As far back as I can remember, my father came home for lunch. I’m sure it wasn’t every day, but in my mind it was.
He worked at a bank and did quite well, slowly but surely climbing the ladder in the industry. And yet, as best I remember, most days he came home for lunch, sitting on a stool at our counter.
Most days, he ate a sandwich with a few slices of deli meat, plain potato chips, and French Onion dip. Or, on occasion, he’d eat a hot dog on a slice of bread.
Again, these are just my memories. My dad, recently retired, might tell a different story of his lunch menu variety, but this is the endearing image I have of my father as he came home for lunch each day.
He grew up on a family farm in South Dakota where most lunches were no different than the ones he continues to eat even today. His family upbringing clearly shaped his expectations for lunch.
I, my father’s son after all, have strayed very little from the model he set for me. My lunch, almost every day, are the leftovers from yesterday’s dinner. If there are no leftovers, I will sometimes have a bowl of soup or a tuna fish sandwich.
My tastes, overall, are quite simple. I own a 2005 Honda Accord, I wear a black V-neck t-shirt purchased at the local outlet mall, my tennis racket is 20 years old, I order black coffee at coffee shops, and my hair products (a topic of much conversation on YouTube) are bought off the shelf at Target.
I appreciate a fancy dinner when I have one… a luxurious hotel should I find myself there… or fine art when I view it. But for everyday living, I am content with simple tastes.
Simple tastes, in my opinion, get a bad rap.
Some may think I am unrefined for eating leftovers every day for lunch or missing out on the joy of living by not booking expensive accommodations when I travel, but I disagree entirely.
There are many benefits that accompany having simple tastes. Let me list a few of them for you.
Underappreciated joys of simple tastes:
1. Enjoyment is easy to find.
When your tastes are simple, it is easy to find things you enjoy. I can be just as happy eating leftovers for lunch as I would be sitting down at a fancy restaurant. One is just more achievable on a regular basis.
2. Easier to entertain.
I’m easy to entertain. If you wanted to treat me for dinner, you should feel no pressure in what you prepare. Truly, serve me homemade tacos and I’d be just as happy as if you served me prime rib. Or pick any restaurant for dinner, I’ll be happy.
Again, don’t mishear me on this. I LOVE prime rib, but my tastes are simple. Ground beef tacos make me just as happy.
3. Living within your means.
As I’ve written previously, there are benefits to living within your means that go even beyond the subject matter of this article— freedom, peace, and opportunity (for example). When your tastes are simple, life costs less and living within your means is easier than you might have thought.
4. Less lifestyle inflation.
Lifestyle inflation refers to an increase in spending when an individual’s income goes up. It is why many are never able to get ahead financially—personal expenses simply rise with personal income. When your tastes are simple, there is less opportunity for lifestyle inflation to take over.
5. More gratitude.
We are faced with two choices every day: 1) We can be grateful for the things we have; or 2) We can focus on all the things we wish we had.
When you are able to find joy and contentment in the simplest of things, gratitude is an easier choice to make.
6. Less influenced by trends, labels, and advertising.
Too often, people pay a premium just for the privilege of becoming a walking billboard. Personally, I am not impressed by fancy or expensive brands just for the sake of being able to show off the logo.
Same with advertising and changing trends. As Nate Berkus says, “Trends exist to make people feel badly about what they don’t have.” When your tastes are simple, you are less likely to be influenced by them.
7. More opportunity to splurge when necessary.
There is another benefit of having simple tastes that I should mention. If you are not spending routinely on expensive things, there is more money available to spend when the splurge is truly desired.
While my wife and I have always lived on a modest income, every five years we take a trip to celebrate a milestone anniversary (10, 15, 20…). Because our tastes are not extravagant on a day-to-day basis, that is something we have always been able to afford.
8. Easier to make decisions. Less time wasted.
There is a direct correlation, in very practical ways, between simple tastes and time. For example, it is easier to make decisions when traveling, shopping, or even planning tomorrow’s lunch at the office.
Again, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying it is wrong to enjoy nice things at times. But when you are satisfied with simple things on a daily basis, time (and money) is saved.
9. More opportunity for impact.
I’m going to make a bold statement here, take it or leave it.
Maybe it’s because of my upbringing, but when I think of the people I most want to emulate in my life, rarely do I think of the flashy types. I suppose, in the moment, there is something seductive about the person with the expensive car, outfit, or drink.
