My mom was so simple , she had the same car for over 30 years , she had a few purses , and she was so wise . I miss her so much ! She didn’t care about the new things .
I wore the same 16 tee shirts and 3 (4?) pair of jeans for 15 years+. I'm dead serious. Wasn't a minimalist thing exactly, but I know it saved me a LOT of money. I've never been to Starbucks (really), a nail salon, hair salon, hair wax-thing.... Matinee about 8 times in 20 years, drove the same car for 20 years.... I did all this before the Minimalism trend. Oh, did I mention I've been retired for a long time? I just work part time for fun.🙂 No stress. Great video, great advice.
I have been downsizing in items for.about 8 yrs. Have sold and gave away a lot. Love it. I am elderly now and can not clean like i once did and it feels great with less. ❤
I am a Korean who learns English. I love your RUclips content. Because your subject is very useful and your pronunciation is slow and accurate. So I recommended my friends who learn English. Thank you always.
Boy, Howdy! You hit the nail on the head, Mr. Meaningful. Becker speaks slowly, with effective pause and he perfectly enunciates. I am a wordsmith...a writer like Becker. But its expert speaking as an art form that seems lost to most video content creators. Bravo for your observation.
I treated shopping as "retail therapy" and it just resulted in stress, depression, and a house full of excess. I've got a handle on my shopping now and ruthlessly decluttering 😊❤️
I think "retail therapy" could be used to try and escape grief. My husband died one year ago and it would be easy for me to go buy lots of stuff I don't need but nothing will replace him in my life and material possessions are not a comfort. I did go on one shopping trip a few months after he died and that was to my local Christian bookshop where I bought several excellent books on grief and being a widow. These books have been a great help and comfort to me but I had to choose very carefully as the choice was vast. When I don't need them any more I will donate them to my retirement village library where they will help other grieving people.
@@lisa-mariegray5510 my condolences on the loss of your husband. Yes, I've had lots of trauma in my life and rather than get actual therapy - I used shopping as a distraction and dopamine hit. I'm now getting the appropriate support and therapy. After massive decluttering - I've reached a point where shopping is purely functional and I need very little. ❤️
I have come to realize, after watching minimalist videos, that shopping for me was a form of entertainment. I have nothing to do - well let’s go to the local mall and just look around. Wrong - end up buying something. Your videos have helped me realize I can just be. I can read a good book, cook, garden- wow so much more entertaining and enjoyable and stress free.
Same here! I still suffer withdraw. We’re not alone tho. I used to work at the mall and hundreds if not thousands of ppl would spend their weekends shopping. Last weekend I passed a mall parking lot packed with cars and couldn’t believe so many haven’t gotten the memo. They’re missing out on life.
That's so true ... I shop on Sundays at the local charity shops. I buy books mainly on self help/buddhism. So many that I've bought a book case and I get bored reading them so I never finish. I think boredom is a huge problm for me - the main drivre why I use apps/sleep with women I don't even like.
For years, I wanted a Swiss automatic watch. I worked hard and saved for it. When I went to the shop and I tried it on…..something dawned on me. I think I got the thrill out of the chase, as opposed to the acquisition. I didn’t really need that Rolex. I knew I would want another watch and probably at a higher price point. I decided to just put that money away. My obsession is to see that number grow. All of my retirements and investments grow and I love that. Thanks for the content!
You don't have to go for the Rolex. I've had a more accessible three-watch combo (dress watch, everyday watch and racing watch) for years and really enjoy them.
Your channel and the movie "Fight Club" in 1999 taught me alot about life and consumerism. I always remember the quotes from that movie to keep me in check. Tyler Durden’S anti-consumeriam quotes "The things you own end up owning you", "Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don’t need.” , “We’re consumers. We are bi-products of a lifestyle obsession." , “We’ve all been raised on television to believe that one day we’d all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won’t. And we’re slowly learning that fact. And we’re very, very pissed off.”
