“When things aren’t adding up in life, start subtracting.” —Anon
Minimalism is based on a very important premise: Our lives and our resources are limited—so how we spend them matters.
If we had unlimited time, money, and energy, minimalism would be less necessary because we could do everything.
But we do not have unlimited time, money, and energy. When we spend those resources on things that don’t matter (excess physical possessions for example), they are wasted and we can never get them back.
That monthly bill you’ve been paying on your storage unit? Money gone forever. That Saturday you spent organizing your garage (again)? Time gone forever. Those hours you spent shopping online for yet another pair of pants or shoes? Energy you can never regain.
Possessions are needed for life, of course. But excess possessions quickly become a distraction. We are promised by marketers that our next purchase will make us happier, but their promises rarely come true.
Rather than bringing happiness into life, possessions often distract us from it.
That is my story. I discovered minimalism on a Saturday morning while cleaning out my garage. My son was 6 and asking me to play catch with him (as any 5-year-old boy would do). But I couldn’t play catch… because I had to clean out the garage that was full of junk.
After hours of working on my garage, and during a brief complaint session with my neighbor, she responded by introducing me to minimalism—a lifestyle that her daughter was trying to live out.
I remember looking at the pile of possessions in my driveway—dusty old things I’d spent all day cleaning and organizing. While looking at the pile, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of my son swinging alone on the swing set in the backyard. And suddenly I realized, my possessions were not making me happy. But even worse, they were distracting me from the very thing that did bring me happiness.
I had wasted my time and my energy on things that didn’t matter. As a result, I missed spending time and energy on the things that do.
We live in a world where the default thinking is, “If my life isn’t adding up, I just need to find what’s missing and add it.”
So we continue shopping and buying things: more decorations, different furniture, trendier fashion, bigger televisions, a remodeled kitchen, or novelties that promise to bring convenience into our life. All the while thinking, this next purchase will satisfy my discontent.
If we’re not adding possessions to our home, we’re scheming to add wealth to our pocketbook. We add more hours at work, chase a different position, start a side hustle, or read books about getting rich quick. We think, all too often, more money will make us happier. But it rarely does.
If we’re not adding possessions or money to our life, maybe it’s commitments. We enroll our kids in activity after activity hoping their success will shine a brighter light on us. Or we become people-pleasers agreeing to do everything asked of us at the school, in our community, or in our religious circles. We think more activity and accolades will make us happy and more fulfilled, but usually we just end up burnt out.
I hate to continue, but I probably should. Another thing we often add to our lives believing it will bring happiness are vices of every kind. Alcohol, sex, substances, television, sugar, social media, just to name a few. These vices that we believe will calm our stress or improve our day (and may perhaps do that in moderation) soon become controlling forces in our lives that rob us of money, time, energy, and self-control.
Indeed, our culture’s approach to making the most of our lives is to constantly add more and more to it.
Into that world, minimalism speaks. And it reminds us:
Maybe you don’t need more things in your life, maybe you need different things in your life.
Maybe the key to more fulfillment, meaning, and happiness is not found at a department store. Maybe it’s found at your local donation center as you remove the burden of unneeded possessions from your home and free yourself to focus on things that matter.
Maybe the key is not adding more commitments to your schedule, maybe the missing step is cutting back and finding more quiet evenings around the dinner table together as a family.
Maybe the key is not in adding more and more money to your bank account, maybe the key is simplifying your lifestyle so you can live on less.
Just to clear up any confusion, I’m not implying that there are never important seasons in life to be adding opportunities (or even possessions). What I’m saying is that if you’ve been adding and adding to your life thinking you’re going to find greater happiness, maybe there is a different approach that you haven’t considered.
Maybe you don’t need more things in your life. Maybe you need different things.
Joshua, I love your articles! I am still on the journey of minimalism. It is like a breath of fresh air to me!
As I am decorating for Christmas, I am evaluating every item that is coming out of my containers. The thrift store is my new best friend! It is not things, but Jesus whom we celebrate at Christmas!
On a side note: was your son 6, or was he 5 when you discovered minimalism? Or was he 6, acting like a 5 year old!?! Tee Hee!!!
Thank you. Very helpful.
Joshua, it is a great article. I also believe life is about balance. For twenty years, I stayed in a place and in an affordable house. I put my money in some other things that I consider more important for my personal growth. Since the confinement, I realize that I don’t need so much as before, but I do want to go outside, and see people I wouldn’t be want or be able to live without. I complained about the mass consumption the lack of thinking behind our action, behavior. This is a real challenge to take upon for the next decade. We act as robot, no brainers, in a systematic way. Driving, buying, drinking, wasting, especially in excess,…I saw a documentary showing how mountainers going to the Himalaya mountain, and inondated the sacred mountain with plastics and garbages. What were they thinking? Sadly and horrified, I truly believe that it has become a real desaster for Humanity.
What does terms are used for if not to be a concept.
