Embracing Essentialism
In a world that bombards us with endless choices, advertisements, and desires that don't benefit our lives beyond the dopamine of wanting it, I ironically stumbled across a book about essentialism. With our culture fading away from the extremism of minimalism, this new philosophy of living and well-being sparked an interest in a lifestyle that resonated with me. This idea that one just needs what they need, from a car to a painting that makes them happy to look at in the morning, to needing three monitors on their desk. It's all good, as long as you need it.
Essentialism
Greg McKeown's book, "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less," was not just about stuff, ownership, or consumerism. It also touched on areas of our lives like work-life balance, focusing on what is important in our lives, not just materialism and money focused but rather interpersonal relationships, hobbies, and focusing on what makes you happy. Then I hit the chapter on time management, the super non-sexy topic in my eyes. I hate time blocking, and list-oriented tasks tracking, the lot of it. But McKeown focused on saying 'no' to obligations that didn't bring value into your life. This idea that you can say 'no' to an event, meeting, or even a task was profoundly freeing. In essence, essentialism is about only having and doing what brings value to your life.
Simplicity
Essentialism became my roadmap to simplifying my life. No longer was I going to read all those emails; email filtering became my saviour. No more going to all those pointless meetings, and events. If I have to go to those meetings, no longer was I going to list out every single task that was on my agenda for the day. If someone at work asks me what I am doing today in a meeting, I respond with "No road-blocks." This was just one aspect of the book did for work. In my personal life, I no longer felt guilty wanting that new camera, or holding off buying that watch I always wanted. If I want something and it will last a lifetime and I will use it every single day, then I save up and buy it. $125 fountain pen, no hesitation, I'm buying it and now that is the only pen I use for everything. I also got rid of clutter, not because the book said to, but rather I felt less anxiety when I'm surrounded by less stuff. Clutter makes me anxious. So now I can focus on what brings me joy: reading, writing, printing photos, and now my overall life satisfaction has gone up.
What Matters
Essentialism, for me, helps me focus on what matters in my life: focusing on goals and aspirations, taking better care of my mental and physical health. And not wasting energy on tasks and obligations or useless stuff in our day-to-day lives. No longer do I wonder what to wear, no longer do I focus on the perfect blog post. No longer do I wonder what to watch or endlessly doom scroll on my phone. These things have all been streamlined to leave me energy for the things that better my life, and the things I truly care about and make me and my life better.
Quality Over Quantity
The shift from "I need something" to "I need the best" is all I think about now. I want clothes that last more than a season. I want tools that last my lifetime, and assets that generate me income, not debt. I focus on quality over quantity. Like I said before, I own a $125 pen, but that is the only pen I use, and that pen will last me a lifetime. In the long run, it saves me money, or even wasting time, looking or going out to buy more pens. I only own what I know will last. Everything else, I use until it breaks or has holes in it. Trust me; ask my wife, the amount of clothes or shoes I have with holes in them is unacceptable, but that's just how I roll.
Freedom in Saying No
Something I never considered but the most powerful word we learn as a child is to say 'No.' It means I'm making a choice, I'm making a stand, I'm choosing not to do a thing, task, or activity. Saying no to something is saying yes to something else. It's freeing and liberating. I hate it when people are busy because I always say to myself there is a difference between being busy and being productive. Saying no to anything that doesn't provide or give your life value is a must-cultivate habit. I safeguard my time because that is the one asset that I can never get back.
Connections
Guided by essentialism, I now live a simplified lifestyle that fosters meaning in my life. I have habits that benefit my mental, physical, and social health and well-being. A key to happiness is meaningful relationships, and I don't waste time with people that don't resonate with me. If you want to only talk about yourself and never ask me questions or have input on a subject, then by all means just talk to a mirror. If we need a shoulder to vent to, I'm all ears, but don't expect sympathy if it's self-inflicted. I have a very small group of friends and family members I see regularly. It's not because I'm a hermit; it's because those relationships are super important to me. They bring love, understanding, and support into my life. Anything that is ego, or self-indulgent or drama-driven, out you go with the bathwater. The same goes with trust and loyalty. Break it, and I will never forget; keep to your word, and I'll hold you close and dear.
Conclusion
In a world dominated by chaos and complexity, consistent white noise, and people shouting, "Look at me, buy this, you need this," Essentialism has become my beacon of tranquillity. Guiding my life toward fulfilment and joy in simplicity and focus. Essentialism has redefined what I consider success. Because having the biggest house or the fastest car or the most beautiful partner doesn't mean anything unless it brings internal happiness, contentment, and meaning into your life. Because at the end of the day, whatever helps you get up in the morning and helps you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life is the goal; it's contentment. And we could all do with a little peace and contentment in our lives; Essentialism helped me; it might help you too.