At 19 I backpacked around Europe. Didn’t even have a backpack. I had a shoulder bag. One pair of shorts I washed ever night. Two tshirts. My let’s go book. Some cash. Chapstick and contacts. That was it! Best time.
A couple weeks ago one of the kitchen cabinet shelf fell & broken a few dishes & bowls. Instead of getting upset, I was happy to see less things to clean going forward.
I get that too. Anytime something breaks, as long as it's not something meaningful, I get relieved as those are then discarded and not replaced. In the last year a floor lamp and a table lamp broke down, yippee. I just moved a lamp from another room rather than replace with new.
it wasn't until I got older that I realized that the things I thought were important, just weren't to me anymore....I think you have to gain a certain amount of self-esteem in order to get to that point and age will do that for you if you are open to liking and loving yourself.....once that happens all the rest falls away.....
I love Joshua’s messages! His minimalist approach is grounded upon a strong Christian morality and will never go out of date. I’ve noticed other minimalists are now ‘giving it up’, which makes me realise that minimalism for them was just a passing fad and had no real substance. I’m learning more from Joshua’s minimalism messages than from anyone else’s.
I’ve always had this feeling that if I could just have this (fill in the blank), then I’d be happy. Now I realize this is just crap! Thanks for all your insights!!
I’ve declutterred very slowly over the last five years, and generally aimed for a simpler home. Streamlining has become a way of life, I suppose. The big lesson I’ve learned lately is that as we age we change, and we love some of our heirlooms less and thus we are able to part with things we once thought we’d have for our life.
Joshua❤. I just want to say THANK YOU. I am on a journey towards minimalism but I have a long way to go. I just ordered your book The Minimalist Home because I am in need of help! Your a huge inspiration ❤️🙏
My next-door neighbors - a couple - own a pickup truck, an SUV, a Jeep, and a regular sedan. And then he has a work SUV. TWO people, no children, no family in this area, no friends I have ever seen. No outside jobs that would require large vehicles for hauling items. Cannot even imagine the thinking behind it. THANK goodness one car has always been enough for me.
Ugh my partner thinks that the perfect number of vehicles is n+1 where n is the number you currently own. We currently have 2 cars and 2 motorbikes...drives me up the wall!!!
@@JessicaMcCafferty94 I know about the "N+1" for bicycles that at least take up less space to store than cars. I was about to write that they also are cheaper to buy and to run but some bikes and spare parts are crazy expensive. But I noticed something else that could also be one of these phrases. It's never enough but at some point it's too many.
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in spending!! I was packing for a one week vacation and wanted a few new dresses. I have a closet full that are perfectly fine. I do not need more !! I had bought new pants and after I had them I kept seeing other ones that would be nice to have also. It’s like the one purchase was calling me to keep buying !! NO ! I had to force myself to stop buying stuff I don’t need!! Thank you for your channel!
I have been watching for a while and your videos have really helped me change my attitude toward stuff. I have now started to pair back my stuff and it feels great.
As Joshua mentions, we often claim to understand that a nicer house etc won’t make us happy, but clearly our lifestyle and bank accounts aren’t reflecting this understanding. Listening to this channel on repeat has helped me to emotionally understand and not just intellectually process this concept. And it’s saved me from the interior design videos I would have likely been watching instead haha. You need to really marinate your mind in a concept to make lasting change. I appreciate the abundance of content to help us achieve it! Thanks for the wisdom, humbleness, and reminder to make sure your lifestyle should reflect your goals. I’ve made much more time to develop my relationship with God thanks to your channel! Big journeys begin with small steps.
At some point I just realized I have everything I need in life. I don't need a new watch I already have 4 and my phone to see the time. I don't need that desk from Ikea my kid's old one is perfect. You get the point.
I managed to stay away from impulse buying but I am bit in relapse at the moment because am a bit depressed. And i see how easy it is to get back to and the "joy" impulse buying once you let go of the effort while the brain has not integrated the new habit yet.
