“In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.” – Deepak Chopra

We’ve talked at length about the WHYs of minimalism in the previous article; and, we’ve established the reasons why living simply lends us a richer, happier, and fulfilling life. 

Acting on impulse

We need to acknowledge that the strongest adversary of minimalist habit is impulse. Impulse reaction is an unintentional response to discomfort. Discomfort comes in many forms: desire, boredom, loneliness, insecurity, and feelings of unfulfillment. Impulse reaction is a quick solution to those emotions even if it doesn't solve anything. In other words, you aren’t deliberately choosing to react impulsively.

Why does it matter to break this impulse?

Because if we don't break it, we let something else (random impulsive things) decide what’s most important to us. The impulse hijacks our ability to work toward long-term goals and our ability to be there for the people we love. It's because the small (impulsive) things truly add up. Impulsiveness can impact many different areas of life: from decision-making to things that we do/buy and we end up spending money/time on things that don’t truly value or need. These impulsive things end up becoming clutter in our homes, space, and lives.

Today, I’m sharing top 10 minimalist tips on HOW to fully enjoy life:

1. Start with the easy stuff

Literally. You can start with rubber bands or paperclips on your desk. If there are five boxes of each, find a place to donate them where they can be used. It doesn't have to be the family heirloom you've kept in your attic for years which you don't know what to do with. Leave the major things for later. 

Like they say, tiny things add up: it's really building that brain muscle of making choices as to what really matters to you and as you continually make these small choices, it becomes easier to make bigger choices. 

2. Continually simplify

Most habits like working out and eating healthy don't have a goal. There’s no stopping point. Because if there is, after you’ve achieved the weight you aim and you stop, everything starts to go down again. Mindfulness practice (i.e., minimalism) doesn't have a stopping point. The real goal is to not stop. When you purge your space and life of clutter, it’s a continual evaluation to avoid slipping back to old (unhealthy) habits. While you purge material clutter, there are also the intangible ones: negative friends/relationships that don't add value to you OR opportunities or invitations that you’re not interested in. 

Simplifying continually is about the sustainability of your lifestyle and your ability to keep the momentum building with your decluttering.

3. Think before you buy something new

One of the most important elements of minimalist living is devoting enough thought to things you buy and add to your space.

Before you scoop up an item from the store, stop and ask yourself why you feel the impulse to buy it: do you really need it or you only want the fleeting satisfaction of brightening your closet? Did you pick it up just because you saw the poster that says 50% discount? Is the discount enough reason?

At this point, you may already have decluttered your home, you’ve made headway, and now you must stay on the helm. You don’t want to slip, going around buying everything you want. Minimalist living is about needs –not wants. Ask yourself before you go to the checkout: How will this contribute to my life in a month/a year?

4. Slow and Steady

It might feel like there's no massive, magical change happening in your life overnight when you follow minimalist living. It really feels good to declutter, see your space open up, or donate your things to people who can use/treasure them. It's all really good. In fact, it’s the small but continual changes that add up over time that really make the lasting impact. What actually makes the huge difference are the process of choosing, the process of building the muscle to decide on what you want in your life, and the process of identifying what you don't want in your life. Surely, it takes time to build that brain muscle. Iit takes time to see all these amazing results, but it’s all worthwhile.

5. Seek high-quality stuff

When you do want or need to buy something, make sure it’s a quality item. Investing time and money into finding things that are built to last will ensure you don’t have to shop as frequently to replace your broken or worn-down belongings. As for style, invest in classic, timeless pieces. Choose items for your wardrobe, bedding collection, linens, or furniture that you know will last and you’ll love for years. Don’t shop frequently, instead buy quality. Why not save up for it? You can start by adding organic bamboo towels, bathrobes, and other home products to your collection. They may cost more, but they are high-quality items.

6. Be grateful for what you have

The search for contentment and peace is at the heart of minimalism. 

Contentment begins with being grateful for what you have. Stop looking at the things you don’t or can’t have and stop comparing. Instead, focus on the joy, convenience, and ease your belongings bring to your life –whether it’s a refurbished coffee table or a handmade lampshade that brings a smile to your face to jumpstart your morning.

When you’re grateful for everything you own, the longing to own more will gradually vanish.

7. Don’t get attached to your belongings

Detaching yourself from what you own is the major key in simple, intentional living. It’s completely okay to treasure your favorite book or sweater and to feel appreciation for the jeans that fit you just right, as long as you acknowledge that there are temporary sources of happiness. Your belongings don’t bring you happiness, experience does. Quality relationships do.

8. It's okay to say NO

Learn when to say yes and no to honor what you can do. While it’s important to take advantage of opportunities that help us grow it is crucial to identify and refuse things that will make our schedules hectic from day to day.  It is okay to say NO and let go of things that bring negativity to your life. Saying no and stepping back helps you find your balance again.

9. Limiting beliefs

Limiting beliefs are beliefs that hold us back or instill fear in us: we aren’t smart enough, we aren’t good enough, we’re not able enough, we won’t succeed, etc. While these messages may be convincing, they are untrue. Only YOU get to decide how successful or how happy you can be. Focus on YOU, where you’re at, and the action steps you’re taking to get where you want to be.

10. When the going gets tough, remember your WHY

What is it that you want from this process? What are you creating space for? Is it having more money to pay a debt, spending with loved ones more, traveling more, or is it simply being less stressed with the things that you need to do to maintain your life on a daily basis?

These are general tips to get you started on your journey to a fuller life. But ultimately, there are no hard rules or fixed criteria for a minimalist living. Do minimalism on your own terms. Do what works for you where you are. Enjoy this new lifestyle.

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Content Credits:

https://makespace.com/blog/posts/minimalist-living-tips/

https://tinyhousehugeideas.com/minimalist-living-tips/

THINGS TO GET RID OF | minimalism & healthy living https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LIx-ADKyCw

“Minimalism Tips For Beginners”| break the twitch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V5y9mP7RO8