I agree with Jen Rao, I won’t be just so extremely concerned with this because there are many ways to come to an understanding of what it means, and a pint of doubt
My lifestyle does not allow me to have a lot of stuff or clothes. All my life should fit in a 60-liter pack in the back of my motorcycle. I have no home, I roam around most of the time, and my life has gained much more value, my happiness raised and my free time I spent in nature, riding my bike, roaming beaches, being happy with the things in life the earth provides for us instead of China or a factory.
Good for you! :)
Fully agree with Joshua. I have deleted the multiple online shopping apps on my phone. Browsing was becoming an addiction. Thanks Joshua!
To live is to consume a certain amount. I doubt we’ll ever see a post-consumer society; entire governments are all in on the production and getting people to buy stuff gig to keep economies afloat. They don’t care if you’re happy – keep shopping. Now it’s totally out of hand and we’re seeing adverse environmental impact, human misery. We need to evolve a different kind of economy. One thing is free, and that’s our free choice to live small on a consumer level but live large on the non-material that will enrich our spirit and soul.
I am trying to learn how to be minimalist, I am starting to feel relief … is not easy but I hope to success fro a better life.
Thank you
Joshua, thank you for your words of wisdom. I think you have “hit a nerve” with some who are objecting to your suggestion that anything–including sex–can become a vice. Whenever someone objects so vehemently to something someone else has written (instead of merely commenting that they don’t agree, or perhaps not commenting at all, acknowledging to themselves that others are entitled to their beliefs/opinions), it usually means a truth has been hit upon. I personally (and you may not of course) would go a step further and say that people(myself included at times) are filling their lives with all sorts of things that will never completely satisfy them, because what their souls are really searching for is a relationship with their Creator. St. Augustine once said, “Our souls are restless until they rest in Thee.” I expect there could be some nasty reactions to my comment, but if there are, it may be because I have hit upon a truth. No one has to agree with me, and no one has to change their lifestyle because of a comment I’ve made, so no one really should be bothered at all by the opinion of a stranger…unless it “hits a nerve.”
Well said!
Agreed. We’ve forgotten that we are part of something larger than ourselves, maybe this is different for different people, and that connection is something we need. Equally important is our connection with nature and all of creation which we are all part of. Richard Louv writes extensively about this, two of his books to start with are “The Nature Principle” and his new title “Our Wild Calling.”
I agree! We need Jesus to be completely at peace!
Amen.
So true! Thanks for sharing, Debra.
I agree Debra. The soul and spirit are searching. That’s what seeking enlightenment is all about. All of man’s systems are flawed, and we won’t attain lasting satisfaction in any of them. It takes the minimalism subject to an infinitely deeper level. All sages, world religions have spoken about this in some way. A person just has to find that universal truth that resonates with themselves. Good day.
Thank you so much for this post. I’m very new to minimalism but even within a few weeks I’m already benefiting more than I could have imagined. I’m so grateful to have found this. I can’t wait to see what life is like a year from now.
Thank you for the help you have already given me.. i had a houseful and it was too much for me.. I am about half way now and enjoying the results… more time for “me”. You inspire me to keep going… My motto now is,”If I don’t use I don’t need it… I tell everyone about it…THANK YOU..
Long-time reader, early purchaser of your very first book! Joshua, you are, indeed, a phenom! I have benefited greatly from your calm, wise, sensible advice over many years and am sincerely appreciative. I have watched, with great admiration, as you, your blog and your other endeavors have grown and blossomed. Thank you for providing a valuable service. May the spirit and practice of minimalism and its associated subjects, i.e., self-improvement, faith, financial benefits, physical/mental/emotional/psychological growth, continue to spread. And, as the movement grows, it is undeniably connected to the outstanding contributions of you, Leo, Courtney and others.
You are very gracious. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words.
Thank you for your great posts. I have been following you and other minimalist for a long time. You recently said something like organizing isn’t minimizing, thank you for that. There are a lot of youtubers focusing on organizing and I was falling into that trap thinking I was accomplishing something. Now that I have simplified my house, clothes, and time, can you please write an article on what else to do, and use concrete examples, just to spark ideas. I know you volunteer, spend time with family, what else should we focus on when al the clutter is gone and we have free time. I was recently falling into the side hustle thing, make more money, I would truly appreciate some ideas. Thank you!
Hi Bernie, I spend some of my newly available time with cooking meals from scratch, playing the piano, reading, watching movies, being with friends and family, playing Mah Jongg, etc. It’s such a relief to not spend my time shopping and then figuring out what to do with the things I bought.
You are marvelous, Josh. All your words are so very wise. Thank you for helping me start the journey of minimalism. It has, indeed made me much, much happier and content. God bless!
Great information that I wish everyone in the world could see, absorb and embrace. It is an ongoing processs that I continue to use in my life. Thank you for your contribution that helps so many people.
Thank-you, I have been following you for many years, have downsized and pay close attention to what I buy. I am always so thank-you for reminders. This post is a great reminder!
