No culture practices minimalism like the Japanese. Here's some tunes for reading.

Isn't it time you start demanding more from your day?

Welcome back, traveler.

This upcoming weekend, my spouse and I are doing some major 'minimalizing' around the house, and they are not too thrilled about it. In fact, my spouse is rather stressed and regretful about setting the whole thing up (friends are coming over to help).

To help relieve that stress I put together this list of tips, so it seemed prudent to share these tips with you. This post starts with bigger ideal-based questions and gradually shifts into shorter practical tips, but each one can help you achieve a minimalist life full of purpose.

Eyes on the Prize

Most of us have heard it before, but in case you haven't, minimalism can be defined as a lifestyle or philosophy where one is in constant pursuit of a meaningful and intentional life with less. It is a practice of self-discipline where you only live with the material possessions that you truly need or those that enhance your life and help you achieve your goals. If you pare-down your possessions, you'll have more time to focus on what matters in your life.

In American culture minimalism can be quite hard. We're the most advertised to population in the world, and many of us are always in search of 'the next thing' to make us happy. But it isn't only our shopping habits that we should watch, spending our time frugally is also important, and removing responsibilities and distractions from our environment can help us on both fronts.

If you are like my spouse, who is stressed at the thought of getting rid of things we once thought we needed, I would remind you to keep your eyes on the prize and remember why you're embarking on this journey to begin with.

1) Live Intentionally by Picking 3

We first need to begin with the big picture. If you don't start here, you won't find lasting change. Minimalism will just be a short-lived fad in that myriad of self-help techniques you've tried.

As I've said, your environment should reinforce your goals for your life. Removing distractions and negatively-impacting activities that don't help encourage you to reach those goals is a great thing to do, but what are your goals?

In broad strokes, think about the things that matter most to you. What things make you feel happy or give you a sense of purpose? What do you crave more of in your life? I want you to pick three things. Not ten things you love, only three.

When we narrow down our scope to the most important things, we're creating criteria that we'll use to judge what possessions we truly need. As humans, we're pretty bad at multitasking; there's only so much time and mental energy we can devote ourselves to, so why fight your nature? Sometimes we have to prioritize and give things up.

My three big ones are the connection I have with my family and friends, writing as a medium to express myself (fiction or blog), and learning and self improvement. I wouldn't include a career in your top three if you can help it, because you aren't your job, your much more than it! But, if your work is something your passionate about and it does matter that much to you, go ahead.

Keep the three things that matter most to you written down in a journal or on a sticky note at your desk. It'll give you something to reflect on when you're going through your belongings, and in the years to come.

2) Rest Actively

Often, our time off work is squandered on passive activities that provide momentary relief, but lack any feeling of long-term fulfillment. Embracing the idea of "resting actively" can transform your downtime into opportunities for personal growth, connection, and rejuvenation.

How often do you come home after work just to space out in front of a screen? When you walk away from it you might feel a bit more relaxed in the moment, but those lingering thoughts "I should do this", or "I could have taken care of that", eat away at us from the back of our mind.

Wouldn't you feel better if you took care of those things you procrastinated on? If you took the time to work out, go hiking, or create something artistic? Doesn't taking the time to focus on your top three things sound more fulfilling?

I'm not saying you can't mindlessly relax. I'm saying that there's a point of diminishing return. For me, that's about two hours. Beyond that, I begin to feel as though I'm not really living intentionally. I'm resting passively.

I always feel better when I take the time to schedule out my weekends. Even if it's only by "morning", "afternoon", "evening", it still gives me a framework that helps me stay in line with my big goals.

Remember, rest is not just about doing nothing. It's about doing things that truly matter to you and fill your cup. Schedule time for those things.

3) Digital Minimalism

This might be one of the hardest parts for some people, and it's definitely the longest section in this article. After all, we're more connected online than ever before, and connecting with people is important... but...

There's so many negative aspects that technology brings into our life without us realizing it, oftentimes for years. When I say these things, understand I'm a former gaming hobbyist and tech enthusiast. I love cryptocurrency and my career is in IT. The newest and most expensive pieces of technology (and shopping in general) were things I craved consistently, even to the point where I found myself 10k in credit card debt.

