Minimalism

"Love people and use things, because the opposite never works." This book challenges the relentless pursuit of money and stuff, offering a refreshing alternative: a life rich in purpose and free from unnecessary clutter.

1. More Money Doesn’t Mean More Happiness

Modern society convinces us that a higher paycheck equates to a better life, but that’s rarely true. Money often brings stress, like increased work hours and constant pressure to earn more. Even high-salaried individuals admit they rarely find satisfaction as financial goals continue to climb endlessly. Coauthor Ryan Nicodemus realized this when his 80-hour work weeks resulted in anxiety and depression, not happiness.

Millburn and Nicodemus discovered that as their paychecks grew, so did their responsibilities. Loans, mortgages, and expensive purchases turned their lives into an unending chase for more. They realized they had to break the cycle. By embracing minimalism and living with less, they reclaimed control over their happiness.

The key takeaway is that happiness stems from a balanced life, not a crowded bank account. Chasing financial milestones doesn’t fill emotional voids, but simplifying your life can make room for joy and meaningful connections.

Examples

• Nicodemus quit his high-paying, high-stress job, prioritizing mental health over wealth.
• They previously thought $50,000 a year would bring happiness, but realized even $100,000 didn’t satisfy them.
• Downsizing financial obligations like cars and mortgages freed them from feeling trapped.

2. Declutter to Create Space for Joy

Physical clutter not only fills space but also drains mental peace. Decluttering begins with asking, “Does this item enrich my life, or is it holding me back?” Millburn learned this lesson from his mother, who kept boxes of his childhood schoolwork she never opened. Holding onto objects solely for sentimental reasons prevents you from treasuring the present.

Decluttering also applies to finances. Paying off debt liberates us from the stress of monthly payments. Millburn’s journey involved two years of strict budgeting and sacrifice. He skipped vacations, dined in, and eliminated luxuries, emerging debt-free and genuinely freer.

Minimalism teaches that clearing space—whether physical or financial—unveils the path to living intentionally. Every removed item or debt clears the way for genuine joy.

Examples

• Keeping a meaningful drawing rather than four boxes of childhood papers.
• Millburn saving rigorously to erase his debts in just two years.
• Identifying possessions that add value versus those that serve only as distractions.

3. Fuel Your Body, Don’t Pollute It

Minimalism extends to what you consume. Viewing your body as a high-performing machine shifts the focus to quality inputs. Processed and sugary foods do more harm than good, offering fleeting pleasure while harming health. Substituting these with whole foods like vegetables and lean proteins ensures energy and well-being.

Cutting bread and dairy can also reduce discomfort, even for those without specific intolerances. Humans didn’t evolve eating these in large quantities, and their modern dominance often leads to bloating and fatigue. The authors argue for returning to natural, nutrient-rich diets.

Minimalist consumption isn’t just about diet—it’s about mindset. Replace “I should exercise” with “I must exercise.” This mental reprogramming pushes you toward better health and improved energy, enhancing daily joy.

Examples

• Switching sugary snacks for vegetables to sustain energy.
• Removing processed goods to reduce health risks and mood swings.
• Using a mantra like “I must” to commit to fitness routines.

4. Self-Improvement Doesn’t Betray Your Authenticity

The idea of staying “true to yourself” shouldn’t mean resisting positive change. If shyness or poor listening skills affect relationships, work on them. Improving social skills or learning empathy enriches interactions and builds better bonds. Change, when done for growth, isn’t forfeiting authenticity—it’s fulfilling potential.

Accepting others as they are also strengthens relationships. Instead of trying to change loved ones, respect their quirks and passions. The TARA method—Tolerate, Accept, Respect, and Appreciate—teaches acceptance as a key to connection, even when hobbies or habits seem odd to us.

Whether improving ourselves or those closest, adaptability fosters deeper, lasting connection. Being open to change and embracing differences opens doors to richer relationships.

Examples

• Overcoming shyness to engage meaningfully with others.
• Using the TARA method to appreciate a partner’s unusual action figure collection.
• Realizing hobbies don’t have to align—for instance, enjoying gardening while your partner loves gaming.

