Youth Incorporated Magazine

In the world of wildly extravagant and self-indulgent people, who believe that owning possessions and amass wealth is the way to a successful life, we have people who strongly value life experiences and basic lifestyle commodities over everything else.

These people are driven by minimalism mindset, that indeed separates them from others. Minimalism is reflected in their choices and attitude. To be a minimalist is to be wise and take the first step towards living an authentic life.

Over the last few years, the trend of “minimalist living,” has gained more attention, but what does minimalist living really look like and how can you start living that way?

Well, the first step towards living a different lifestyle is to opt for different attitude and believe in the power of minimum.

From focusing on the growth of mind, body and spirit to pushing oneself out of comfort zone are one of the few things a person with the mantra “Choose experiences over possessions” will usually do. It is important to understand the minimalist philosophy and let yourself free from possessions.

By possessions, one doesn’t mean running away from personal responsibilities and financial commitments, rather it is about prioritising human relationships and self-growth over everything.

The second step is taken by managing one’s space of living. Here, your purchase decisions are to be evaluated. Where many homeowners believe in purchasing expensive showpieces and glittery sofas, a minimalist would only accommodate things that fulfil purposes and are useful in his/her day-to-day activities. Living in fully or partially furnished homes or living on the go, are some of the choices a minimalist makes.

The third step is the step where your minimalism becomes more visible to the world. Choosing one’s attire of the day not to impress but to express is the secret of a minimalist. They enjoy diverse, practical as well as stylish outfits and are brilliant at packing clothes for a two-week vacation from their huge closets. Avoid spending on clothes that you know you’ll not wear more than twice and switch to value clothing over branded outfits.

Last but not least, the fourth step towards ensuring a minimalist lifestyle is to handle your finances in a better way. This step is the most significant factor is minimalism. You can begin by saving a higher percentage of your salary and conserving financial resources. Don’t go for things that you know you cannot afford and try to keep your living costs minimum. Taking public transport to work or buying an inexpensive smartphone, using finances wisely is a trait worth having. The same savings could be used to travel, to gain life experiences or learning new skills.   

Let’s conclude this by remembering one of the most memorable line in the 1999 action thriller, “Fight Club” where Edward Norton (addressed as “the narrator” in the movie) complains to Tyler (Brad Pitt) about how his first apartment ruined all his possessions, to which Tyler responds with “the things you own, end up owning you.”