After some personal reflection and looking at ways to simplify my life, I have decided to eliminate unnecessary financial burdens from my life, starting with eliminating subscriptions like Netflix, mobile phone contracts, regular high street fashion shopping, eating out. I admit I did these things out of boredom and feelings of stress. I thought about the language and technical skills I want to improve on and other goals I want to achieve for the next six months. So to afford more time and resources, I could do with less financial burdens and material items
This was a great reminder for me. Thank you, Joshua. I've been praying for the Lord to change my heart because I really do treasure things of this world--too much. I agree that the feeling of sharing a portion of our monthly expenses to go towards those in need is so much better than if that amount had gone toward an unnecessary car payment or deepening debt. I want to live for a bigger cause than spending and entertainment. And I have promised the Lord that I would. Thanks for all you do.
My way of exchanging presents are mainly based on food items. My christmas presents , birthday presents are the foods that my children and I enjoy. When my children see me enjoying their presents , they're very happy too. I love minimalist attitudes of mr BECKER, thank you ! May you all be blessed with good health, longevity and eternal joy throughout ! 🌏🌞🌱🍀🐞🙏👍💯🏆🎊😊
This is definitely very good advice. One does not have to be a minimalist to be a careful and intentional consumer. I have learned to always check out all of the negative reviews on things I am considering buying. Most things that are advertised on TV or on Facebook or other media sites are not worth wasting money on.
There is a difference between being a minimalist and being frugal. I collect hand-me-downs when I don't need them, to a limit, so I don't have to buy clothes later on when I do need them.
I'm praying my family gets on board with me to do with less, keep those things that are useful. They don't mind that I'm doing it for my personal stuff and things around the house, but when it comes to theirs...quietly being an example. Wonderful video. Makes me want to cry because it's all so true and I yearn for the simplicity and enjoyment of life without an excess of stuff.
Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future.., I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life!!
Starting early is simply the best way of getting ahead to build wealth , investing remains a priority . I learnt from my last year's experience , I am able to build a suitable life because I invested early ahead this time .
In fact, I had no prior experience or understanding when I began investing in 2020, but by the end of 2023, I had made a profit of almost $850k. All I had been doing was going by what my financial advisor had told me. This demonstrates that all you truly need is a professional to assist you; you don't even need to be a great investor or put in a lot of work.
I recently downsized to a smaller home. I let my kids take anything that was connected to them and i donated carloads of stuff. Alot of nice things i didnt need. It was freeing and so much easier to clean my home now. I look around and say "less is more".😊
The thing is - if i don't have a partner or friends/relationships - you can't force that. And i found that "stuff" for hobbies DOES to some extent work as a substitute. I like my stuff, my books, music collection, guitar collection and similar. Giving that away will not bring me the social relationships i miss.
It is funny, but although I don't have much money, envy never came my way. My friends - and nearly everybody in my personal surrounding- has a lot more than me. But this has never been a problem for me. If they buy fancy new furniture or a wonderful oldtimer car to drive with on sundays or make vacations to places on the other side of the world, I'm happy with them. And although I watch a lot of hometours of very beautiful homes on RUclips, I never feel the need to keep up with this. It is just something beautiful to please my eyes like beautiful nature when I take a walk. Some people can live in fantastic houses near by the sea- good for them 👍 It is not, that I would not also like to live a rich lifestyle with no sorrow about the future and if I had the possibility to level up easy I think I would do it a bit. But otherwise it is ok as it is, because I am greatful for my family and friends and for what I have and for what I am able to do😊
I found you this year and I appreciate your content so much. I have removed about 2/3 of what we own over the last 3 years after my father’s death and having to empty his home. I was not able to convince my husband…… then in last two months he was ready. Tools, books, clothes gone…. He was ready and your advice to just do me first was spot one. Thank you.
