Less is More
Consider the paradox of a famous actor or an accomplished athlete seemingly living the dream with all the money in the world. They can buy whatever they want, from a dozen cars to multiple houses across the globe, every new technological gadget, and dine at all the most excellent restaurants. Yet, despite these fantastic things, they often express a deep sense of unhappiness.
Why is this? What is the missing piece in this puzzle of wealth and happiness? Why don’t these things make them happy? Because things don’t make you happy. Material goods can be exciting whenever you get them, but after a while, they bring no real value beyond what you pay them.
This leads me to reflect on minimalism and its potential for enhancing our lives' quality.
Minimalism is a philosophy that advocates for a simpler life with fewer but thoughtfully chosen possessions, fewer commitments, and less noise.
It offers the promise of gaining more clarity on what truly matters, more time, and more tranquility.
A few examples can show how minimalism can improve multiple aspects of life. The first thing that comes to mind is a personal wardrobe, the clothes you wear daily.
A prime example is the very successful and prestigious Dr. Andrew Huberman. He is wearing the same thing in all his content: a black button-up shirt and slacks. He no longer has to worry about what he wears to work every day.
This may seem minor but consider the advantages.
Often, a big worry for people is what they will wear. Whether on a night out or to an extensive interview, people will spend far too much time deciding what to wear.
What if you no longer had to make this decision? What if this decision had already been made for you ahead of time?
Now, by no means am I saying everyone needs to buy seven black shirts and exclusively wear them, but there are changes that you make. Like having fewer options in your closet. Instead of fifteen pairs of shoes, only five.
If you have clothes you never wear, get rid of them.
Another way that minimalism could be beneficial is to focus on quality over quantity. A proper writing utensil is an excellent example of this that I try to implement in my own life. I used to buy the cheapest pens—the pack of about thirty pens that constantly broke and bled ink everywhere.
Instead of buying cheap packs of pens, I opt to buy more quality ballpoint or even a refillable quill pen. Not only do they last longer, but they write better. Instead of buying thirty terrible pens, I buy two high-quality pens. This type of quality over quantity can apply to anything: your clothes, your food, your technology, and your home.
Minimalism isn’t just having fewer things but also having a genuine appreciation for the things you have. It means not feeling the need to constantly get more, new, better things.
Instead, you are satisfied with what you have.