Over the years, I've changed quite rapidly, and now some of my biggest beefs are with video games and social media. But there are other methods of digital minimalism, such as photo and storage reduction, but I won't go into those areas here.

With my former addiction of games, just like with any other form of passive rest, there's a point of diminishing returns. As a person with an analytical mind who loves breaking down statistics in fantasy role playing games, grinding out crafting jobs in MMO's, and mastering the details of card playing games and simulation games, these games can be seriously addicting. There was a point when thought to myself, "I've spent so much of my time and my life on virtual houses and characters that really only provide me with relaxation and happiness in the here and now."

When I walk away from the monitor, my life hasn't changed. What if I had devoted that time to my writing, health, or my relationships? Don't get me wrong, they're great past-times and relationships can be built and fostered through them, but be careful how much you let them be on the forefront of your mind if they don't add lasting and fulfilling value to your life.

Social Media is a far worse curse.

You've probably heard it before, but that doesn't mean I won't share what I know and why so many people out there have chosen to opt-out of social platforms. There's many reasons, but I would categorize the main areas of concern as so:

  1. Privacy
  2. Addiction
  3. Mental Health

Let's start with privacy.

There's the saying, "If you aren't doing anything illegal, why do you need privacy?" There's a few problems here. Firstly, privacy does not equal secrecy. Privacy is your fundamental right to selectively release information about yourself, not to the whole world, but only to people whom you choose. Secondly, saying you do not care about privacy because you have nothing to hide is like saying you don't care about your freedom of speech because you have nothing to say.

Losing privacy results in a loss of personal freedom, because without privacy, you open yourself up to suppression, control, and manipulation. This is the case with social media companies that know every detail about you. Your likes, dislikes, even your current mood can be detected based on your browsing habits and how long you look at different posts. Everything you do is tracked and measured, and studies (and political... events) have shown that social media has great power in swaying and/or motivating public opinion. You aren't immune to this, either.

These platforms are built to be addicting.

In 2021, the U.S. congress grew concerned with "the gamification of Wall Street" in the wake of the GameStop short squeeze. It was dubbed a 'black swan event', unpredictable, where we could have seen even more financial institutions implode if trading of the GME ticker hadn't been stopped on numerous occasions.

The most popular brokerage app that average people used, RobinHood, drew Congressional attention because some disconnected politicians thought that the flying confetti that appeared when you bought a stock was too game-like and addicting (us peasants just can't control ourselves when the confetti flies, I guess). In fact, RobinHood even removed the confetti under the pressure.

The point is that if a stock-trading app can be too addicting because of a confetti animation, congress should take a harder look at social media. These platforms are built to be addicting and rob you of your time so that they can sell other companies more ad space (and your mind).

Every time you pull down on your feed to refresh it, and the feed comes back with completely new posts, that is intentional. It's the equivalent of pulling a slot machine lever; your brain wonders what you're going to get and anticipates the dopamine.

They have algorithms that are finely tuned to your personality and designed to keep you on the platform for as long as possible. It doesn't matter what the content is, whether its 'fake news' or cat videos, anything to keep you scrolling and filling their pockets.

It's not a 'tool', as these companies would define them. A tool lays quiet and without disturbing you until you need it, not the other way around. Why else would they pepper you with notifications you don't care about to get if it wasn't to get you to pick up your phone and use their platform? They want money! You are the product, advertisers their customers.

It's really bad for your mental health (and relationships).

As a writer, I've heard age old adages over and over throughout the years; "don't compare yourself to others" and "your first draft cannot and will not be as good as that fully edited bestseller you're envying". But this doesn't just apply to writing, comparing yourself to others can be a bad habit that quickly destroys your self-esteem and kill your creative process, and you sub-consciously compare yourself to others on social media without even realizing it.