I’m a 75 yr old woman! This was and is my one New Years Resolution! To become a Minimalist! So far so good! It feels really good to not be buying “stuff” all the time, on-line and off! Cleaning out drawers and cabinets, asking myself, how many of these items to I truly need! Amazing what you accumulate and don’t USE! Thank you for your posts!
Awesome!!!
Your posts are always inspiring and our lives are better because of you. Thank you Joshua
Thank you, Joshua, for another great post! Your work is inspiring!
As we are downsizing and purging belongings in preparation to trainsition from a traditional home to full time camper van life I’m continually amazed and overjoyed at how freeing it is to let go, declutter, and get rid of excess. There are very few physical things that are as meaningful as I assumed they would be.
“Alcohol, sex, substances, television, sugar, social media, just to name a few. These vices that we believe will calm our stress or improve our day (and may perhaps do that in moderation) soon become controlling forces in our lives that rob us of money, time, energy, and self-control.” Can you please explain why sex is considered a “vice” to you? Do you have a personal experience with sex addiction? Do you see it as a pervasive issue in our society? If not, perhaps you should consider choosing your words more carefully. To refer to sex as a vice (definition: immoral or wicked behavior), is irresponsible especially in today’s society where there is so much shame surrounding sex. How committed couples choose to spend their intimate time has nothing to do with minimalism.
I’m pretty sure he meant exactly what the word vice defines. Constant sexual gratification without moral responsibility. Period. There are far too many ways for endless sexual escapades to damage everyone. And I do mean everyone.
A vice is a “bad or unhealthy habit.” Sex can, unfortunately, fall into that category for many people.
Do you have research to back that up? Your view that sex is a “bad or unhealthy habit for many people”? I know that sex addiction exists and is incredibly damaging. But is that what you are talking about? Sex addiction? Or are you talking about promiscuity? I guess I would like to know what led you to add sex to your list of “vices” such as alcohol and sugar? Sex can be such a wonderful and healthy thing. I don’t think sex is such a rampant problem that it needs to exist in a list of “bad or unhealthy habits.” I guess my suggestion to you is to be responsible with how you speak to a large audience about these sensitive subjects. What works for you may not work for others. There do not seem to be enough disclaimers about that. I appreciate your suggestions about minimalism but do not appreciate your preaching about morals.
You want research that sex can become a “controlling force in our lives that robs us of money, time, energy, and self-control?” That’s not hard to find Missy.
“Sex addiction may affect 10 percent of men. Women make up 40 percent of those affected.” Source
Is that enough people affected to change your view on whether or not it should be included on this list?
Missy, I’m happy to mention that not all sex is bad. I just don’t think anyone is arguing that it is.
Joshua, thank you for your article which states that the notion of sex addiction is “definitely controversial” and that “the scientific community debates whether such a problem even exists.” It is not a diagnosable condition in the DSM-V and in my opinion, does not constitute “enough people” to change my view about why it *should* be included on your list of “bad or unhealthy habits.” Good thing we have our own opinions and that you are not in charge of my morals.
Missy, thanks for the feedback. It’s fine with me if not everyone agrees with my thoughts. I thought you were genuinely interested in why I chose to include it in my list.
I’m all in for sex! It’s super healthy and amazing, and I am happy that people have their own opinions and morals.
But I don’t think you need to be addicted to sex, or drugs in order to “use” them in a damaging way. I’m far from a prude, and do not judge any consensual sexual acts as good or bad (neither do I think Joshua does?). To me it’s a matter of people using it as an escape, a distraction. Shopping and even cleaning can fall into the same category. Neither is bad, but both can be used in a harmful way.
Not preaching either, just thought I’d add my 2 cents =)
Contentment has it’s place, getting there can be a struggle. I started by being thankful for what I did have. I never purchased a piece of furniture that could not be used in other areas of the home for a different purpose. (this does exclude the bed) If you don’t need it, don’t bring it home. Go for comfort and need and occasionally joy.
I think the point Joshua was making abt sex etc was that we can over indulge in many things not just aquiring possessions and act in an addictive way. We shouldn’t replace our shopping behaviors with other dysfunctional behaviors.
And he is right. We shouldn’t be addicted to any of them. Eating is something that is healthy for us unless we do it in an addictive way. Same for sex. It is healthy unless it becomes an addiction.
I love the clarification you add at the end, Joshua. Minimalism isn’t about having nothing, it’s about loving what you have. Thanks for a great article!
I completely agree, Jen!
This is spectacular. Thank you Joshua. ?
I have learned to be content. This has been a journey for me. I was not raised wealthy, yet my mother modeled contentment. I longed for “things” in my young adult life. I’m 56 now. I get it. Contentment is not “settling”, it is peace. I enjoy the freedom and peace that contentment brings. Thanks for helping so many reach a healthier life.
“Maybe you don’t need more things in your life, maybe you need different things in your life.”
This is such a great thing to think about! I’m definitely going to be giving it a once over and how I can apply this to my life.
Thank you for this post!
XO Steph