As we prepare to sell our house and I just finished our fifth trip to Goodwill the past week, I like to use these questions for the determining what to save. The first two are from Joshua Becker. The last two add some additional motivation for me to get rid of the item.
- Do I need this?
- Why do I have it?
- Is it easily replaced?
- What would I use if I didn’t have it?
“One day” is the worst thing we tell ourselves when we do our shopping. I used to buy a lot of things for the ideal version of myself, so clothes I wanted professional Cait to wear, or books I wanted smart Cait to read. I would think I should read these books, but I don’t want to, and that’s okay. I was spending a lot of money on my idealized version of myself.
If you’re in doubt about something that’s not in your life, try it. Things are so different in practice versus in theory. The only way to know is to experience it yourself.
If you’re in doubt about something that’s in your life already, get rid of it. Not just things, this goes for identities, habits, goals, relationships, technology, and anything else. Default to not having it, then see how you do without.
Err on the side of no. Get rid of it. Start with a clean slate, If it was a mistake, you’ll get it back with a renewed enthusiasm.
Joshua Becker writing for Becoming Minimalist:
Purchase only what you need to more effectively accomplish your unique role in this world—everything else is only a distraction. Just because you can buy something doesn’t mean you should.
Joshua Becker writing for Becoming Minimalist
Not only does shopping not deliver freedom, it brings the exact opposite. Each purchase we make adds extra worry to our lives. Every physical item we own represents one more thing that can be broken, scratched, or stolen. The sense of freedom that comes from owning less is truly refreshing. Indeed, it is more than a feeling; it is a reality that can define your life.
Garrick van Burren via MinimalMac:
The less you require to maintain your desired standard of living, the longer you can maintain it without additional income. This isn’t about celebrating a poverty mentality. Quite the opposite. It’s an acknowledgment that once you find what works, you can remove everything else.
Anthony Ongaro on the Focused podcast:
Radically change the way you are living by doing three simple things every day:
- Remove one distraction
- Work on one small habit
- Create something
Imagine owning very little, living in a spare room, eating simple whole food, not being involved in social media, just working, reading, walking, spending time with loved ones. Meditating, drinking tea.
Sounds just about right.
Great advice from Joshua Becker on starting today. Don’t wait. Today.
But how? Here are some helpful ideas to get you started, right now, today:
- Make one small step
- Remind yourself of all the reasons to start right now.
- The next time you feel the urge, read a helpful article.
- Find external motivation.
- Set a reward for yourself.
Your home is like a giant inbox that’s been filled with too many material possessions over the years. It’s time to ruthlessly archive and delete.
How did he know???
Source: the HUSTLE
