20 - Are you looking for clarity and purpose? Try minimalism.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of everyday life? Sometimes we fill our lives with so much noise and chaos that it is hard to know what is important. We feel lost and out of control that one more purchase or night out won't matter right? 

Well, it can actually have a profound impact on our lives today, AND in the future. 

Last week I took you through The Burden of “Things” and how it can stop us from achieving our dream life. It is OK to purchase things that we love or are needed, but we get sucked into the marketing funnel and end up spending on all sorts of stuff that we never planned for. So this week, I wanted to share more on the concept of minimalism - a powerful tool that can help you find clarity, purpose and build your dream life. 

And if you are wondering, no, you will not need to get rid of everything you own or never make another purchase again. It is about being purposeful, more mindful, and saying no more often. Try out the concept for a short while and feel the power of being in control of your life again. Let’s dive into how adopting a minimalist mindset can bring you closer to the life you truly desire.

Declutter Your Space

Let’s talk about your space. Have you ever noticed how a cluttered room makes it harder to think? By tidying up and getting rid of items you no longer need, you create a peaceful environment that promotes calmness and focus. Imagine walking into a room where everything has a purpose and brings you joy. Feels good, right? 

Try it out: Not every space needs to be filled! What can you remove or recycle to declutter your space? Try removing one thing for every thing you do buy. 

Simplify Your Schedule

Isn’t it exhausting to have a jam-packed calendar with little room to breathe? Minimalism encourages you to look closely at your commitments and decide what truly matters. Do you really need to attend that fifth meeting this week, or can you invest that time in a hobby or with loved ones? Prioritise activities that enrich your life and help you grow.

Try it out: Write a list of the things you love to do, and the things you don't. Next time you are asked if you want to do something, don’t be afraid to say no if it doesn’t bring you joy or align with your values. “Another trip to the pub?” “No thanks, I’m reading a good blog tonight…”

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

This one is huge: quality over quantity. Instead of filling your life with things, focus on investing in what genuinely adds value. This could be anything from high-quality gadgets that make your professional life easier, to nurturing relationships that uplift your spirit. By choosing quality, you’re making a meaningful investment in your future.

Try it out:  Delay any purchase for a week, or even 30 days to see if you still need or want it. Often that spur of the moment impulse has passed, you were momentarily pulled into the trap of spend spend spend. 

Reduce Decision Fatigue

Ever heard of decision fatigue? It’s that mental drain you feel after making one too many choices. A minimalist lifestyle reduces these decisions, allowing you to focus your mental energy on what’s truly important. With fewer distractions, you can dive deeper into your passions and career.

Try it out: A few people I know have a small wardrobe, mostly black t-shirts! No more decisions in the morning, and no more stressing about finding new clothes, keeping up with the latest trends, or impulse shopping. What can you simplify in your life to reduce decision making?

Enhance Self-Awareness

One of the most transformational aspects of minimalism is self-awareness. When you strip away the unnecessary, you get a clearer view of your true desires and motivations. This is incredibly powerful, especially when you’re looking to build your dream life. Understanding what matters to you makes it easier to set goals that align with your values.

Try it out: Write down what is important to you in your life, and what you want more of. How are the things around you preventing you from achieving your dreams? Stop the noise of physical things and time drains from your life by being more aware and saying “no” more often. 

Financial Freedom

Let’s not forget the financial benefits! By cutting down on unnecessary spending, you free up resources that can be directed toward your dreams, whether that’s launching a new business, travelling, or investing in self-improvement. Financial freedom is a cornerstone of a life lived on your own terms and can be achieved much faster with a more purposeful mindset.

Try it out: What do you always regret purchasing? Calculate how much this money could generate if you invested it using a free compound interest calculator (such as this one try a 7% rate and enter your number). Knowing your financial freedom number, and being much more mindful in your spending will give you a goal to work towards, rather than feeling that you are making a sacrifice by saying “no”. 

Environmental Impact

Minimalism also has a positive ripple effect on the environment. By consuming less, you’re playing your part in promoting sustainability. There’s something deeply fulfilling about knowing your lifestyle choices are contributing to a healthier planet.

Try it out: Rather than purchasing plastic, can you purchase something more sustainable? What can you recycle, donate or repurpose to create some space and clarity in your life?

Summary

Minimalism is not about living with nothing, it is about making intentional choices that add value and bring joy to your life. You will feel an immense sense of clarity, and empowerment from knowing what adds value to your life and what doesn't.

Having a dream and taking positive steps towards achieving it is so exciting, there are many things we can do to get there quicker so why not take a few small steps to living with less and feel the burden lift. 

Reach out on the link below if you want to talk through how you can get unstuck, find clarity and build your dream life today. 

Always with love. 

Elsa x

p.s. The image is when Jem and I stopped in a little bay in Cornwall one evening last week, took a dip in the water and watched the sun go down. Swimming in the sea is one of my favorite things in life, and it doesn't cost a penny. How about you?