There are amazing, life-giving benefits to owning fewer possessions.
When we own fewer things, we are able to focus more on pursuits of greater worth (however we choose to define them).
Owning less stuff means we have more money, more time, more focus, and more energy.
It also means less stress, less worry, and less distraction.
Minimalism allows us to live a life that is a better example for our kids and a better lifestyle for the planet. It paves the way for generosity, gratitude, contentment, and intentionality.
The pursuit of minimalism forces clarity on values, passion, and purpose. It causes self-reflection and results in greater life satisfaction.
These are the benefits of minimalism. And I want everybody reading these words to experience them.
However, you will never experience those benefits by thinking about minimalism. You can only experience them by putting the principles into practice and actually owning less.
In this way, owning less is better than thinking about owning less.
I have a feeling there are many who read this blog who desire the intentionality and freedom that minimalism provides, but have never taken any significant steps toward experiencing that truth.
This post is for you.
Today, take your first step toward living with less. Owning less brings peace, merely thinking about it brings stress (especially if you’ve been thinking about it for a long time).
Your first step in the right direction doesn’t need to be a big one, but it does need to happen.
So no more excuses. No more waiting for tomorrow. No more blaming others in your home. No more waiting for the circumstances to be perfect.
Today, get started owning less. You don’t need to complete the entire process in one day, but you do need to get started.
Fill one box (or bag) with physical possessions in your home that you no longer need. Then drop it off at the nearest local charity. Tomorrow, do it again.
Begin freeing up space in your home.
Don’t start in your attic, basement, or garage. And don’t start by trying to sort through your most sentimental possessions. Owning less doesn’t mean you need to get rid of the hardest stuff first.
Instead, begin with the stuff you know you don’t need—especially if someone else can use it.
Declutter your living room, your bedroom, or your bathroom. Some place easy that you can finish and feel good about yourself for completing. Then, declutter the next easiest space in your home.
As you do, you’ll own less and less—and begin experiencing the benefits.
There is only one person who can make owning less a reality in your life. And that person is you!
It’s time to stop thinking about it… and time to start doing it.
You can do it. And you’ll absolutely love owning less. Trust me, it’s WAY better than merely thinking about it.
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My new book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life will be released on April 19th. It will help you discover the practical steps you can take to live a life focused on things that matter.
If you pre-order the book before the end of the month, I’ve got some exclusive bonuses for you—including a free 6-week course to help you apply the principles of the book to your unique life. Click here to find out more.
Update since last posted. I went thru my closet & dresser drawers again & have 3 & 1/2 boxes ready to go to a Goodwill. I still have plenty (enough) clothes to wear that actually fit 😁(have lost some weight). I also went thru a big box of clothes sitting in a closet for the last 2 years & took out 4 T-shirts…..the rest to good will. Am feeling pretty good. Now have enough clothes that I love & do wear
Minimalism has really resonated with me. Last summer I went through many places in my main house where we have lived for years. I had a giant garage sale. The last day I packed everything left into the car and donated it to a charity resale store. Now I have been clearing out our little winter home in Florida (where the only grandchildren live). I have less here, but all the storage areas are still full after the clean-out. I am now stuck. I look at my too-full living room and think “but I like it all.”
I love living minimally
Look forward to reading articles.
I am finally moving things out
Our entryway is fully cleared, a ” family ” desk went to one of the kids and a few more “stuff” cleared out & the dining area will only be that 😃😁 with space to breathe.
Am feeling better already.
Marianne, it sure is no doubt about and this really hits home for me. I like this quote Joshua posted – ” Owning less doesn’t mean you need tod get rid of the hardest stuff first. Instead, begin with the stuff you know you don’t need—especially if someone else can use it.” – Thank you .
I’m so grateful for your work and this site. I often peruse it when I’m feeling the urge to consume and it reminds me of what my purpose is.
I had a realization that I’d like to share, that might help others getting stuck in the process of decluttering and finding the true meaning in it.
Fulfilled: satisfied or happy because of fully developing one’s abilities or character.
Somehow, the acquisition of stuff snuck it’s way into this definition! (I’m looking at you, advertising!)
Like the word implies: we should be full or filled with contentment for our skills/purpose/character! Not stuff!
The contrast tends to be true for stuff: the more belongings we have the greater burden and responsibility we feel to them (upkeep/care)- not joy and contentment.
Things add nothing to your character, only to the image you are hoping to present to the world. Character is visible through action, appreciated by others, capable of expanding and growing in it’s reach. It’s societally valuable.
If your stuff is useful through action, appreciated for it’s beauty, can grow in value or can be shared and valued by others– by all means keep the stuff!
But in the pursuit of stuff don’t confuse it for character.
Stuff cannot fulfill you.