Myself and two of my three sons are debt free, We have paid for cars and home. We try to be ecological, as well as thrifty, and healthful. My third has a mortgage,with a small family, They plan finances carefully as a team.
New subscriber here, have been binge watching your videos. I too am a minimalist now which I wasn’t in my earlier years, I am 58 yrs. I get a much better kick out of seeing my savings grow than I ever did shopping. I wish I could have seen your videos in my 20’s and 30’s, would have had a lot more money now. I have gotten my 2 daughters to start watching your videos too 😊
Great video Joshua. I just spent a small fortune replacing the floors in my townhome. Buying new area rugs, and a new very expensive couch, etc. I think the total will end up being 27K. Thankfully I’m paying in cash out of savings. These things will last a very long time. But of course I already know within a short period of time I will feel essentially just like I did before. I don’t exactly regret these purchases but I know they won’t bring me happiness or contentment. However, I am “Staging my Home for Living.” Thanks for your inspiration and important message. You have made a difference to me.
All of this is so true. I have been a minimalist for almost a decade. But it is only this month that I finally closed my credit card account. I was also able to donate a sizeable amount of money to one of my yoga teachers, who found herself in debt due to legal fees incurred from speaking out against abusive yoga schools. It feels so good to ditch the credit card carousel, and to be able to be generous when my heart is moved ❤️ So much more fulfilling than excessive consumerism!
Hi Joshua I work cleaning houses, most of the time the houses are really big and full of things, many times only one person lives I'm there, what makes me feel sad is that elderly people live by themselves in huge houses. This makes me think twice before I buy something I ask my self if I really needed, since watching your videos I have started decluttering, selling things I don't need thank you for the videos. My goal at long time is just to have the basic stuff and live with as little as I can.
I have a cleaning business too. One client is 75, just her and her husband in a 3500 sq ft home FILLED with stuff. She has an estate sale addiction and just buys, buys, buys and buys more. She will drown in her stuff. It made me really rethink how I live and spend.
I 100% agree. It took me a long time to learn this though. Now, each month I pay my bills, buy my groceries, budget for fuel and I stay out of the stores! I use to be nervous if I didn’t have $400 a week for incidentals! What I learned was I would spend that money every week and it wasn’t really things I needed. Now I put all that into savings and more leaving myself with just a small amount each week in case a real need comes up. I find as I get older money in the savings gives me a far better feeling than spending.
Wow your closing statement was so powerful. I'll write it down and put it on a picture frame to keep a close reminder of these very important facts. Thank you so very much!!!❤
Joshua, this is why YOU are my favourite minimalist. I can subscribe to all your teachings, it aligns to my values perfectly. Thank you for another wonderful, well thought out, perfectly delivered message. Love your work :)
Your last statement reminds me of a definition of idolatry I once heard. "Idols (false gods) always promise everything and deliver absolutely nothing." ♥️🇨🇦
Great video! For me, I prefer the word "Intentionalism" or "Mindfulness" rather than "Minimalism" because I think the point is to be mindful about what you own and intentional about what you choose to bring into your life. Over-consumerism is such an accurate term for how many people are living. I am trying to use everything I own. If I find I'm not actually using it or genuinely enjoying owning it, I am trying to let go of it.
Thank you Joshua for another great video. Each week you tackle a different topic with such insight and wisdom. I look forward to your video each week 😊
Very true and great ending of this video👌.These videos helps me to have a different perspective in life - to what is and what is not important. It has and is shaping me for wanting less material things. Thank you for your constant reminders Joshua.🙏🙂
We have to make an intentional decision to swim against the tide of consumerism. It isn't easy, but it's necessary. I am so grateful I followed your decluttering strategy.
This is such a good video of truthful content. I appreciate the points of “more” and not focusing exclusively on “less”. If we take away, it is so important that it is replaced with an intentional decision of what’s important.
