What I learned from minimalism
KISS - keep it super simple - is a point of view that has been with me for about 3 years. At that time, I was responsible for a project in our sales company. The aim was to create a system that provides a clear overview of the large number of processes, workflows, rules and informations that were needed in the daily business. Most colleagues had the same problem: You never found exactly the information you were looking for.
The project idea itself was pretty simple. We created a page which collected the most important informations that were needed (almost) daily.
No distractions such as marketing news, strategy information, additional reports were tolerated. Actually the hardest part was saying no to anyone who wanted to place some “very important” information since it was actually not needed in everyday life.
This project wasn't just about saving time, it was also about saving nerves. The constant search for information you need disrupts your flow, is annoying and takes so much energy. Its a real energy-sucker!
Therefore the aim of this project was to provide relief and to keep the flow. The advantage of this simplification idea became pretty clear: Less is more - clutter costs clarity. Too much information obscures the essentials.
Another example that is probably well known: Nothing to wear even though the closet is crammed full. Lots of unnecessary and unused clothes prevent the view of what should actually be seen: our favorite clothes. So decluttering my wardrobe (and my apartment) became my second KISS - or „minimalism“- project.
Unused things cost energy - space, money, time and attention. They take up space that we can then no longer use. They have to be stored and maintained. And even the process of getting rid of things cost a lot of energy. And I'm not only talking about the physical disposal - more than that, deciding of what or whether to dispose of can be pretty exhausting.
Why is it so difficult to get rid of things? We often hesitate because of feelings of guilt (that was so expensive!). Sometimes it's not just about saying goodbye to jeans that are too tight. It's also about saying goodbye to your desired self-image. Often something within us wants to be in control and prepare us for all uncertainties in life.
But NO! You don't have to keep 3 old sweaters JUST IN CASE you need to renovate your home one day. And if you don't like the color red there is no point keeping a red blouse even it is almost brand new.
Things speak to us, on the subconscious level. The pants that don't fit remind us every time that we actually want to lose weight. The unworn sweater demands: Wear me! I was expensive!
This talk produces stress. Minimalism can be the antidote. Start getting rid of your clutter!
5 Questions to help you declutter
Since I found the decision-making the hardest, I have listed 5 some helpful questions here:
Would I buy this (clothing) item again if I didn't own it? The question can also be transferred to your tasks or projects: How much effort would I invest in this matter if I didn't already have it?
Have you worn or used this item in the past three (six) month?
(of course this is not intended for seasonal things)Does this item/clothing still match to the person I want to be in the future?
Does it spark joy? If it´s not a nine, it´s a zero.
Do you need this item JUST IN CASE? This means it can be ged rid off in most cases. You can also make use of the 20/20 rule here: Does is cost less than 20 bucks and can be replaced within 20 minutes? Then let it go.
Almost everyone I know who's had a decluttering session feels great afterwards. I also believe that this is often just the beginning of a chain reaction. Minimalism is a point of view, a philosophy but also a tool. For me, it's not about defining whether something is minimalistic or not. It's about the essence of minimalism and what advantages this philosophy can bring.
Minimalism …
reduces stress through fewer searches and fewer decisions. Steve Jobs always wore the same kind of sweater just to spend his energy on more important things. You also have less to maintain and less to tidy up.
is liberating and leads to more visual and inner calm. It can also lead to greater awareness and inner peace. Minimalism also creates space in which energy and creativity can flow.
spills over to other areas of life by asking the right questions:
Do I want it?
Do I want it?
Do I want it?
Actually this question “Do I want it?” contains three questions, depending on which word you emphasize:
Do I want it - out of MY OWN conviction or just because of others (culture, parents, society)?
Do I WANT it? Or do I think "I have to .. / I am supposed to”?
And do I actually want IT, THIS alternative? Or is there something else I would prefer?
Conclusion:
What do I need anyway? What is really important? How will I live? Minimalism can teach you to to ask the right questions, to make decisions and to let go.
And it can help you to regain clarity in different areas of life.