Some scientists believe that we've evolved to feel heartbreak when we're rejected because it was a literal death sentence to be kicked out from your tribe in primitive times, and comparing ourselves to others is a human behavior our brain uses to identify if we're connected with the rest of the tribe or not.

When you berate your mind with filtered and hand-picked pictures of other people's lives, spouses, looks, material possessions, trips, you're brain can't help but grab onto it and compare it with what you have and know. Do you think that the rise of depression and anxiety have no correlation with smartphones? Suicide rates of females aged 15-24 have increased by 87% over the past 20 years.

And what good could come from listening to an echo chamber on repeat? Mindlessly scrolling video feeds that reinforce bad information, never challenge your opinion, and don't encourage personal growth or give you wisdom on how to live a more fulfilling life?

Have you ever engaged in a debate in the comments section of a post where both you and the other party are just all over each other and someone gets mad enough to dish out personal insults? How is that a conducive conversation?

I don't know about you, but discussions are always more meaningful and productive when done face to face, because facial and bodily expressions are a huge part of how we communicate, and way more so than just a line of text that can be interpreted in a million different ways. Even if a face-to-face debate has no conclusion and no one changes their opinion, I find that both parties walk away from that with a little more understanding of another human being, and nothing can replace that.

You don't have to cut the cord, but you should unplug it.

We've spent some time here talking about a lot, but if you were to skip ahead or take away any message from this section it's that social media has some serious flaws; it's an invasion of your privacy, it's rarely even a good tool for connecting with others, and that its robbing you of living the life you want to live because time is your ultimate resource. It's the one thing you can never get more of.

I'd argue that the benefits do not outweigh the costs, but it's not like we can escape the need of some of these platforms entirely, and I wouldn't expect anyone to. Even I still use Twitter and Facebook occasionally. But here's where I draw the line: I choose when to interact with those platforms, not the other way around.

At the very least, block most notifications on your phone. Acceptable things might be texts, messages, and calls for pertinent communications. But do you really need to be on everyone's speed dial? Do you really need to know when someone posts a photo that doesn't even involve you anyway only to get sucked into your feed for an hour? Do those people have the right to draw your attention away from living in the moment and the life you want?

Better yet, remove all but the messaging apps from your phone. You can still use the full platforms and feeds on a computer or browser and it empowers you to choose when to interact with them, not the other way around. Consider removing shopping applications, too. Not only will it cut back on time scrolling endless shopping feeds, it will also help you save money.

If you want more resources, go watch The Social Dilemma on Netflix, and I'd definitely recommend the book Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport for a much longer read about digital minimalism.

But, we better move out of more philosophical topics of minimalism and on to more practical day-to day tips, I suppose. (That was a large tangent, but I hope it was enlightening.)

phew

4) Double Up Tasks / Task Stacking

Many of us (or most of us) want to adopt new habits into our life. Brushing our teeth more frequently, practicing mindfulness, or creating art, and it's as they say: consistency is key in changing tasks into habits, and habits into lifestyles.

A great way to reinforce these new habits and streamline your routine is by doubling up tasks or engaging in 'task stacking'. This involves pairing two activities together to complete them simultaneously, saving time, promoting efficiency, and injecting enjoyment into tasks that may not be fun at first.

A simple way to increase the amount of books you read may be to pair it with your morning coffee instead of checking your email and all your socials. They are two tasks that can be done together rather easily (just don't splash coffee on your books, no one likes that)

A way to improve your mindfulness, mental health, or spirituality, could be by listening to a podcast as you do your daily tidying. Want to improve your relationship with a friend or a family member? Start calling one person during each daily walk to foster a better relationship with them.

There are so many different ways that you can utilize this tip, it's all up to you!

5) The 33 Wardrobe Challenge (Project 333)

The wardrobe challenge is a minimalist fashion experiment that encourages you to simplify your wardrobe and promote a more intentional approach to dressing. The idea was conceptualized by Courtney Carver, who introduced it in her blog "Be More With Less". You can read it here. But the rules are as follows:

  1. Limit your wardrobe to 33 items.
    1. This includes your jewelry, shoes, and outerwear.
  2. Things that don't count towards your 33 items are your wedding ring, undergarments, and your workout clothes.

