Some people I speak with get nervous when they hear the term minimalist. For them, it conjures up images of destitution, barren walls, and empty cupboards. Rightly so, they decide that is no way to enjoy life. Believe me, I agree—that is no way to enjoy life.
They seem to assume that minimizing means throwing out everything or, at any rate, almost everything. That’s not the case at all. Rather, minimalism is about living with less, and as I often say, less is not the same as none.
Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it.
It’s about living with what you need. And that is always going to look different from one person to another and one household to another.
If you were to walk into my home today, you would probably not immediately assume that a minimalist family lives there. In our living room, you would find seating for five, a family photo, a rug, a coffee table, a clock on the wall, and our television. In our coat closet, you would find jackets, baseball caps, and a few winter-weather accessories. In our kids’ rooms, you would find books, craft supplies, and a drum set. The house is tidy and clutterfree, but it is not empty.
We are seeking to live a minimalist life, but at the same time we are still living, breathing, changing human beings. To live is to consume. So we still have possessions. But we have worked hard to escape the excessive accumulation of possessions.
That’s what I mean when I use the term “rational minimalism.” It’s a strategic approach to owning less. I don’t advocate getting rid of everything humanly possible and there are no rigid rules that need to be followed. Instead, I encourage people to get rid of what isn’t necessary so they can better pursue their goals in life.
This process requires rationality, intentionality, and a thought-out approach to discern what to keep and what to get rid of.
Take my life for example: We live in the suburbs of Phoenix and have two teenage children. We are active in our community. We like to entertain, show hospitality, and host small groups from our church in our living room. We love when our kids’ friends come over to play. I am a writer and my wife does bookkeeping. Our life is not identical to anybody else. It is our life—nobody else’s.
If we were going to become minimalist, it would have to be a style of minimalism specific to us. It would require us to ask questions, give-and-take, identify what we most value, and be humble enough to change course when necessary. It must be a style of minimalism that allows us to pursue our passions while discarding all the distractions that keep us from it.
The minimalism that works for us is almost certainly going to look different than the minimalism that works for you.
Find a style of minimalism that works for you. One that is not cumbersome, but freeing—based on your values, desires, and passions.
I am passionate about my soul, about my family, and about loving and influencing others. I focus on these priorities above everything else. Minimalism is a means to these ends for me. It removes physical distractions so I can realize my greatest priorities. So I ruthlessly get rid of what I have to in order to be true to my objectives. But if there are things that help me live my life the way I need to, I keep them and I use them. I don’t feel guilty about them at all.
It can be the same for you as you choose to walk down the path of minimalism. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to live with nothing. Live with whatever possessions give you the life you want.
This is a rational approach to owning less. And it’s the only approach that will free you to experience the life you want to live.
Carla says
Josh, I have taken your course twice and love reading your posts, both continue to affirm how to maintain simplicity in my life. I have also associated minimalism to my health and nutrition. Eat healthy and take care to exercise creates a healthy mind and body, and every now and again we try something new or discard unhealthy habits that continue to define and support our direction in life. Thanks for your ongoing inspiration.
Arlene Lacy says
Love your post today. I was a minimalist before I even knew there was such a word. As a child, one of my chores was dusting and we had a lot of stuff to dust. This made me realize I didn’t want or need all the “stuff.” A few years back, my husband began to grasp the idea of “less is more” and we haven’t looked back or regretted anything we’ve gotten rid of. Knowing that our grown kids don’t want any of our stuff, we cleared out a lot, and the kids are happy that we did. Now, when I walk into someone’s home and there is a lot of stuff, it’s as though I walked into a noisy room. The stuff is all competing for my attention and I have to resist the urge to turn and run. Minimalism is an ongoing process. Some items’ time has “expired” and other items may have slipped into your home without your knowledge. I love the encouragement that you provide. Thank you.
Laura says
Glad to see you open to the concept of what I call “modified minimalism.” I was blocked by one minimalist on Instagram because I simply said that I didn’t know if I could go that white and stark. I have another account so I can see her posts anyway, and she keeps bringing in new things because she earns a living promoting items that fit her aesthetic. I doubt the rest of us would keep buying and replacing so her way grates on my nerves.
ChuckY says
Like yourself, if you looked at our house we would be the last people you think are into minimalism. But it works for us. Do I have areas that appear to be cluttered to others? Sure, such as the garage, but it contains things that I need on a regular and even not so regular basis, since I keep a lot of spare parts out there for fixing things around the house. Since I am just as big a proponent of reusing, much of what some might consider clutter falls into that realm. Best wishes to everyone on this journey to get some sanity into our lives.
Tim says
Great read J… I had started to embrace a minimalistic lifestyle before following you. My biggest issue started in my garage. I would spend more time looking for things I needed; a tool, parts, etc… than performing a task. I finally said “enough’s enough.” I cleared out things I didn’t need and organized the things I did need. This carried over into my home. Not throwing everything away but clearing out closets so I could be aware when I needed something.(empty cleaning supplies, paper towels) This change in mindset has saved me immeasurable time… Time I can perform tasks efficiently and spend the extra enjoying my family. Thanks again…
Laura ann says
Tim: some years back, we did likewise, purging tools, giving some to a cousin as much was inherited from husbands dad and husband had retired so duplicates (many) were purged some given to others. Then later the linens (excess) was donated to group homes, un worn clothing is purged twice a year after warm season and cooler one. Kitchen also is another problem has to be kept in check. A place for everything and like items with like, saves time and energy.
Isabel Cascante says
After I retired I moved into a one bedroom apartment, I just have what I need and what I really love, because of this I can save money for my travels. Life is wonderful this way!
Brian says
You’ve described my approach to minimalism perfectly!
S says
Mine too!
Lisa Coons says
I love this post! I recently retired in 2017 at age 62 and moved to Manta, Ecuador. I sold everything and took only brought 4 suitcases. I bought what few things after I arrived that I needed to live in the condo by the ocean. I took the minimal approach when furnishing it. My resources were limited so that really helped me to follow through with my new minimalist mindset. I’ve bought your book and subscribe to your email posts etc. They keep me motivated. Thanks so much.
Lisa Coons
Laurie says
I love the simplicity of your posts. This makes so much sense, minimalism is whatever you can do to feel calm and less stressed. Whether that is getting rid of everything or just a few things.
bobby Jett says
Wonderful post! I like what you say about removing things that are a distraction. This is minimalism in a nutshell for me. I went through my house and boxed up all of my nick nacks that i had collected on various travels, many framed photographs, “collectables” etc. The house is now so much more calming, and the few items i have chosen to keep out are appreciated so much more. Keep the good words coming my friend!