Minimalism and Wisdom

 

“Asking questions is the single most important habit for innovative thinkers.”

 

-        Paul Sloane

 

 

 

 

The wisdom of minimalism can be found in questioning the purpose of your future life choices. For instance, who are you changing for? What do you hope to achieve by mastering minimalism? When is the best time for you to transition to minimalism? Where will you choose to initiate a minimalist lifestyle? Will you try to convert your current home into a minimalist space? Will you choose to downsize? Why are you willing to make such a radical change to your life? In this section, I will be discussing the necessary questions that you must pose and answer to discover the wisdom in your personal pursuit of minimalism.

Who are you changing for?

 

 

“They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.”

 

-        Confucius

 

 

If you are ever to discover the true wisdom behind minimalism, then the very first question you should ask is “Who are you changing for?” If the answer is someone else, then I assure you that this transition into minimalism will be temporary at best. The reason minimalism looks so different from person to person is simple: each person’s reason for wanting to transition to minimalism is personal to them! You personal reasons for wanting a minimalist way of life are your constant motivators toward permanent and ongoing efforts to achieve and maintain these concepts in you living space. Any lasting change is difficult and trying, even in the best of times! If you are not making these changes for yourself, then you will likely not have the level of commitment necessary to stick with it over the long term.

 

 

 

What do you hope to achieve by mastering minimalism?

 

 

“Simplicity involves unburdening your life, and living more lightly with fewer distractions that interfere with a high quality life, as defined uniquely by each individual.”

 

-        Linda Breen Pierce

 

 

While many people who seek a transition to minimalism are pursuing simplicity, more often than not, there are multiple reasons that change is desired. Ultimately, these changes are initiated and motivated by what those individuals hope to achieve. While often ignored, the question posed is the most crucial indicator as to whether or not you have achieved what it is that you set out to accomplish. After all, how could you possibly know if you have achieved minimalism if you do not define what minimalism means to you in advance? For instance, we see in this quote from Linda Breen Pierce what she would list as her definition of simplicity:

 

·       Unburdening your life

·       Living lightly

·       Fewer distractions

·       High quality life

 

 

As I previously stated, the reasons for transitioning to minimalism must be personal to you. If you hope to have sufficient motivation to stay the course and to take the helm of your own minimalist journey, then you must explicitly define what it is you hope to achieve by mastering minimalism. Otherwise, how would you ever know if you obtained the results you set out to achieve? Make your own detailed list as to what you hope to achieve in your pursuit of minimalism. Make it your desktop on your computer or frame it and hang it on the wall of your home office. By placing this list in a location that you will view every day, it will serve as a constant reminder of exactly what you hope to achieve and the wisdom behind your motivations.

 

 

 

 

 

When is the best time for you to transition to minimalism?

 

 

“All great changes are preceded by chaos.”

 

-        Deepak Chopra

 

 

 

While a transition to minimalism can be beneficial at any time, the absolute best time to see dramatic results are during a time of personal chaos. Perhaps you have recently gone through a major life transition:

-        loss of a loved one

-        breakup or divorce

-        extended period of unemployment

-        long distance move

-        convalescence for sickness or injury

-        mental or emotional trauma

 

 

While the reason for your transition to minimalism does not necessarily have to be generated from negative stimuli, you will notice much more of an impact than if you decide to make the transition when things are going well. Another benefit of applying such a drastic change to your life during a time of chaotic upheaval is that it becomes a welcome distraction from other crises looming just around the corner. While doing nothing to fix a known problem is counterproductive, sometimes having an occasional distraction, such as a major life transition to minimalism, becomes an opportunity to inject positive change into a negative situation.

 

 

 

 

Where will you choose to initiate a minimalist lifestyle?

 

 

“For me, a calm house equals a calm heart equals a calm life.”

 

-        Erica Layne

 

 

 

When choosing where you will create your minimalist lifestyle, ask yourself, “Do I absolutely need as much space as I currently occupy?” Many people seeking a minimalist approach for the very first time find that answer is a simple “No.” However, some of us own homes, have a double mortgage and cannot simply pick up and transition to a smaller space for one reason or another. However, for those who can downsize their living space, the results are tangible. To everything from less time cleaning, simplifying and organizing where common items belong, reducing expenses and less chance of over-cluttering, there are many substantial benefits to moving to a smaller space. Often times, families or couples feel more connected in a smaller space. In colder climates, it’s far easier to heat and insulate a smaller home than a large living space with vaunted ceilings and long hallways. Whatever your decision, the location in which you choose to create your welcoming minimalist lifestyle will have a significant impact on your future decision making process and ultimately, your end result!

Why are you willing to make such a radical change to your life?

 

 

 

“Find your why and you’ll find your way.”

 

-        John C. Maxwell

 

 

 

No doubt about it, minimalism is a radical way to live. Though the rewards are immense, this indeed must be a decision that is not taken lightly. Whenever you consider your “Why,” be sure to weigh it in the balance with all the possible consequences of your upcoming decisions to downsize your life. Has the home from which you are planning to move been in your family for generations? Are there any sentimental reasons why you cannot choose a minimalist lifestyle? How is your decision going to affect the members of your household? Is everyone with whom you live in agreement that minimalism is a good thing for everyone involved? Get together with everyone who will be affected by this decision and create three lists:

 

1.   Why I want to transition to minimalism

2.   Rewards of a minimalist lifestyle

3.   Drawbacks of a minimalist lifestyle

 

Once your family finds their why and discusses the possible rewards and drawbacks of minimalism, then you are equipped to make a final decision regarding moving forward in your transition to this unique lifestyle. If everyone is not on board with the idea, then this resistance to change may become a barrier down the road.