?
Michael says
Great post! I’m 13, and when I move out I want to buy some land, and build a Tiny House. This is a great post, in the fact that it shines light on what is important these days. I myself have fallen to the “iPhone addiction”, and the Video Game addiction, but got grounded for a couple weeks, and found being with my family, whether it’s talking, or watching T.V, or doing an activity, was really fun. I do confess I’m ungrounded now, and I feel myself falling into the same games routine. But, I digress, great post about minimalism, and I hope you can reach the hearts of all te young people, as you’ve reached mine.
Gen 21-22 God Is With You In Everything You Do.
Michael
Luis says
Its not what you have, but what you do with it. Whether you have a lot, or little, that’s just bandwidth to use, not a measure of how you use it. If you can create a lot, then surely do so for the benefit of others.
Brenda says
I don’t think I have ever commented here before but I read and enjoy your blog, and I think this post is excellent! I grew up poor and I think I learned your points at a very early age. It is very sad to me now that even young children are getting their hair colored, wearing name brand clothing, and are so absorbed in their cell phones that they never use their creativity, or play outside. Of course, this is the fault of the parents and peer pressure. If everyone learned the things you mentioned, life would automatically be less stressful and more simple for everyone!