Hey Josh. I'm impressed by the set of words you choose to address the topic making it simpler to understand rather than giving extensive, complicated explanation. Lots of love ❤❤
Thank you for this. What you say is so true and really resonates with me. 5 years ago I was a huge consumer and clothes are my weakness. The mall was like a museum to me; I went every week as a past time! My closet showed it too. I still have way too many things but now my purchases are more intentional. Videos like yours help keep me in check!😊
Thank you for the reminder to reject over consumption. I struggle constantly with desires to try something new for the house or my wardrobe. I'm canceling my Amazon account today. That seems to be my worst demon.
It is about balance and discipline. And it depends on the line of sight of the person deciding on what is needed of course . I surround myself with nice things as that is what makes me feel safe . And 🤔 it is no where near clutter . But to the minimalist, it could be perceived as. I know it's not as I don't like clutter myself, so I refer it to : surrounding myself with nice things . Or there is a phrase I like to use : Glory box items. Lovely, goreous items that are bequeathed to my children and are for their own "glory box." It is also an expression of house, home, and me. What I like. Skills in purchasing choice and acquiring assets . That is important to me as it sets a good example for my kin to see and know that their mum, was a competent, and reliable homemaker . And knowing the price of things, what to acquire and how to get it . All of those attributes, are important to me, as a mother , woman and human . Surely we are creatures of comfort ? That is what it is about for me . I don't listen to people who buzz word "consumerism" , because 🤔 I am old school . Just because I am not mean spirited, doesn't make me a shopaholic. No where near it . Being a disciplined sales shopper , is an essential life skill . And my home is happiness .
Thank you as always! I learned so much from you but the application of what I learned is the hard part. Get rid of some stuff but tempted so easy to grab some "cute stuff" whenever I am out:) Today, after watching you video, I make it to the point to just stay in the house, clean, organize and stop thinking about shopping:) God bless!
Great points after all “What you own, owns you” Recently had a clear out, ranging from worthless tat to expensive motorcycles, you can only ride one at a time after all. Kept one great bike and a few bits and bobs - all of which has a value to me so I’m happy to be owned by them….for now
I have 7 kids and each of my kids has a minimal amount of things. When I go to other peoples homes I am shocked how many possessions they have!! We believe in hand me downs, thrift shopping and replacing it only when you have to. Also the best furniture I have is from the 60s. Literally solid as the day it was built
I have to laugh, Temu is running ads on this video 😂 It just gives more meaning to this content. Joshua, your work, written & this channel has made a huge impact. Thank you.
I try to look at that as these companies financing their critics. Btw I think their phrase "shopping like a billionaire" fits better than many think: Get everything you want without any care about environment, ethics etc.
Know several people who have millions, yet mow into their neighbors yards wanting their land, constantly have the ups truck at their house and more, more, more. Happiness is not in stuff. That's why they want what everyone one else has. Sad.
I can relate. I have family like this. For some folks, enough will never be enough no matter how much they get. Def the problem is so much about covetousness and comparisons and competing and the grass is greener over there syndrome (as I call it). Sad indeed. The extra toxic ones for sure have a scarcity mindset coupled with entitlement issues and often are very insecure. Some are so toxic that they think they should have it ALL and that others should have none at all (but usually that’s to do with envy). It baffles me how someone so extra well off can keep crying poor mouth or being offended Bcuz they don’t have all of yours too. The kind who would take a poor man’s last penny (so they can have a million plus your one cent for themselves) Bcuz they can never get past “poor me” state of mind. I also know some poor as dirt with the same attitude (who also over consume and get every freebie in town over and over to great excess and always have their hands out to take take take and are very gluttonous and wasteful) as well tho. So the real issue is for sure inside of their minds and hearts.
I took your inspiration Joshua and went to a capsule wardrobe. That resulted in donating 6 garbage bags of clothes and shoes. I wish I had done it a long time ago. I realize how much I didn't wear, didn't fit, or wasn't my style anymore. The less I have, I more fully utilize what I do have. It feels like my life and belongings are more purposeful, if that makes sense?
