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)
Bob says
I agree with some of the first examples but couldn’t disagree more with the examples of family net worth and retirement. My responsibility as a husband and a citizen is to save enough to take care of my wife and myself so that we are capable of a comfortable retirement. We don’t want to work for someone else forever and be a burden on society if we can live within our means to save now. Leaving the workforce has the added benefit of opening up our positions for others to backfill.
Jody Stevenson says
We are a mixed up world. We pay athletes HUGE dollars to entertain us (and I like sports) but generally don’t pay our school teachers much more than bare minimum existence. It’s all about what we value. As minimalism helps us remember, people are the real value. Relationships should be based on who we are not what we have. Thanks for making us think and talk about these things.
Beth says
Like the article, and agree with it. And for God’s sake people stop posting SO MANY SELFIES because we really don’t want our pages filled with pictures of YOU! lol…
Diane Runyan says
Don’t judge people for early retirement – sometimes people are forced into retirement when no one will hire them because of their age!
Katy says
My mother in law said to my husband:
“You’re 38 years old. Most people your age have more things!”
Lisa says
I’ve always lived like this. TIL I’m minimalist.
Ronald@therichimmigrant says
Mike- As much as you have a right to your opinion on the article,there is someone somewhere making money off us or promoting their products in our daily lives.America is a capitalistic society and we have to live with it.Joshua has always been open to his readers in what he does and we are all adults who know if someone was trying to sell to us.Joshua,keep up the good work,love the article and remember you won’t please everyone.
Steven says
Josh, fantastic post! I have been following your site, and your work, for a few years now. I have finally really taken the plunge and committed myself to a life lived more simply! I have begun a blog to help document my journey, and perhaps even give encouragement to others. It’s http://www.livingsimply101.com. I hope you check it out and lend your support. Thanks so much for all you do!
Steve
Janete Canteri says
I totally agree with you, Joshua, like always. I really don’t care about brand of clothes I wear ( including shoes, sandals ). What matters is if they are of good quality. I think a smaller house is happier than big ones because people who live there can see each other more frequently. I don’t care about jewelry, expensive cars, make-up, brand new cell phone (mine is old and doesn’t have internet because for me it’s not necessary, I prefer to use the notebook). Talking about money in the bank I have some savings that I think are necessary in cases of diseases or somenthing, because public healthy service here in Brazil is awful. I was born in simplicity and I continue on this way and I taught my sons to be simple too. Simplicity is not about if you have money or not but it is inside of us. Contentment not comformism is the answer.
God bless you. :)
Janete Canteri
Tom says
Very good post. I a totally agree. I am currently living in Singapore. A country state where the 7 points you mention could be easily mistaken for their mantra to life.
It’s very sad to see how people that move here so easily get sucked into it as well.
Another observation I have made is that it seems societies that live by this mantra also seems to be extremely wasteful.
Me says
I accidentally clicked on this link and thought oh what the heck…. Let’s see what this silly young man has to say. Unfortunately that’s 5 minutes of my life I can’t get back. Seriously, you don’t need to focus on the newest coolest “minimalist” trend….or any new “idea” that is that is the absolute opposite of how you previously lived your life. This “minimalist-ness” doesn’t change you on the inside. It is still quite possible that you will remain totally self-centered, self absorbed millennials, chasing what you believe to be the latest and greatest. What you need to do is just grow up. That’s the solution. I guess my generation didn’t need a word to describe how to live right.
Tom says
I don’t agree. If you look around today’s societies have degraded into a consumer world that take these 7 points as their mantra.
The point minimalism goes beyond “getting over consumerism”. It’s about clearing ones mind so you it’s open to experiencing the simple things you haven’t had the capacity to take in.
Living with less is only a start.
Kristen says
It is sad that you find it appropriate to post such arrogant words.
Janete Canteri says
Me,
You are totally wrong because most of people need someone to tell them how they must live in a better way. In the old times we had our parents to do that but now parents really don’t care about the real education, they leave their children for someone else take care of them. I really know what I am saying because I have been teaching in public school for 22 years.
And Joshua is a wise man not a silly one.