8 STEP PLAN TO START YOUR MINIMALIST JOURNEY Created by
ABUNDANTLY MINIMAL
INTRODUCTION A minimalist lifestyle has been linked to better health, better relationships, lower stress levels, increased happiness, more money, and many other benefits. Minimalism offers a refreshing approach in a world where we are overstimulated and overwhelmed. Are you ready to take the plunge? Of those who desire a more minimalist lifestyle, many struggle with the process of getting started. We have created this guide to support your minimalist journey and hope it helps you create abundance in your life.
Step #1
Step #2
IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS
CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER
Think about the life you want to live. What does it look like? What does your day look like? What does your living space look like? How do you wish to spend your time? What do you value? Your answers to these questions will help you decide how to move forward.
One of the first aspects of minimalism is to remove the excess clutter from your life. Often this is physical (or digital) clutter, but sometimes it involves mental and emotional clutter. In terms of physical clutter, do you have items that you don’t use or enjoy? Do you have duplicates of certain items? For mental or emotional clutter, what is the root cause of negativity and stress in your life? Is there an aspect of your job or a toxic friendship that could be removed? These can be challenging decisions, but can greatly improve your life.
Step #3
Step #4
PREVENT FUTURE CLUTTER
MINIMIZE DISTRACTION
While it can be more difficult to dispose of existing clutter in your life, it can be much easier to prevent new clutter from accumulating. A great way to do this is to set a budget for yourself, and track your expenses. This will help you understand how you spend your money and may help you think more critically about your purchases and items you bring into your life.
There are a lot of distractions in our lives. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements telling us that in order to be happier, better looking, or a better person overall, we need to get this product or service. We might spend more time than we’d like on email, social media, or watching Netflix. While there is no need to go to extremes and get rid of all electronics, think about the value provided by these activities and see if it justifies the time and mental energy that is spent on it.
Step #5
Step #6
PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH
SET ROUTINES
Put your health first, if possible. Eat foods that nourish you, move your body often, and try to get plenty of sleep. These tips sound simple, but they can make a world of difference.
Incorporating a routine during part of your day can help keep you grounded, clear your head, and reduce stress, in addition to other benefits. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, but including practical activities that support your health or well-being could be great additions.
Step #7
Step #8
STAY FOCUSED, NOT BUSY
REPEAT STEPS #1-7
We live in a world that is constantly moving, and it can be tough to keep up. Many people overcommit and end up with a very “busy” life, which perhaps leaves them unhappy and overwhelmed. Try to escape some of this excess noise by focusing on one task at a time, giving it your full attention. Be patient and understanding with yourself if you can’t “do it all” and strive to see the value in each task or situation.
Living a minimal life can definitely be challenging and it is something that takes time. Furthermore, minimalism is not an outcome, rather it is a way of life, or to put it better, a way of living. Going through these steps is a great place to start, but understanding that moving towards a minimal lifestyle does take time and is an ongoing process. Good luck!
Hungry for more? For daily inspiration and support on your minimalist journey, connect with Abundantly Minimal in the ways that add value to you. Website and Blog: http://www.abundantlyminimal.com The Abundantly Minimal Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-abundantly-minimalpodcast/id1219724951 Weekly videos on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClNIeJHSOg6AhbkoLjD3iWw
About Us We are a husband-and-wife duo who grew tired of a stuff-centered lifestyle we developed from childhood through college. We realized that owning so many possessions didn’t make us happy and decided to change it. Getting rid of not just the excess belongings but also other unnecessary aspects of life have allowed us to reduce stress, increase our happiness, save thousands of dollars, as well as live out the lives that we have always wanted to live. Abundantly Minimal is a documentation of our journey on the road to a more minimal life, and we hope you will join us to create greater abundance in your life!