Are you tired of having a day-to-day life that feels like there are too many things that’s happening in your life? Ever felt like you need to re-assess some aspect of your life and drop some of the load that falls heavy on you? Get to know Minimalism and how you could possibly change your life – from stress to happiness!
Minimalism
Many people, when they heard the word “minimalism”, they thought of decluttering physical items or things. Some even think that minimalism is just “living with less” or just “letting go” of some unimportant items in your life. The definition of minimalism goes farther than just decluttering and simplification of life. Minimalism depends on a person’s mindset and how they you view it in their lives. Some may be a self-proclaimed minimalist but may have a completely different lifestyle or understanding with another person. There’s no right or wrong meaning as long as one is able to do apply or practice minimalism and is happy with it.
Principles of Minimalism
1. Set Your Priorities – minimalism entails you to be conscious of your life and your decisions. Being a minimalist allows you to properly sort out your priorities and give importance on the things that you think matters more than the others. It may be work, relationship, friendship, health or income – gauge it and decide where to put your focus on. Having good choices and decisions will lead you to have more control, freedom and eventually make you increase your productivity in life. Some examples of setting your priorities are the following:
- Getting an increase on your pay or climbing a higher position
- Increasing the time, you spent with your parents and siblings or with your lover.
- Choosing the friends, you think that are for keeps and letting go of the toxic ones.
- Setting a health goal and sticking to it to achieve a greater well-being
- Making time at least once a month to have an alone time and enjoy some leisure activities.
2. Be Timeless – fashion is forever changing. The seasons change and so is the trend. Although it is tempting to follow the trends set by the fashion designers, it is smarter to invest in classic pieces that you can use on whatever season it may be. Trying to follow the trend is exhausting and may cause you tons of money which you could be using on a greater cause.
3. Smart Purchase – as humans, we have our needs, but we also have our wants. Isn’t it fascinating being able to buy things that gives you happiness? But sometimes these things are not needed and find us wondering if it was a good purchase. Everyone is allowed to spend on their wants, but it would be nicer if the thing that you purchased is something that you can use for a long time or doesn’t depreciate. Whenever you find yourself browsing through websites and tempted to buy always remember to think through it for a long time whether it would be wise to continue with the purchase or not.
4. Replace instead of Upgrading – technology is constantly changing. There is always a new version of a gadget or technology introduced every year that changes our lives forever. As much as you want to change your gadgets or appliances every year and keep up with the trends, it is recommended especially for minimalists to use the same item and use it for as long as it can be used. Replace only these items once it’s broken. This will not only lessen your expenses but also help the environment at the same time to lessen the garbage and even carbon emissions.
5. Money is not the Goal – Majority of people when asked what their goal is in life, their answer is always to have a lot of money. The principle of minimalism also includes the financial aspect of things. Some people live frugally in order for them to achieve their dreams of having a house or starting a family. Money should not be used as the main goal. Having lots of money should not be the main goal but should only be used as a means to the goal itself. If you already know your priorities, then this is easier for you to do. The money you are currently earning should just be a small part to your broader vision of the future.
It is not hard to have a simple lifestyle as long as you are focused on your goals and knows which things to prioritize in life. Remember: The goal is not to have a lot of money but to achieve your dreams in life. Let us know how these principles changed your life.