“I have so many things, but I don’t know what they are. Why am I holding on to them? They’re just in the way.”
—Kim Hyun Joong
Most of us have heard this quote from Kim Hyun Joong at least once. It’s a line that perfectly sums up the state of mind of most people today, especially those with excessive amounts of stuff. However, it is also true for those who cannot differentiate between “want” and “need” and those who hold on to items because of their sentimental value or even for no reason.
The media further encourages this mindset, which bombards consumers with advertisements daily. These commercials not only entice us to buy products we do not need but also convince us that we cannot live without certain things. This is why nearly everyone has an overflowing closet filled with clothes they never wear. It is not uncommon to see someone who owns more than ten pairs of shoes yet wears none. And since material possessions constantly surround these individuals, it becomes difficult for them to distinguish between want and need.
Let’s look at what minimalism is, how it came about, and the benefits that can be derived from it.
What Is Minimalism?
Minimalism refers to a lifestyle focused on acquiring only the bare essentials in life. Simply put, you rid yourself of unnecessary items and only own those you truly need. Minimalists believe that having a lot of “things” (clothing, shoes, accessories, home appliances, etc.) makes one a slave to money. Thus, they choose to keep only the essential ones. As you can imagine, living such a lifestyle requires great discipline, willpower, and control. But if done right, minimalism will help you save time, money, and energy.
The History of Minimalism
As mentioned earlier, minimalism originated in Japan during the 1970s. That being said; however, minimalism has existed since ancient times. For example, the Greek philosopher Plato advocated for frugality, while the Roman poet Ovid valued simplicity above all else. During the reign of Emperor Augustus, citizens were required to live within a radius of 2,000 paces (1,500 m). These restrictions prevented them from owning too much stuff and made them appreciate everything they had. In Rome, owning too much was considered a sign of wealth and privilege.
In the modern era, however, minimalism became popular among Americans. It started with a few people who decided to declutter their homes. After becoming successful, others followed suit and began to live with less. As a result, minimalist communities sprouted across America. Today, entire websites are dedicated to sharing tips on becoming a minimalist.
Pros of Becoming a Minimalist
Minimalists say that they’ve freed themselves from many burdens by eliminating possessions. Here are some of its most common benefits:
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Less Clutter
Minimalists make it a point to simplify their surroundings. This helps them avoid unnecessary clutter, thus making their home more organized and orderly.
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Less Waste
Minimizing your consumption will reduce the amount of trash you produce. If you choose to buy secondhand items, you’ll also save space in landfills.
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More Time & Money
Since minimalism frees us from the burden of unnecessary objects, we can now spend more time on the things that matter to us. This includes spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing our hobbies, or simply relaxing at home. We won’t have to waste our resources looking for lost items.
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Save Energy
Remember that minimalism involves removing any object that does not add value to your life. This means you will no longer have to buy new gadgets to replace old ones. By doing so, you’ll use less electricity and water, thereby reducing your carbon footprint.
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Less Stress
Living with fewer possessions and possessions allows us to focus more on our priorities. This eliminates the stress of worrying about having enough space for something new.
How Are Leaders Today Leading The Way To Minimalism?
A leader can inspire others to do well. This is why several companies have chosen to follow in the footsteps of Apple and Nike and implement a minimalist approach. One such leader is Hernando Fernandez, a Colombian-American real estate investor, entrepreneur, and BlockChain evangelist. Mr. Fernandez is the founder of Cash Flow Dominator, a real estate marketplace and education platform. He uses his knowledge and experience to educate and empower others to achieve financial freedom through real estate investing.
Mr. Fernandez believes that we must first eliminate anything hindering our progress from succeeding. He says our success lies in recognizing what works and doesn’t. Once we identify our weaknesses, we can begin to change ourselves accordingly. Fernandez harnessed the power of BlockChain in 2016 and has since then made it his goal to spread insight about BlockChain and its hidden potential across social media and throughout Latin America.
“It starts with self-awareness,” says Mr. Fernandez. “You need to know and understand what makes you tick.” Once you’re aware of your weaknesses, you’ll be able to improve your skills and become better at what you do. You’ll also learn to manage your time and prioritize tasks that are important to you.
Final Words
The world today is full of distractions. With the rise of technology, information overload has reached an all-time high. Having many choices will only lead to confusion. As a result, we often lose sight of what matters. Minimalism, therefore, provides a solution to this problem. By learning to identify what’s essential, we can free ourselves from the burden of unnecessary belongings, ultimately allowing us to focus on the things that truly matter.