But in the long run, it is those who have learned to become content with the simple things in life that inspire the most. It seems to me their simpler tastes have provided more opportunity for impact in other ways.
There are, of course, some people who pursue minimalism because of their fancy tastes. Owning fewer items allows them to have higher quality, more expensive things. I understand that fully.
But for me, I have a certain level of joy and contentment in keeping my tastes simple, I think you will too.
Connie says
Thank you for some great words of wisdom Joshua! I try to do each things simply as well but do love a good steak now and then!
Reannah says
Is there somewhere more local that you can shop at for your hair products, other than Target? I buy my hair products from L’BRI and they are natural aloe-based products (for men and women). It’s a company based in Wisconsin, the state that I live in. I think that most of what you said is nice. Shopping at Target just stood out like a sore thumb to me…Lol I think that minimalism also means shopping locally, as much as possible. “Think global, buy local,” is a motto used often in Madison, WI. Where you buy your products matters, too. Thanks!
Marlene says
Both my parents grew up on family farms in Minnesota. One of their favorite phrases to us kids growing up was “your wants are many but your needs are few”❤️
Cortney says
Yes to the tenth degree.
Valerie Rogers says
Nice article. Reminded me of tastes of home. Regardless where in life, more affluence or not, I never strayed from beyond-the-sidewalk frugal mindset I grew up with. Humorous to others perhaps, who cares! I retired very early. If the mind is content, simple tastes will do ?
Annie says
As much as I love a good steak I’ll take a hamburger with friends and family over filet mignon in a fancypants restaurant anytime! It took me a few years living on my own to fully realize the truth in your post. I am so glad my parents didn’t spoil us growing up and taught us these lessons even if they didn’t sink in right away. Living simply has allowed me to get out, and more importantly to stay out, of debt, and build enough savings that we did not panic when my husband lost his job due to the pandemic. We are living simply and happily on my salary that I am so thankful to still have for now. We are also able to help others a bit as we can from each paycheck. We may not have a lot to give right now, but it could be the world to someone who really needs it.
Terry says
Today’s post and reflections are encouraging much reflection on my part … thank you. I’ve always been guided by the Quaker advice to “Live Adventurously” and I believe that simplicity helps us do just that.
Cathy Sistek says
Love this article. This is what I strive to achieve each day. Most days are successful but on other days I do get caught up in the whirlwind of owning stuff. Will reread this article every time that happens…Thank you Joshua Becker!
Lostinspace says
Well, I don’t remember if I ever commented before but I agree with one person here that this was one of your best ever posts. I especially like the time saving factor of keeping it simple. I tend to do this with food and feel guilty for not being a “foodie” and unsophisticated although there is nothing wrong with my palate and I love a gourmet meal sometimes but only when it comes along. So thank you for the liberation from guilt and the support.
Now retired I am unexpectedly needing to help two family members financially. They are helping me to live a minimal lifestyle! But it’s good, I would rather make that choice. My efforts to minimalise my home have been a bit rubbish but the intention is real and ongoing.
I always enjoy what you write and look forward to your posts.
Martha Steele says
This was perfect for me to read today. Within hours, a dumpster is arriving. That’s embarrassing. That much junk. Also I have boxes ready for donations, I doubt I’ll take the time to sell. I just want it done. I’ve been slow moving but have gotten a lot out of your emails over the years, this is my first comment. I also get a LOT out of your app, Clutterfree. The best part for me is that Clutterfree keeps me motivated and when working on specific projects of decluttering, the app keeps me from becoming overwhelmed with decision fatigue. It’s great. This email today seems to have a wistful memory tone to it, and a subject I can relate to. My dad always came home everyday for lunch and ate grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup with my mom. He, at the time, was the chemistry lab manager at General Foods. But family came first. He refused promotions that would take us kids out of our schools. I didn’t know at the time and didn’t appreciate the sacrifice until later. We had a nice home on a small lake, but nothing fancy. I’ve had to learn to live below my means. I was spoiled by my parents. But I am grateful for the simple vacations we took every summer and the delight found in nature. It doesn’t take much to enjoy the richness around us. Thanks for the reminder. I’ll be sure to remind my sister to read her email today too.
joshua becker says
That is a great story about your dad. Thank you for all the kind words about the Clutterfree app and good luck with your upcoming project. You’ll love owning less.