Why all the fuss about Minimalism lately? How might it be relevant to you in your attempts to recover from Procrastination?
My plan today is:
- to describe some of my own history with Minimalism and how it enabled me to embrace Procrastination recovery;
- to share some things I learned this week after watching a screening of the Minimalism: A Documentary about the Things that Matter;
- to recommend some wonderful bloggers who offer great content and inspiration for people looking to make positive changes for themselves; and
- to inspire you to give Minimalism a try.
My own relationship with Minimalism
I haven't written much about the actual steps I have taken to recover from Procrastination, but I can tell you that going simple and minimalistic was the very first step I took.
When I simplified my belongings, I stopped tripping over my stuff. Literally stopped tripping. That was a plus.
After that, I became more effective in the mornings, because I didn't have to get through as much stuff. Another plus.
Soon after that, I started worrying less, sleeping better, and making better choices.
I really could go on and on, and I will because I think it's important to share these growth points:
- I was clearer mentally
- my schedule became saner
- I commuted to my office with a sense of calm instead of with a sense of dread or a panic about being late
- I began to look more put together, because all of these small steps and decluttering led me to look that way
- I was able to spend more time — really good time — working on the projects and relationships that mattered most to me
- I explored more methods to break away from Procrastination
- I started this blog!
Need I say more????
What I learned from a documentary by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, The Minimalists
I had the pleasure of attending the screening of the movie Minimalism: A Documentary about the Things that Matter this week.
*Now imagine me making a two thumbs up gesture.*
The documentary was informative, eye-opening, enlightening, and well-crafted. The love for the message of Minimalism was obvious throughout. The film drove home the message that we all have tremendous power over our own choices, and our choices matter so much.
Here are some of the lessons I took away from the film:
Minimalism allows you to work on your personal development. It takes the focus off success for success's sake and puts the spotlight on the things and people that are important to you.
“Minimalism is not a radical lifestyle, it's a practical lifestyle.” — Joshua Fields Millburn, of The Minimalists.
When we adopt a minimalist style of living, we come to value what we have instead of feeling anxious about what we don't. That process of learning how to add value to our lives without pulling out our credit cards feeds our sense of well-being. We can develop our sense of personal freedom when we are not weighed down by our need to hunt (for stuff) or by the latest marketing message or throw-away fashion trend. We have enough => We are enough.
And now, my groupie fan-girl picture for your viewing pleasure #likemeetingtheBeatles:
What does this mean for you?
As with recovery from Procrastination, going minimal is a step-by-step process, where you learn more about yourself with each step. You go against the well-worn grain by making these changes, but these changes re-instill your sense of gratitude for the life and opportunities you've been given and those which you're about to have. That's a plus.
You gain confidence in yourself and in your choices. Another big plus.
Yes, you get so much from going minimal. Funny, right?
If you're struggling under the burden of Procrastination, I very sincerely encourage you to explore what Minimalism has to offer.
As promised, a list of helpful resources to get you started in your exploration:
- Courtney Carver of Be More with Less
- Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists
- Kelvin Belfon of Going Uncomplicated
- Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist
- Tammy Stroebel of Rowdy Kittens
One final resource is MY MINIMALISM START, a planning sheet I put together to guide you in your first steps towards trying out Minimalism. Everything on the sheet is doable within the space of a single day. It's simple and practical.
Click here to receive the MY MINIMALISM START planning sheet to help you get on your way today!
It seems I have a lot to say about a movement that tends towards the minimal. I think you'll find when you try going in this direction, like I have, that embracing the tenets of Minimalism brings you energy, focus, and spirit like crazy. I hope you enjoy the ride.
