Less is More: Why You Should Become a Minimalist

In a world of relative plenty, we’ve come to associate success and happiness with the ownership of things. The flashiest car, clothes and gadgets have become must-haves – but in pursuit of these things, have we forgotten about happiness and what’s important? That’s certainly what the minimalists think. And in increasing numbers, they’re on a mission to convert the masses.

Not only can minimalism help you discover what’s truly important they argue, but it can also help you save money and increase your happiness. Minimalism is all about removing clutter and unnecessary things from your life.

And the minimalists are right: less is more. And if you’d like to join the club, you’ll want to know how it can benefit you in your everyday life. Here’s why you should become a minimalist:

It gives you a chance to create room for what’s important

Eagerly awaiting your next payday only to splash on an unnecessary amount of clothes, another pair of trainers (which are mostly the same as all the other pairs you own), or the newest wireless headphones may be tempting, but it does little to increase happiness—or the money in your pocket.

By converting to a minimalist lifestyle, you instantly get the chance to create room for the things that are actually important. Your mindset changes, and so do the things you deem important. It’s time to cut down on excess possessions and reduce your spending to things that you actually need. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself every now and then – sorry strict minimalists, we’re moderates.

With a new found purpose and a healthier bank account, you’ll be able to prioritise things are important in your life.

You’ll have more chance to focus on quality time and hobbies

When tallied up, the time spent scrolling through online shopping websites or wandering from shop to shop in pursuit of your next possession is a lot. By removing your desire for all unimportant things (whatever you decide that to be), not only will you save money, but you’ll also save a lot of time; the time you can spend at the gym, reading a new book, travelling, picking up new hobbies and meeting new friends.

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.”

Marcus Aurelius

Better for the environment

By becoming a minimalist, not only will you have more money and less clutter, but you’ll also be helping to keep the planet clean. The minimalistic view gets you out of thinking ‘but I’m only one person, what difference does it make?’ By forcing you to think of what is important, as supposed what you would like to have, minimalism forces you to reduce waste and help the environment.

So, the next time you think of making a purchase, whether that be food or clothes, step back and think like a minimalist: is the packaging wasteful? Could I go for a smaller and less wasteful option? And do I actually need this?

You’ll be more focused

The minimalistic lifestyle promotes the idea of self-reliance and individuality. Often, we can make the mistake of attaching status and self-worth to our possessions. A minimalistic lifestyle allows you to build on your self-value by focusing on what adds value to your life and character.

As a minimalist, the importance of self-reliance and the principle that happiness is not found in the ownership of things are lessons you’ll learn.

Better peace of mind

Clinging onto your possessions can, in some cases, contribute to emotional stress. After a while, constantly worrying about the state of your new iPhone or that £800 Prada bag can be emotionally draining. The solution? Have fewer and more important things. Not only will you spend less time worrying about them, but you’ll be able to focus on important things: friends, family, hobbies and life’s important milestones.

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After deciding to become a minimalist, you may go shopping for some books to dive into – here are 10 books to reads in 2020 according to Bill Gates, Barack Obama and other successful people.