I gradually turned into a minimalist. I started by accident, realized how liberating it is, and since then did not stop minimizing.
To me, Minimalism doesn’t translate into more, less, or nothing. It means just enough.
During my journey, step by step, I changed my habits. I made mistakes, I learned and improved. When I learned about the concept of principles, I decided to, even more, simplifying my life by codifying my decision criteria into the following set of 12 principles.
Principles help you make conscious decisions to achieve your goals. A set of principles — like the one here — can even be contradictory: just choose the one that works for you in a given situation. What works for me might not work for you. And they’re certainly not perfect or complete. So when you read them, feel free to disagree, adjust them to your own needs and values or ignore them entirely.
I share them to help you on your own minimalism journey but also to get your thoughts and feedback to improve.
1/ Use it or Lose it
Don’t store better, only keep what you use. Get rid of everything else — even if it’s in good shape — especially if you can easily replace it. If you struggle to part, ask yourself: why is it so hard, and how can I mitigate it?
2/ Uncommit, and focus on the future
Don’t fall for the sunk cost bias: the decisions you’ve made in the past, the money you’ve spent on something, you cannot change that anymore. Instead, reflect on what you want to do differently next time and how you can reduce waste in the future. Pretend you’re not committed yet: what would you do?
3/ If it's not a Hell Yeah, it's a No*
Make 'No' your default response. Reserve 'Yes' for things that truly excite you. A lukewarm 'Yes' might cost you an enthusiastic 'Hell yeah' opportunity later.
4/ Is that job free?
Do you have something or someone, that does that “job” for you already? Rather combine uses instead of acquiring duplicates. Get rid of the big home hair dryer, if the travel one works just as well. Prefer multi- over uni-taskers.
5/ Only gone is gone
When reducing waste, don’t leave space for doubts. Do not just relocate, irrevocably let go. Storing items in the basement or moving stuff to your parents is not ok! Prefer fixing, upcycling, recycling, donating, or selling items over throwing them away if it’s still in good shape.
6/ No Pressure
Make decisions in line with your values and priorities rather than due to external pressures or impulses. Pause, breathe, think, and then decide.
7/ Go Paperless
Digitalize as much as possible to save resources.
8/ Sharing is Caring
Consider borrowing items for temporary use or renting out things you don't frequently use. A vehicle, books, the drilling machine …
9/ Kill the Energy Vampires
Identify and eliminate energy and time drainers. Restrict screen time, unsubscribe from non-useful subscriptions, and spend time with uplifting people.
10/ Quality over Quantity
Better have a few high-quality than hundreds of disposable low-quality items or relationships.
11/ Classic over Trend
Trends are fleeting. Strive for timelessness instead.
12/ Does it get me closer to my goals?
Whatever your reason for becoming a minimalist, consider your long-term goals when making decisions about how you spend your time, invest, consume, etc.
13 / Finish First, Start Fresh
Finish ongoing projects before starting new ones. This will prevent a backlog of unfinished tasks.
14/ Live for Memories, Not Stuff
Prioritizing experiences that create lasting memories over acquiring material possessions.
* Quote from Derek Sivers