5. You Are More Than Your Job

Many of us let careers define identity. However, passions, relationships, and growth matter far more than job titles. Life isn’t measured by your desk nameplate but by health, personal connections, and what you give back to society.

Instead of asking others, “What do you do?” try, “What are you passionate about?” This shifts the focus from work to what truly matters. Millburn and Nicodemus underscored the importance of avoiding the mental trap of aligning self-worth with careers.

Jobs may sustain us financially, but they shouldn’t restrict us emotionally. Being mindful of this distinction makes space for fulfilling interests that build a life well-lived.

Examples

• Responding to “what do you do?” with your latest passion project instead of job roles.
• Shifting career paths without feeling defined by earlier roles.
• Viewing job losses as opportunities rather than failures.

6. Budgeting Opens Doors to Freedom

Minimalism isn’t about spending nothing; it’s about cutting excess and living within limits. Budgeting creates freedom by setting realistic monthly spending for both needs (e.g., groceries) and wants (e.g., entertainment). Everyone in the household participating helps ensure agreement and accountability.

Living on less doesn’t mean living poorly. Selling unused items, making instead of buying, and reducing wants can create savings for unexpected emergencies. Simple planning reduces dependency on big paychecks, creating peace of mind while leaving room for occasional splurges.

With a small start like $1,000 in savings, you’ll gain breathing room while discovering the surprising ease of a minimalist lifestyle.

Examples

• Following apps or simple spreadsheets to track monthly spending.
• Selling clothes or gadgets you no longer use online for extra income.
• Cutting subscription expenses and hidden fees from bills to grow emergency funds.

7. Seek Meaningful, Challenging Work

Problem-solving and strenuous tasks may feel hard but lead to deeper satisfaction. Building homes for those in need or teaching children literacy creates purpose far beyond financial rewards. Tough challenges test resilience but become cherished accomplishments.

By choosing self-enriching ventures, meaningless busywork fades. Finding meaningful ways to contribute gives life sustained excitement, not fleeting happiness. Volunteering time rather than money connects you directly with impacts, reinforcing fulfillment.

Each purposeful task feeds significant experiences while developing skills and leaving positive imprints on the world.

Examples

• Volunteering at a shelter to bond directly with your community.
• Turning vacant lots into lush gardens that benefit neighbors.
• Committing to run a marathon to inspire others while accomplishing personal fitness goals.

8. Relationships Offer True Wealth

Stuff is replaceable; love isn’t. Minimalism values meaningful human connections over material gain. Instead of buying more, spend time creating lasting memories with those who matter most. Actions always override objects when building strong relationships.

Be present and mindful in daily exchanges. Listening to loved ones and respecting differences deepen bonds while broadening minds. Activities like shared meals or collaborative projects—simple yet intentional—create more satisfaction than expensive vacations or gifts.

People enrich your life infinitely more than possessions ever could.

Examples

• Prioritizing family game nights over mindless TV.
• Practicing active listening in conversations to improve relationships.
• Sharing household tasks with partners instead of hiring help.

9. Redefine Success Through Experiences, Not Things

Society’s traditional markers of success—big vacations, luxury cars—aren’t fulfilling. Experiences filled with personal achievement and shared joy leave richer legacies. Minimalism promotes decluttering life of excess while embracing meaningful adventures.

Instead of owning expensive items, invest in memories. A camping trip engaged in natural beauty stays storied far longer than latest tech purchases. Celebrate milestones by connecting rather than consuming, relishing value through human spirit and shared camaraderie.

Redefine what achievement means in light of enduring versus temporary fulfillment.

Examples

• Celebrating birthdays with experiences rather than store-bought presents.
• Choosing a motivational book club over a shopping spree for inspiration.
• Planning simple road trips with loved ones filled around local culinary scenes/parks.

Takeaways

1. List 10 items in your home to donate or sell, starting your decluttering journey today.
2. Try a “no-spend month” by budgeting only essentials and see how liberating less consumerism feels.
3. Volunteer for one activity—like tutoring or gardening—that aligns giving back meaningfully over materialistic leisure next weekend.