Keep Your Life And Work On Track Through Modern Minimalism
These days, life is just so full of…everything. We’re constantly bombarded with doing things this way or that way, or adding this or that for convenience, that it’s so easy to lose track of what we should actually do to get to where we want to go in life.
Going through all the extras of life can be exhausting — sometimes, it’s just easier to get rid of the muck, and look for what truly matters.
What Modern Minimalism Can Bring You
It’s not about living in a cabin in the woods and fishing to feed yourself, nor is it just a fad or a buzzword. A Marcus article, "How Becoming a Minimalist Changed My Relationship with Money," tells the story of Jackie L., a minimalist who aligns her time and possessions with her core values — which is something that you can do too.
She followed the famous Marie Kondo system to significant effect. Not convinced? Read on to find out how you can keep your life and career on the right track through modern minimalism.
Decluttering Lets You Refocus
Having so many things to look for, put away, or worry about can fog your mind, and part of minimalism is getting rid of items or even people that you don’t need. When you get rid of things around your home that aren’t necessary, you’ll be able to breathe a little easier and take a step back to re-evaluate and focus on what matters most to you.
When you get rid of things around your home that aren’t necessary, you’ll be able to breathe a little easier and focus on what matters.
When you let go of people who only bring you negativity, you'll find that you'll feel a lot better and happier, and you can focus on spending time with people who only bring you joy and vice versa.
Fewer Items Mean More Money
As you let go of possessions or luxuries you don’t really need, you’ll find your finances will open up. In fact, our writer Erica Gellerman published an article on "How Your Mindset Affects Your Money, and What to Do About It," which details how mindset can truly affect how we spend our money. With a minimalist lifestyle, our mindset is that we don’t need that unless we genuinely do.
With a minimalist lifestyle, our mindset is that we don’t need that unless we genuinely do.
With a mindset like this, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute more to your retirement fund, have an ample amount of emergency money, and require a smaller mortgage for buying a house or a loan for purchasing a car. Not to mention, this lets you live stress-free financially, as you won’t have to worry about paying the bills after any spontaneous purchases over the month.
You’ll Focus on Value-Based Spending
Minimalism will make you hold on to and find only what’s essential or what gives you value. This is emphasized by Money Under 30, which points out that with minimalism, you’ll get to spend more on valuable experiences — like traveling, reading, or going on long road-trips with friends — rather than unnecessary worldly possessions. You’ll also get to buy what you need, regardless of the cost — whether it be an expensive new oven or several new books. If it provides you with value, you’ll have the funds and the mindset to get it.
Focusing on What Matters Most Gives You More Time
When you want fewer items and need less money, your mindset towards your career won’t get skewed by material things — in other words, you won’t work to get those new shoes or new car, you’ll work for yourself because you want to. Additionally, having fewer things to manage, organize, clean, or repair frees up the time we could’ve spent using that item for more useful or joyful activities.
Having fewer things to manage, organize, clean, or repair frees up the time we could’ve spent using that item for more useful or joyful activities.
Personal Growth Lab’s Jari Roomer also points out that without distractions, you’ll get to be more productive, as the visual stimuli in your work environment can compete for your time, which leaves less mental resources for optimal focus.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, the minimalist lifestyle may not be for everyone. The great thing about it is that minimalism is a choice, and you don’t have to go the whole way with it — you can take it one step at a time, or just be minimal with one part of your life entirely. Either way, there is no right or wrong way to be minimal in life.