Whether it’s an overflowing closet or a car trunk filled with way too much stuff, most of us have more than we feel necessary. It’s the reason it seems like, as a society, we’re obsessed with finding ways to live on just essentials.
But this concept of “minimalism” gets a bad rap. Images of spartan accommodations as a way of saving money can leave people feeling like this lifestyle is about depriving yourself until you get your finances in order.
Living like a monk might help pay a few bills, but it doesn’t do much for your inner light. That’s why I prefer essentialism over minimalism. And believe it or not, there is a difference between the two.
For clarification, I appreciate quality, and I’m more than happy to pay for it. I’ve just never felt compelled to splurge on trends. Besides, when you live outside your means, your belongings start owning you instead of the other way around.
I’m also a bit of a free spirit and can’t be weighed down by stuff if I want to be free.
That’s why I collect experiences instead.
The Essentialist
My approach to physical possessions is less minimalist and more essentialist. Minimalism generally focuses on saving money, while essentialism is more about enjoying life by focusing on what gives you the most fulfillment. In my case, experiences versus stuff.
There’s an old saying in the environmentalist community: leave only footprints, take only pictures. There’s no need for stuff to have such an impact on your life, and it has nothing to do with how much space or money you have.
Curate your belongings carefully and know the difference between wanting something or needing it.
Precious memories of time well spent with friends and family are more valuable than a home filled with things you don’t need.
Trailblazing A New Life
It takes courage to live like this. It’s not easy going against the grain and living a life that feels true to who you are. It might not even make sense based on the world’s standards.
But if you were given the chance to live your ideal life tomorrow, what would that look like?
Start with your why and assemble your answers around it. This exercise will help you see things from a different perspective. To get a better idea of what you want, create the schedule of your dreams on a blank calendar. Plan your personal life, then build your business or career around it.
It’s easy to stay the course once you figure out what success means to you. It might not be how the world measures success, but why would you follow your neighbor’s game plan if we all value different things?
Building your world around what truly matters will show you that the only real luxury in life — is time.
