“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.” —Wayne Dyer
Eight years ago, on May 26, 2008, my life changed forever.
After spending most of my Memorial Day Weekend cleaning the garage, I struck up a conversation with my neighbor. As I recall, we were lamenting the fact that our day had been wasted taking care of things we owned.
It wasn’t a long conversation, but it was long enough for her to introduce me to the idea of minimalism—that there is more joy to be found owning less than we can ever discover pursuing more.
I actually needed very little convincing. My 5-year old son playing alone in the backyard was all the proof I needed that I owned too much stuff—and it was getting in the way of the life I wanted to live.
Over the course of the next 9 months, my wife and I went through every room in our home getting rid of anything and everything we didn’t need. In total, roughly 2/3 of our possessions were recycled, donated, or thrown away.
To journal the progress, I started a blog, Becoming Minimalist. Now, eight years into its existence, it has reached millions of people around the world with the life-giving message of owning less.
Little did I know, at the time, how much my life would change. But as I look back at the last eight years, I can see how becoming a minimalist has caused my perspective on life to change in very significant ways.
Here are eight that come to mind:
Money. Like most people, growing up, I wanted to be rich. I used to think about it, dream about it, and pursue it. But now, after finding contentment with less, I no longer have a desire for riches. Henry David Thoreau said it like this “I make myself rich by making my wants few.” Now, not only do I no longer desire to be wealthy, I plainly see the temptation and the trap that often ensnares those who do.
Work. Some people view work as a means to get rich—and that’s too bad. Others, on the other hand, can’t wait to escape work, even embracing minimalism as a means to that end. But I see it differently. Minimalism has allowed me to see work as a means to personal fulfillment—not because of the paycheck that it produces, but in the good I can bring to society through it.
Generosity. I now understand that the most fulfilling thing we can ever do with our money is give it away. Most of us desire to be generous people. Buying less makes that possible.
Culture. Minimalism has allowed me to see the world around me in a new way. Very early in my minimalist journey, while doing research for this blog, I stumbled upon The Story of Stuff on YouTube. It changed my perspective on society almost immediately. I began to see how overconsumption is encouraged in every aspect of our economy—from fashion and furnishings to food and housing. And once you see it, you can never unsee it.
Spirituality. There is little doubt that almost every respected religious leader that has stood the test of time has espoused the value and importance of simplicity. For most of my life, I considered this a call to sacrifice—that I should give up “the good life” so others might benefit. However, since discovering and experiencing the benefits of minimalism, I have begun to recognize these teachings are not burdensome at all. They are invitations to a better way of life unburdened with needless weight.
Happiness. I’ve studied quite a bit about happiness over the past eight years. But if I could sum up everything I’ve learned into one sentence, it would be this, “Happiness is not something to be chased or discovered through external circumstances, happiness is a decision we make every single day.” And that makes experiencing it so much easier.
Relationships. I’ve always understood the importance of strong relationships—minimalism has not changed that. But minimalism has caused me to recognize how often we sacrifice those relationships for less important pursuits. And recognizing how those pursuits often distract from the more important ones is the very foundation of minimalism.
Success and Competition. For most of my life, I viewed the opportunity for success as finite—that every time somebody else reached a height of success, it was one less opportunity for me. This often resulted in jealousy and envy. Today, I see it differently. There are countless opportunities to succeed in living meaningful lives. And often times, the quickest way for each of us to succeed in life is to help someone else succeed in theirs.
It’s been a pretty crazy eight years. Looking back on that Saturday morning, I never would have imagined that it would eventually lead to writing books, founding nonprofits, and being on television and in newspapers.
But then again, I had no idea how minimalism would change everything about me—in both my practice and my perspective.
Penny Coleman says
Went shopping wwith a friend and resisted the urge to buy a jersey I liked but didnt need I have 5 in my cupboard.. I came home so proud of myself ..I have decluttered our house and tell my friends I am a converted minimalist now.. Some are watching me with interest to see how long i will do this..b4 i convert back.. lol but i know i wont as i have never felt so free in my house without the clutter & mess..
Shawn Harris says
Thanks Josh. I’ve been on the journey for a few years now, shaping actions within and around my life as I go; it has become easier in my perspective as I go along. You’re absolutely right; it’s impossible to unsee it once your mind has made the connections around you, and you view life scenarios through that lens. Thanks!
Emily says
I like this list. It’s pretty much what I’ve found in my own life, too.
And there’s so much more time for the things that are important.
We are a family of 6, in about 1300 square feet, in a climate with really nasty cold winters! Not having a huge house means we are in the same space more, so we talk more, hang out together more… it’s a good thing. :)
Liz B says
For the first time ever, all 3 days of this long weekend was spent on fun and not on managing stuff, not because I just put off cleaning for another day, but because I looked around and there was nothing left that needs to be managed. I’ve reached a point of minimalism where I’m comfortable with the amount of things we have, and those things are no longer unmanageable that I have to dedicate large chunk of time to them. What a great place to be at.
Just Lisa says
Sounds like a blissful place to be. I am still working on getting there. I am SO ready to be free from having a menagerie of excessive things draining my time and energy. Life is too short to live under the tyranny of too much STUFF! It’s an adventure going against the flow of this world, and finding what truly matters. Happy for you!!!
Jacqueline says
A lot has to be said for being content with what you have, where you are in life, thanking God everyday is a saving grace for sure, consumerism isn,t the answer, being grateful helps us appreciate what we normally take for granted, thanks josh great reminder,
Jacqueline
Mia says
I have considered myself a minimalist for almost a year..
I was somewhat forced into it, from something that happened that rocked my world. But as I reflect over the past few years it was also a choice… It has been so exciting to me because this past yard sale, I have pretty much gotten rid of all the things I did not use. So liberating.. I am loving my new way of life!
Karolina says
I still live at home but by changing just a few things my life is a lot better. I learned to let go of ‘sentimental crap’ and learned to not spend my money on things that will make me happy for just a moment. Just by those two things, I have more time and I’m saving for my own place.
And the great thing is that it’s starting to rub off on my family as well :)
Champ says
This one’s a good read. And I love the idea about minimalism being an invitation to “a world unburdened by needless weight.”
Dan Erickson says
I love all of these points, but especially love the last one. I also don’t view success and competition as I used to. Success is personal to me, not professional. Competition can keep us from growing toward helping others. Minimalism negates these old attitudes.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
I’m learning these lessons too. Before I chose simplicity, I hadn’t realized the extent to which acquiring new things controlled my emotions, relationships and perspectives. Becoming a minimalist has helped me to see things as they truly are– just things– and to pursue what I know and believe really matters.
Tyson Popplestone says
Me too Daisy.
How much nicer is it with less ‘stuff’ and more time to focus on what we really value :)