Hit refresh on your habits.
Looking for a way to save money, simplify your life and be more present? Ever wanted to get rid of everything in your closet and start over? Is your home getting crowded with ‘things’?
Try minimalism. The ideology originally came about as a style of abstract art in the 1960s and later translated into a lifestyle trend in the 2010s. The art was created around the idea that art “should have its own reality and not be an imitation of some other thing” – this, too, renders relevant today.
Like any other, this is a trend that can be taken to the extreme, so it is recommended to slowly integrate minimalist practices into your routine that work for you. It’s also important to define the difference between minimalism and a minimalist aesthetic; In fact, the two are almost mutually exclusive – minimalism is centered around principles of utility and usability and less on exterior design.
The universal motto of the minimalist movement is “less is more,” a phrase that first appeared in an 1855 poem by Robert Browning. The phrase became an extension of architecture in the 20th century and spread to other areas of life in the following decades, and doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon. (That’s my final history lesson, I promise.) The rage for the movement has carried on through generations as a timeless source of inspiration that doesn’t break the bank. Though minimalism means something different for everyone, it is essentially the psychology of shedding the inessential and living simply. There are no real rules.
The idea is all about prioritizing you. Many people who choose to start a “minimalism journey” experience a spike in self-growth, with a focus on a higher ethos. It asks the question: How can you live in your values? Clearing away the clutter to uncover what brings you joy and how you can incorporate that into your day will give a greater sense of agency in your life.
One place to start is to consider everything you purchase as an investment. Shop for quality items that you’ll wear often and that’ll last years. This can be a challenge, especially with the rise of fast fashion, but it’s a great way to hold yourself accountable. If something in your closet doesn’t spark joy when you pull it out, give it a new life by sharing it with a friend, donating or selling it. With less clutter, it’s easier to stay organized and run (or, with the extra time – waltz?) out the door in the morning on-time.
Take Robert Pattinson or Steve Jobs – two famous, very wealthy men who have shunned material things. Pattinson revealed in 2014 that his closet was practically empty and he slept on an air mattress, and a couple years later told Numéro Magazine that he had begun making his own clothes. And despite Jobs’ $250 million net worth, he famously only wore one outfit – a black turtleneck, blue jeans and New Balance sneakers – and kept almost no furniture. No matter how much fame or fortune someone might have, the taste for simplicity can overpower material temptations.
But you don’t need to own only one outfit to be a minimalist – in fact, the mentality can exist completely in your perspective.
It’s about aligning your way of life with your values, and how you can optimize your happiness around that. It’s okay to shake loose of things that don’t serve you anymore and to say no. Just like the original idea intended, minimalism is about thoughtfulness and valuing ourselves from the inside out, and not how we compare to others. The simplification of your day can lend the space to further pursue your ambitions.
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle will grant more free time in your life. While not cleaning a messy bedroom or browsing online storefronts for more clothes to fit into your drawers, you can repurpose your time to other activities and experiences. Valuing your own time can also manifest as arriving early, preparing instead of rushing and being mindful of others’ time. It’s a great way to maximize your day with productivity and invest in your future.
The concept of minimalism is about clearing away unnecessary distractions and making room to create. This looks different for everyone and can be a quiet hobby rather than an overwhelming one. Concentration is an art in itself, and it’s undoubtedly easier without so much excess laying around – physically and emotionally. With a lens focused on connectivity, creativity and community, you can zero in on an individual interpretation that works for you. If you’ve been feeling like there’s too much on your plate, too much noise or too much ‘stuff’ – minimalism could be your overload antidote.
