Minimalism is a philosophy or an attitude towards life centered around the idea that "less is more." It promotes a simple, elegant lifestyle.
At its core, minimalism encourages us to have fewer possessions, relationships, and commitments. It's important to note that having less doesn't imply poor quality or a life of deprivation. Instead, minimalism advocates for having fewer items of higher quality—focusing on what we truly need and value rather than filling our lives with unnecessary things.
Owning fewer items can significantly reduce the energy and time we spend organizing and maintaining them. For instance, if we accumulate many books, we will need a bigger bookshelf and spend more time tidying them up, which can also create risks, such as fire hazards from improper stacking. Too many possessions can become a burden in our lives. Consequently, as we begin to embrace minimalism, many people find themselves frequently clearing out clutter.
This principle of having less extends beyond physical items to encompass people and activities. We should cultivate a smaller circle of friends. By maintaining fewer friendships, we can invest more energy into nurturing deeper, more meaningful connections while avoiding the potential pitfalls associated with superficial relationships. Focusing on quality over quantity helps us avoid negativity and insincerity.
Additionally, having fewer commitments allows us to concentrate fully on one task at a time, as our energy is limited. By focusing our efforts, we can achieve our goals more effectively. The principles of focus and concentration are essential topics in efficiency management that we can discuss further in the future.
Minimalism can also be interpreted as having fewer thoughts. Simplifying our thinking allows us to be more present, giving our minds a chance to rest and maintain peace. Reducing unnecessary thoughts increases our focus and prevents us from procrastinating or feeling overwhelmed, which can lead to anxiety and tension.
Furthermore, cultivating fewer expectations can enhance our sense of gratitude. This includes reducing expectations for our children, investment returns, wealth, and friendships. For instance, when parents lower their expectations for their children, it can alleviate pressure on them and increase overall satisfaction while also minimizing friction that often arises from high expectations.
Lastly, embracing less desire makes it easier to feel content. This includes our desires for interpersonal relationships, a higher quality of life, and career success. By focusing on diligently doing our work and maximizing our potential, we can learn to go with the flow regarding outcomes.
In summary, minimalism is not merely about eliminating belongings. It encompasses "less is more" regarding our possessions, relationships, thoughts, expectations, and desires.