“If you want to find success, you must first define success.”
—Matt D’Avella
Inside Minimalism
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A Minimalist Resolution
Words by Joshua Fields Millburn
[Editor’s Note: This essay was originally written in 2011. But after a such a bizarre, often difficult year, it feels appropriate to revisit these words and consider how we might make the next year the best we can for our individual selves and for the rest of the world. We at Minimalism Life wish you a Happy New Year.]
This year I resolve to purchase no physical items other than consumables (hygiene products and food). That’s right: no new clothes, no new shoes, no new books, no new electronics, no new gadgets, no new stuff.
Why? I want to prove I already have everything I need.
Don’t get me wrong: I will still spend money on experiences—concerts, movies, meals—just not on stuff. Now, I’m not conducting this experiment because I can’t afford to purchase new things; I’m doing it because I’m certain I can do it: I don’t need more stuff to be happy.
This resolution will help me focus my precious time on things more important to me: health, relationships, writing, reading, and other priorities.
If I fail, I will confess my failures—but I don’t intend on failing. Plus, telling the world about my resolution is a public reminder that people are counting on me to resolve.
A year without buying stuff is a long time (and I will certainly buy stuff after this upcoming year); thus, I realize this type of resolution is not for most people, at least not for a full year. But why not a week, a month—a quarter? I’m certain you can do it, too. And there are many other life-changing resolutions available to undertake:
Maybe you want to lose weight.
Maybe you want to get rid of your television.
Maybe you want to travel, get in better shape, and create more.
Maybe you want to quit your job.
Or maybe you’d rather start a revolution than have a resolution.
So, what do you want to do this year?
Living an Unpretentious Life
Words by Christoffer Kaltenbrunner
I like sticking to routine.
In fact, I do the same things over and over again. Not until I have mastered the skills I'm practicing do I explore something new. I enjoy learning new things, but I rather learn everything about the things I already know a little about.
When I read books, I read slowly and pay close attention to all the details. When I listen to music, I listen to the same songs over and over again to notice new things I haven't heard before.
I always know what to wear since I don't have a lot of clothes. I like to keep things simple and go deep into my work, working on the same things every day until I get all the details right. Multitasking is a big hell no. And so are social media and other distractions. I thrive when I can work undisturbed, one task at a time.
Partying is not for me either, I usually leave early. I rather go for long walks and have meaningful conversations with friends. But after that, I have to spend time alone to recharge.
If you watched me go about my days, you'd be bored to tears. You'd likely wonder how I'm able to live such a tedious, boring life.
But I enjoy every moment.
I like keeping things simple.
I like learning everything about something.
I like having deep conversations with friends.
I spend my days doing things I enjoy. I'm not stressed out since I'm never busy.
I'm so utterly boring. But I like it.
A Little More of Less
A few other articles we think you might enjoy…
→ Less Is Now by The Minimalists & Matt D’Avella
→ 12 Simple Decisions to Make 2021 Better than 2020 by Joshua Becker
→ 7 Things You Definitely Won’t Need This Year (or Ever Again) by Courtney Carver
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