More contentment gives more meaning to your life. There is an ancient book that is sooooo relevant for us today. The Bible encourages contentment and the assurance that you will never be abandoned. Hebrews 13:5
Hi, we travel with carry-on only. Three of us live in a 2BR apartment. We have one small 8 year old car. By volunteering we meet nice people and build community. No religion teaches consumerism. Tina, Al's wife
I have been listing and following now for a few years. It’s finally starting to take root and I’m starting to pair things back and make choices to not buy things.
Over the years, I have found that the less stuff I have, the more relaxed I feel. I noticed this when I was tempted to check out the maximum of 10 DVDs from one of my libraries and while I could do this for free, I immediately felt overwhelmed by having to devote time to watching them and subsequently returning them whether I watched them or not. For this same reason, I don’t buy books nearly as much as I used to and have found that I just want to read and get rid of the titles that have been on my shelves for 10 or more years.
I have been declutterring so much in the last few weeks. Getting rid of excess that just consumed me. I’m a neat freak and clean monster. I just got so tired of all the decor and things I had to clean on a weekly basis. I’m feeling relieved as I minimize and only keep basics. My fear is that people will say my house looks simple or empty. I hope I can get over that.
"Every generation laughs at the old fashions but religiously follows the new". ― Henry David Thoreau I love that quote! 😊🥰 (I think he officailly said "follows religiously the new")
I agree excessive consumption is not needed and I realized this In my 20s it’s a struggle but life is more than items. I’m always surprised that so many don’t get it and have no real intimacy with others they have use. I hear you it’s true what you say. I have had very little real conversation in years too you give me hope maybe someone is out their who gets it
Interesting to hear your wife sees. I love sewing as well, garments and home decor items. I have a spare bedroom completely filled with fabric, sewing machine, serger, Coverstitch, and all the accessories to make life easier? When you love color and textures and clothes, how do you limit these types of purchases? I have many clothes as a result of my passion for sewing.
I'm a purposeful spender only but its hard when you have kids wanting things all the time. Getting older has shown me how I have wasted so much money on things i didnt need, expensive hairdressers appoinments mainly.
Number 4 is the sad one for sure. I work for high volume car dealership and we replace tons of GOOOD tires every week simply because they dont meet some obscure standard. It use to see such good tires destroyed, but since pandemic that number has skyrocketed, now it saddens me to just see so much waste and consumption, and this is just at ONE location of dozens we have throughout the states. I only pray the guys who pick em up keep em and resell em, or if they are destroyed at least reused somehow. SMH 😔
I am someone who craves visual stimulation, and I am a collector of random things- however, although I am a maximalist by nature, 99% of what I own is second hand, vintage, thrifted or gifted, and I always repare and reuse, mend, donate or recycle. I take care of the things I own and am extremely mindful about any new acquisitions. I will never manage to be minimalist, but I never buy with credit and I never buy to impress anyone. It's the best I can manage as yet.
and being organized is such a relief for every day joyful loving. It’s easy to be organized when you don’t have seven extra end tables. The other day I just put them out on the sidewalk and they were gone within five hours ha ha
After watching your videos, I stopped shopping as a coping mechanism for boredom, and my home is much more organized and clean😊
That's great!
❤
Amen , me too i am particular about what i buy and why I'm buying it.
How did you stop buying if its a coping mechanism?
@@KarronAngelI need to know this as well
My mom was so simple , she had the same car for over 30 years , she had a few purses , and she was so wise . I miss her so much ! She didn’t care about the new things .
I’m the same!
I wore the same 16 tee shirts and 3 (4?) pair of jeans for 15 years+. I'm dead serious. Wasn't a minimalist thing exactly, but I know it saved me a LOT of money. I've never been to Starbucks (really), a nail salon, hair salon, hair wax-thing.... Matinee about 8 times in 20 years, drove the same car for 20 years.... I did all this before the Minimalism trend. Oh, did I mention I've been retired for a long time? I just work part time for fun.🙂 No stress.
