What comes to your mind when you think about minimalism? For most people, it is white walls and less décor. While this kind of interior setting does fall under minimalism, a minimalist mindset is more than that.
Embracing minimalism refers to more than simply decluttering your closets and going for white curtains and sleek sofa sets. It is an identity and mindset. For instance, decluttering refers to getting rid of and organizing things you don’t necessarily need. On the other hand, a minimalist mind sees it as an opportunity to own less and live better.
Minimalism helps you seek happiness, simplicity, inner peace, and fulfillment. However, many people can only experience these values when they have more on their plate.
You don’t have to buy Apple products or wear the same black turtleneck every day to benefit from minimalism.
A ‘minimalist mindset shift’ can change your perspective and simplify your life. This shift includes shifting your beliefs, patterns, and habits about many certain things.
Below are a few ways of developing a minimalist mindset and living a stress-free, content life. But remember, minimalism is a journey, not a destination.
Assess Your Relationship with “Stuff”
Over time, human beings are becoming more and more attached to worldly things. This has caused us, as a society, not to value things that matter. People are busy spending more time with their favorite things than enjoying the company of important people in their lives. Not to mention, we are missing the importance of other things that hold more value.
Most people have a lot of favorite “stuff” in their life. Taking stock of your relationship with material objects can help you see the world from a much better perspective. Once you assess your attachment to things and learn to detach yourself from them, you become more likely to live a more content and fulfilling life.
Often, we do know what things and people are important to us. Yet, we continue to indulge in activities and things that don’t do much for us. So pause and question the things you currently own. Are they serving you in a meaningful way or adding any value to your life? What are some other things that could make your life more meaningful?
A minimalist mindset allows you to understand that you do not need to get rid of everything you own. Rather, it is about finding happiness in things and people that you truly enjoy the company of.
Evaluate Your Priorities
Living with less means that you start getting rid of and don’t acquire new things that don’t have any real purpose to your life. It is a commitment to the belief that you don’t need to keep finding materialistic things to feel satisfied with your life. Once you buy into this concept, the human mind automatically starts looking for better alternatives.
Your minimalist mindset allows you to put your time, resources, efforts, and energy into things that truly serve you. At this stage, you begin to evaluate your priorities and set a purpose for your life. Would you rather think about what thing you can buy next or spend time with a family member to create some new memories?
Practicing minimalism means that you look for experiences, memories, adventures, and activities. However, this does not come easy. You hold power to decide what holds most importance and value to you. It takes a bit of trial and error until you achieve a true minimalist mindset. Try making a list of valuable things and find ways of incorporating them into your life.
Evaluating your priorities allows you to take control of your life and be more content with it.
Key Takeaways
Developing a minimalist mindset takes a lot of effort. However, it can add value and purpose to your life, allowing you to see life differently. You stop wasting your time, energy and efforts to things that don’t truly fulfill you.
If you want to change your life, do more than declutter your house. You can start by changing your perspective of worldly things and evaluating your priorities.
p.s. – Having a hard time shifting your relationship with material items? Book time in my calendar here. I look forward to our conversation!
Paul Strobl, MBA, CPC
Owner of Confide Coaching, LLC
Paul is a Master Life Coach for GenX and GenY executives and business owners. Originally from Houston, Texas, he has been location independent for most of his adult life. He currently resides in the Rhodope Mountains of Bulgaria near the Greek border with his brilliant wife, 13-year-old stepson (officially adopted in 2021!) and a Posavac Hound rescue.
