The Minimalist Manifesto: 5 Essential Rules
Minimalism is a way of preference, not something to be imposed on someone to live with. We can't force a person to embrace it nor can anyone digest it altogether. I am not a true minimalist either but I prefer the minimalist ways of living more comfortable for me. So from those preferences, let's note down some rules that I see fit as a guideline towards minimalism.
Rule-1: Who are you?
This is the most important factor in my opinion. We must know ourselves first and then attempt to mold. What if you are someone who loves to live a carefree lifestyle? To be a minimalist we must have some accountability to ourselves. He needs to be the guy who has some discipline within himself.
Rule-2: Ask Yourself
In this lifestyle, we must ask ourselves before doing something. Whether we are buying something or making a decision, we must have the habit of second thoughts, and ask ourselves if we are really making the right call or not. Pause for a while and make the call depending on the situation, our needs, and ability, and check the factors that suit you best for you. Maybe you are purchasing a giant flower tub, now the room space can be a factor for you to consider, something like that.
Rule-3: Checklist
I highly recommend having a checklist. If possible a daily, weekly, and monthly checklist. For the daily one, you would list the tasks you are bound to do as per the priorities. You can not get distracted by doing something unproductive without completing the scheduled ones, which makes you disciplined. For the weekly and monthly ones, you may list things like your tour plans, your upcoming important assignments/meetings, and things you may need to purchase. This is important, if you list the items you need at the beginning then the tendency to buy things that you don’t need will be reduced marginally. This one works the best for me.
Rule-4: Time Management
Whether you want to be a minimalist or someone who wants to do something meaningful in life, you must focus on time management. Without proper accountability of time, we would fall into the trap of unproductive tasks over and over again. Time is the most precious asset that we take for granted, as a minimalist we have to be disciplined, and organized, and to do this, time management is at the peak of the list.
Rule-5: Money Management
I would like to start this without a quote that strikes me the most, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” As a minimalist, if we can focus on this concept then we would be able to cut down lots of unnecessary spending and enrich our savings for future needs. Who knows which savings will come to our aid in the near future, maybe you need money to enlarge or start a business, for medical emergencies, or for more investments. I am a sufferer for going completely opposite to this concept, now trying to take a U-turn and preaching this for your benefit as well. So, keep this in mind.
So that's all from me, I hope it helps a little bit if you are seeking some guidelines. If you are a minimalist and want to participate in this week's #Kiss blog ideas from minimalistliving community, read the Announcement Post.
If not for anything, I can be a minimalist so I can reduce how much money I’m spending. I’m spending too much money and it’s really affecting me so I’m trying to cut it down in every way
Ouh, focus on that and fix this asap. If you fail in money management than the sufferings won't know no bounce.
Yep! Accountability and discipline work hand in hand when it comes to living a minimalistic lifestyle. You must be able to give account and stay on track whether you want to or not. Sometimes, I say, living with little is great but not so great when you can not control your urges.
Exactly, you got the point.
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