Courtney suggests that first timers start with an "I Love" pile, and define their own signature items, such as a pair of sunglasses or a trench coat.

But lets say you cut your wardrobe down to 33 and you decide you no longer like a certain shirt anymore? We can simply implement the "One in, One out" rule!

6) The Chopping Board

Keep a maximum of one of each kitchen prep tool. This goes for wooden spoons, ladles, spatulas, you name it. If this worries you, see the 20/20 rule. (Your kitchen will thank you.)

7) Keepsake Cut-Down

Whittle your way down to one box or tote/tub of keepsakes. Chances are, you don't remember what 80% of your keepsakes and hand-me-downs are. If you cut it down to only one container, it will make those things within that container more valuable to you.

Besides, your belongings aren't tied to your memories of your family. Your memories exist outside of them, and holding onto their remnants with an emotional attachment might not be the healthiest.

8) Wrap it

I really like this method of releasing your attachment to things we have emotion tied to. It goes well with the tip above.

In Japan, wrapping things in paper or fabric is a way to show that we care bout them and that we are thankful. If we're considering getting rid of something, wrap it up. Not only do we show our appreciation of things by wrapping them, but it also makes it easier to let go of when we can't see what's inside it.

See more Japanese Minimalism tips

9) Double Dishes

How many people are in your household? Two? Four? You should only hold on to double that number of dishes, or two days worth. Not only does this mean less clutter around the house, but it will also force you to keep the dishes you do have clean. This could also include food storage containers.

10) Swedish Death Cleaning

Attention-grabbing name, huh? Swedish Death Cleaning is simple. As you go about cleaning and decluttering your home, consider who in your family would treasure that item if you die. Who would want it, and who would take care of it how you would? If you can't think of anyone, or if you think that no one would want it, get rid of it.

Your possessions won't last forever, and neither will you. Don't leave them with a burden of trinkets that have no practical value or won't be treasured.

11) One In, One Out Rule

This rule is pretty simple: if you buy something, you have to get rid of something. This rule is best implemented once you have a good start on your decluttering journey because it challenges your every purchase and makes you consider what you're going to get rid of.

If you've already tossed of a lot of your belongings you're likely down to only a handful of things you truly love or do truly improve your life. It's a lot harder to pick between loved items, and it really makes you compare the item you're considering buying and the items you already have.

12) Buy Once Rule

Another simple shopping rule. You can't buy it if you only use it once. While that just makes sense for things like expensive tools or clothes, it also applies to things you wouldn't expect:

  1. Fast food / eating out.
  2. Books (borrow from the library or get ebooks)
  3. Travel-sized toiletries (get reusable containers)
  4. Gift wrap (consider reusable fabric)
  5. Specialized exercise equipment (make sure you can do multiple workouts)

13) The 20/20 Rule

Don't hold on to "just in-case" items if you can replace them for less than $20 within 20 minutes. You rarely actually need these items, and holding onto extras is only clutter. Your situation might be different later on and that extra holds no value.

14) The 90 Day Rule

If you haven't used it in 90 days, chances are it isn't vital to your lifestyle. Either change your lifestyle to utilize the item (if its within your three most important things we defined earlier), or get rid of it.

15) Implement Systems of Organization

This can cover a whole range of use cases:

  1. Create a system for your mail with an In, Out, and Pending box. Have a process that determines how and when you tackle your mail.
  2. Organize your time with a planner or schedule.
  3. Have a system for your laundry.

16) Simplify Food

You don't need to be a master chef, but keeping recipes on One Note will help you stay organized. By planning and making the same meals, you can cut down on clutter and the amount of groceries you need to buy. It also makes choosing what to make simpler and easier. Avoid that decision fatigue!

That's it, folks! (For now)

This is officially the longest blog post I've ever written!

If you have any tips or rules you'd like to share, let me know in the comments and I'll add them to this list!

I hope that this inspires you to live more, with less!

~J.R. Warden