Once you realize there are pursuits in life that result in longer-lasting personal satisfaction than collecting physical possessions, you understand 100% of minimalism.
Minimalism is not just the realization that possessions don’t make us happy, it is based on the realization that possessions distract us from happiness. That everything we own requires money, time, focus, attention, and energy—and the more we own, the more distracted we become.
Our finite resources could be better spent elsewhere.
But where? Where should those freed-up resources be spent? Well, that is up to the individual and different people are going to answer that question differently. Some may desire to pursue travel, add to their bank account, or retire early.
But I don’t think any of us will ever regret working to solve problems that we see in the world. And owning less provides that opportunity.
Our money is only as valuable as what we choose to spend it on, and when we choose to use it confronting problems that exist in the world, the potential for our resources grows exponentially.
The reality is that problems exist all around us and there is no shortage of opportunities to make a positive difference in the world: from helping the struggling individual down the street to that crisis on the other side of the planet.
And no doubt we are passionate about different things (which is amazing and wonderful).
But there is one truth that unites us: we all want to make a positive difference in the world.
I am convinced that we all want to be generous. We want to help others and we want to solve problems when we see them.
The problem is, for many of us, we can’t seem to find the margin in our checkbook or calendar to do so.
Minimalism provides the margin.
It provides the opportunity to own less, buy less, care for less, and pursue less.
It frees up resources to help the single parent down the street, the co-worker struggling with medical bills, the local nonprofit serving your community, or that worldwide cause you are so passionate about.
The most significant difference we can make with our lives is to lean into our passion and solve problems where and when we see them.
Minimalism allows us to do that in ways we never dreamt possible.
Own less stuff. Solve more problems in the world instead. (tweet that)
FreshLifeAdvice says
Awesome stuff Josh! Minimalism is not only great for our mental help, but will also reduce stress for our physical health as well. Keep up the great work!