More and more people are enticed to live a minimalist lifestyle. Those captivating minimalist posts shared all over the internet make one want to upgrade their living space. But then, downsizing and embracing a minimalist lifestyle is not as easy as it seems.
It can be tricky to even think about all the stuff you need to let go of. There’s also the fact that you will need to practice absolute control on your next purchases. All your efforts to be a minimalist will go to waste if you keep up with your impulsive buying tendencies.
But then, the many perks of living a minimalist lifestyle are what drives many to make the switch. Who would not want more savings, less stress, and a better sense of fulfillment? If you are trying to live a minimalist lifestyle, it is best that you be aware of the common mistakes made by other minimalist beginners.
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Starting Without a Plan and Achievable Goals
Minimalism is not as simple as it looks like. Embracing this kind of lifestyle can be complicated especially since you are not fond of having less. People are more likely to fail if they simply try to chase after something without setting goals and sans the planning.
Make sure that before you kick start your new lifestyle, write down achievable goals and create your action plan. Your goals will give you something to look forward to. Your action plan, on the other hand, will give you more direction in achieving your goals.
Make sure you set goals that are specific and achievable. As for your action plan, create a step-by-step plan depending on your goals and situation. This will help stick to your goal.
Failure to Step Back and Examine Your Priorities
Before you even start a minimalist lifestyle, be sure you determine your priorities and evaluate your space. What are the things that you no longer require, want, or have any use for? Which items are you most stressed about?
Not everyone has the same needs. You also have your own priorities which make your case different from the rest. The more you think about your lifestyle, what you need, and your current situation, the easier it will for you to start the change.
For instance, you saw one post online that features a gorgeous room featuring the latest air-conditioning units that match a minimalist style. Just because your old units are big and bulky does not necessarily mean that you should opt for a replacement. If you are on a tight budget and your unit is still in good condition, then it is best to stick to AC maintenance instead.
Getting rid of old items that are still in good condition does not constitute minimalism. For one, you are wasting a perfectly working unit that will inevitably end up in a landfill. Even if a new ac unit is more efficient, you also need to think about the waste you will create after the replacement.
Being Too Dependent on Technology
These days, we tend to be stuck in an endless loop where we spend hours at a time mindlessly using our phones. We spend so much time playing video games, scrolling through social media, and shopping online. While no one is telling you to log out permanently, it helps to be more mindful of how you use technology.
How many times did you ended up buying things you don’t need while shopping online? How many tasks did you turn up late because you were spending too much time on social media? Reducing your tech use and focusing on your tasks at hand will help you achieve more and do more.
Consider a digital detox and find other ways to keep yourself entertained. Instead of using your phone to reach out to your loved ones, schedule a brunch date, go jogging with your friends, or go their home for a surprise visit. Read a book, meditate, or do something nice for yourself that won’t create additional waste or stress.
Simply Organizing Without Discarding
Many people think the more organized they are at home, the more they get to enjoy a minimalist lifestyle. In reality, organizing without discarding only leads to hiding your clutter. If you want a real minimalist lifestyle, embrace less to enjoy more.
How can you better appreciate the little things if you only hide your stuff behind boxes and other storage systems? Make sure that before you declutter, clean, sort items you no longer use, want, and need, and discard them. After discarding, that is the time you organize your stuff.
Minimalism can have different meanings to every person. Some would say it is about how you live your daily life with less clutter and less waste. Others would say it is about embracing fewer belongings in exchange for experiences. What is important is that you take the first step to start a minimalist lifestyle. It pays to know what mistakes others already made so you won’t have to experience the same feelings of regrets when living a minimalist lifestyle.