Becoming a minimalist sounds so intimidating. After all it's a lifestyle change. But if I can become a minimalist, so can you.
In early Fall 2022, I made the decision to become a minimalist and start changing my life for the better. It was not an easy decision, but I soon saw the benefits that it had brought to my day-to-day life.
The minimalist lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular. Many of us are looking for ways to reduce the number of material possessions we own and free up our lives for more meaningful experiences.
However, if you've been a "messy" person or a "shopaholic", just like me, becoming a minimalist sound very intimidating. After all, this is a lifestyle change.
"I don't know if I am built for this!"
Don't worry, if I can do it, so can you.
Here are six easy steps for you to start your minimalism journey:
Step 1. Start today.
When I first came across minimalism content on Youtube, I was immediately intrigued. I loved how calm these content creators are and how content they are with their environment.
Although I had been struggling with clutters in my house and the financial stress from overspending for a long time, I told myself "let's research more content and learn more about this before we jump in."
But guess what, just watching people's content and waiting around it's not gonna bring us anywhere. Sometimes, you just have to do it.
Even if you are not sure whether minimalism is right for you, you will never know until you start experiencing it yourself.
So don't wait, start today. You don't need a grand plan, you just need to get started.
Step 2. Set a minimalist mindset.
I remember when I first started decluttering my messy bedroom, I said to myself: Let's not label myself a minimalist just yet. I practically haven't done anything yet, and I don't wanna be weird around other people.
But during my decluttering I had this realization: Our lifestyle and our day-to-day decision-making are largely influenced by the label that we put on ourselves.
If you label yourself a shopaholic or even do not reject it when other people call you one, you are gonna buy a lot of stuff. If you label yourself a workaholic, you will work extra hours and burn yourself out.
In order to become a minimalist, you need to put on this label. That's how you are going live your life as one from now on. It will impact your intention in life, and your decision-making every day.
Step 3. Reduce your material stuff.
Even though minimalism is not just about stuff, removing material clutter from our environment is the natural first step.
My first spot to declutter was my "beauty corner" in my bedroom since it was the first thing I see waking up every day and the last thing I see before I go to bed. It gave me so much stress I don't know how I lived with it for so long.
There's no specific order that you have to follow when you declutter but always start small. Pick a room or a corner and start working. Slowly your decluttering muscles will be strengthened and you will be so much more ruthless and efficient.
Since I started decluttering my stress level has gone down significantly. It not only gives me back my physical space but also opens up my mental space. I feel calmer and more content.
I also find decluttering a great self-discovery exercise. When you touch every object in your possession you re-discover yourself, what you like, what you don't like, and what emotions brought you to buy certain objects. It's very healing actually.
Step 4. Curb your shopping habits.
The crucial part about decluttering is that you have to create a deficit of material objects in your environment. If you remove 10 existing items from your home but soon bring in 15 new items, you will fall into an endless cycle without fulfilling your purposes.
If you are an impulse spender, start looking into the root cause of your spending. Is it out of stress? Or you just can't resist promotions and marketing emails?
Set a reasonable spending plan for yourself. Unsubscribe from marketing emails so that you don't get tempted. Create a spending freeze challenge.
Understand that this may take time, so don't get discouraged if you are tempted to buy once in a while, but continue to be committed and practice intention.
Step 5. Be inspired, not defeated.
As minimalism has become popular, there is more and more content you can find to learn and get inspired. The first type of content that I found was on Youtube and I've learned so much about decluttering and living intentionally.
However, these resources can be a double-edged sword when we start comparing our own progress with others.
"I don't live in a big house like that creator, so my house can never become that aesthetic."
"My house still looks messy after I declutter, I don't think I can become a good minimalist like them."
STOP!
Minimalism is NOT A COMPETITION. It's a journey and lifestyle change. Everyone's minimalism journey is different and we all have our unique version of minimalism.
My version of minimalism as a 41-year-old woman in a household of five may be completely different from your version as a single man.
Focus on your journey, your self-discovery, and your self-improvement. Embrace your own progress!
Step 6. Enjoy beyond material benefits.
Becoming a minimalist means more than just getting rid of your possessions. It's a journey of self-discovery and self-healing.
Invest in experiences, share your experience with others, and explore things that make you happy.
By following these tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a minimalist in 2023.
Good luck!
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