2 Unexpected Lessons I Learned From Minimalism

Read time: 3.5 minutes

7 years ago, I decided to welcome minimalism into my life.

Not because of trendiness or to be more sustainable, but as a means to regain control of my life.

Minimalism seemed like a clever way to ensure my values remained a priority, so I dove in head first.

Now exceeding the obvious advantages of decluttering, I started to learn a couple of unexpected lessons—unrelated to owning less.

So, without further ado, let's dive into the 2 unexpected lessons I learned from minimalism (after 7 years of living with less).

1. Decluttering Triggers A Chain Reaction

After removing unnecessary possessions, I soon started applying minimalism to different aspects of my life. Decluttering my:

• Mental space
• Emotional space
• Finances
• Commitments
• Relationships

But one aspect of my life remained untouched for several years: my work.

This left me wondering what was the point of having a decluttered life if I couldn't fully enjoy it.

And I wasn't wrong.

Decluttering triggered a significant chain reaction, and the falling dominos pushed me to pursue meaningful work.

And thus, I started building my business behind the scenes and recently opened up to publicly discussing the process.

2. Building A Business Is Better With Minimalism

When I started building my business, I made it my priority to apply the principles I learned from minimalism to the process of solopreneurship.

The core ideas I led this journey with were:

• Simple systems
• Value-centered approach
• Leverage
• Life-work balance

Let's unpack these.

Simple Systems

As a self-improvement nerd, I've tried many different processes for creating content and managing my business effectively.

Most, however, did not work for me the same way they did for others.

Mainly because those I was learning from were either already running their businesses full-time or had a team helping them produce content at a high level.

So rather than continue running myself into the ground, I changed how I approached business and productivity.

In short, I got smart and intentional.

Boiled down to its simplest form, here is what my current system looks like:

• Step 1: Write a high-quality newsletter once a week (The Clarity Club)
• Step 2: Repurpose into a YouTube video (in some cases)
• Step 3: Transform both pieces of content into engaging social posts across other platforms
• Step 4: Help my community win and gain more clarity

(If you want me to pull back the curtain on everything I'm doing in a future newsletter, hit reply and let me know.)

Value-Centered Approach

If you've been a part of this community (whether the newsletter or my YouTube channel) for all of 5 seconds, then you know I stress the importance of core values.

For me, integrity is a value that sits at the top of my list.

And I have committed to carrying integrity throughout my business and personal life.

Leverage

Building a successful business is how I plan to create leverage for myself.

Doing so will help me to:

• Further regain control of my life (one of the original reasons I started minimalism)
• Say "no" more often
• Take time off when I want (being present is my promise to my family)
• Utilize my skills to do my best work when it works for me 

Life-Work Balance

One of the core principles of minimalism that I've subscribed to is "to live with more of what matters."

This emphasizes the importance of living by your values and achieving a healthy life-work balance.

As a minimalist solopreneur, I'm encouraged to design my businesses in a way that allows for personal fulfillment and well-being. This involves:

• Setting boundaries
• Delegating tasks
• Prioritizing self-care
  
  

In Summary

The benefits of minimalism continue to blow my mind well beyond the obvious advantages of decluttering that is commonly shared.

But the best part about living a minimalist life is the clarity you gain and the transformative path you quickly find yourself traveling.

Remember: decluttering is about creating your life, not stripping away the life you have.

Now, let's reinforce that by pursuing meaningful work.

⇨ This Week's Action Step

Set aside time to pay attention to the chain reaction decluttering may have triggered on your journey.

If meaningful work is the last domino yet to fall, consider building a side project of your own, utilizing the skills you have. That project may eventually fulfill the role of becoming your main work.

That's it for today!

Keep growing on your journey, and I'll see you next week.

Whenever you're ready, here's how I can help you:

If you're looking for clarity and traction on your journey, I'd recommend starting with an affordable course:

⇨ The Decluttering Starter Kit: Skip the overwhelm and jumpstart your decluttering journey. This comprehensive course will teach and guide you through the system I used to transform my life from clutter to clarity. Get access here.