How To Know If You’re A Minimalist?

Not too long along ago minimalism was redefined and coined as the trendy term for ‘living with less’. I saw the word plastered all over the internet, social media, and stumbled across many people who were either transitioning or  fully adapted to the minimalist lifestyle. 

As an 80s baby myself, I’ve lived through my fair share of fads and trends to know that their popularity eventually fades. 

So, I originally chalked minimalism up as nothing more than a fleeting trend that would soon expire. 

Declutter, spend less, and no excessive items of furniture in the home. Got it. Minimalism in a nutshell. 

Boy, was I wrong. 

Being a minimalist is intentionally living life based on our experiences with the people we love; the things we value most; and the removal of any excess possessions that no longer serve us. 

For those who are still unclear on what Minimalism really is, I’ve included a brief definition below.

Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom. – The Minimalists

Straightforward enough? I think so.  

The concept of minimalism isn’t as complicated as people make it out to be.

Its simplicity makes it relatable to the lifestyles of many albeit in different ways. 

Contrary to popular belief, minimalists aren’t monoliths. Sorry, but they aren’t.

They all differ in the way that they relate to and define minimalism for themselves. 

Upon further research of minimalist living, I made a surprising discovery that I was already living it. 

Minimalism. The word itself can be a little intimidating but its overall concept and practice is quite easy to grasp. Turns out, I take a minimalistic approach to both my personal life and side hustle endeavors. 

Keep reading my friend. There’s a possibility that you may be a minimalist at heart, too.

 Three Signs You’re A Minimalist And Don’t Know It

You don’t function well in mess. 

Declutter. Decluttering, organizing, and downsizing are all a part of minimalist living.

Doing each results in less options, less distractions,  and more importantly, less stress. A clear space enables you to focus, gain clarity, and the lack of visual clutter gives your brain a mental break in order to relax, think, and make tough decisions. 

When I work from home I prefer my space to be clean, simple, and fresh for this very reason. My bed has to be made with no unnecessary items on my desk or floor to refocus my attention to. So, when I sit down, I’m all in. 

Not having so many choices in our daily lives can be a time-saver as well. This helps us to stop overthinking  trivial things that don’t matter while freeing up more time to focus on the things that do.

Realizing you don’t need as much stuff or necessarily have to reach a certain level in life in order to be happy is a game changer.

Every aspect of my life has been simplified from my wardrobe, household, daily activities and routines down to which relationships I’ve decided to nurture around me. 

Have you made a conscious effort to do any of the above? Are you more concerned with finding purpose for your life rather than things you can attain?  

If so, then a minimalist lifestyle might just be for you. 

You’re all about your coin.

Save. Sometimes, we need to rid ourselves of non-materialistic clutter in our lives too.

Minimalism is not letting go of everything, but instead, everything that clutters your life. 

Have you ever sat down and made a list of things you really need, somewhat like and enjoy, or can live without? 

What are you spending your time and money on? Is there anything you can swap for something that adds more value instead?

Asking myself these questions and completing this exercise really led me to my why. 

Why did I make the ultimate decision to become a minimalist?

 Truthfully, I wanted to save money.

It’s nothing profound. I mean, who doesn’t, right? 

My goal, however, wasn’t to buy more things with the money I accumulated in my checking account, but to invest in experiences and a lifestyle that would ultimately bring me freedom and joy. 

Let’s be honest. Spending less on material things has its perks; a robust savings account for one. 

Since I decided to pursue minimalism I’ve been able to pay down debt all while keeping a few leftover dollars in my wallet.

Amazon and my favorite local restaurants no longer eat away at my weekly funds because I no longer impulse buy.

I make a conscious effort to only purchase what I need.

Thwarting a shopping habit isn’t easy but with enough discipline it’s possible.

Minimalism isn’t a fly by night thing. Many people make the mistake of getting rid of everything, decorating their home with a certain aesthetic, and living on a restricted budget just to say they’re living minimally when minimalism is the exact opposite. 

Not being defined by restrictions is what makes minimalism great!

The lifestyle isn’t one size fit all; it looks differently on everyone. 

You don’t just make the switch. You identify which aspect of minimalism you want to focus on then do so slowly.

Your goals are meaningful and connected to your purpose. 

Life by design. Fitting in with the masses doesn’t appeal to minimalists.

Yes, we are all uniquely made, but most minimalists march to the beat of their own drum.

If you ever stumbled across someone who has sold their belongings and bought a tiny house on wheels to road trip across the country on a whim – don’t be surprised if they’re a minimalist.  Just sayin’.

Van life is pretty popular right now, so the idea isn’t as far fetched or obtuse as one may think.

It’s a lifestyle suitable for a certain individual and that’s perfectly okay.  

It’s actually pretty damn awesome, if you ask me!

Minimalists are often described as quirky, hippies who prefer to live off the grid or in tiny spaces only large enough to fit a shoe.

While many of these misconceptions are comical, they couldn’t be further from the truth. 

We differ in so many ways but the common goal we all tend to share is living with intention.

Every action is in some way connected to a goal, serving others, personal development, or for the benefit of the greater good. 

By decluttering and solidifying what we value in life, we are more aware and conscious of how we spend our time and who we spend it with; what we are grateful for; and how to be productive with the resources we already have.

Practicing minimalism is an effective way to eliminate negative, limiting mindsets and unclear goals.

As a result, minimalists are able to utilize time more efficiently in both their professional and personal lives.

They are self-aware and confident about what genuinely makes them happy and how they can be of value to others around them.

Their sense of satisfaction comes from the freedom to live life on their own terms.

So, are you a minimalist?

Let us know! Leave a comment below.

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Meg - Planner Me Up

I teach entrepreneurs how to simplify their life and business with less + own their time and maximize productivity towards their personal and monetary goals.