Great video, great advice.
Good for you! I hope I can retire early as well. I'm so tired of working but I need to for my family.
Minimalism ✅
Understand efficiency ✅✅✅
Understand “enough” ✅✅✅✅
That's awesome. Can I ask how old you were able to retire?
I have been downsizing in items for.about 8 yrs. Have sold and gave away a lot. Love it. I am elderly now and can not clean like i once did and it feels great with less. ❤
I am a Korean who learns English. I love your RUclips content. Because your subject is very useful and your pronunciation is slow and accurate. So I recommended my friends who learn English. Thank you always.
Boy, Howdy! You hit the nail on the head, Mr. Meaningful. Becker speaks slowly, with effective pause and he perfectly enunciates. I am a wordsmith...a writer like Becker. But its expert speaking as an art form that seems lost to most video content creators. Bravo for your observation.
😊
I treated shopping as "retail therapy" and it just resulted in stress, depression, and a house full of excess. I've got a handle on my shopping now and ruthlessly decluttering 😊❤️
I think "retail therapy" could be used to try and escape grief. My husband died one year ago and it would be easy for me to go buy lots of stuff I don't need but nothing will replace him in my life and material possessions are not a comfort. I did go on one shopping trip a few months after he died and that was to my local Christian bookshop where I bought several excellent books on grief and being a widow. These books have been a great help and comfort to me but I had to choose very carefully as the choice was vast. When I don't need them any more I will donate them to my retirement village library where they will help other grieving people.
Me too.
@@lisa-mariegray5510💜
same here
@@lisa-mariegray5510 my condolences on the loss of your husband. Yes, I've had lots of trauma in my life and rather than get actual therapy - I used shopping as a distraction and dopamine hit. I'm now getting the appropriate support and therapy. After massive decluttering - I've reached a point where shopping is purely functional and I need very little. ❤️
I have come to realize, after watching minimalist videos, that shopping for me was a form of entertainment. I have nothing to do - well let’s go to the local mall and just look around. Wrong - end up buying something.
Your videos have helped me realize I can just be. I can read a good book, cook, garden- wow so much more entertaining and enjoyable and stress free.
Same here! I still suffer withdraw. We’re not alone tho. I used to work at the mall and hundreds if not thousands of ppl would spend their weekends shopping. Last weekend I passed a mall parking lot packed with cars and couldn’t believe so many haven’t gotten the memo. They’re missing out on life.
So true
That's so true ... I shop on Sundays at the local charity shops. I buy books mainly on self help/buddhism. So many that I've bought a book case and I get bored reading them so I never finish. I think boredom is a huge problm for me - the main drivre why I use apps/sleep with women I don't even like.
For years, I wanted a Swiss automatic watch. I worked hard and saved for it. When I went to the shop and I tried it on…..something dawned on me.
I think I got the thrill out of the chase, as opposed to the acquisition. I didn’t really need that Rolex. I knew I would want another watch and probably at a higher price point.
I decided to just put that money away. My obsession is to see that number grow. All of my retirements and investments grow and I love that.
Thanks for the content!
You don't have to go for the Rolex. I've had a more accessible three-watch combo (dress watch, everyday watch and racing watch) for years and really enjoy them.
P n❤😊
Your channel and the movie "Fight Club" in 1999 taught me alot about life and consumerism. I always remember the quotes from that movie to keep me in check. Tyler Durden’S anti-consumeriam quotes "The things you own end up owning you", "Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don’t need.” , “We’re consumers. We are bi-products of a lifestyle obsession." , “We’ve all been raised on television to believe that one day we’d all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won’t. And we’re slowly learning that fact. And we’re very, very pissed off.”
Yes that movie is gold! The discussions about blankets are both hilarious and so true!
Now I want to watch Fight Club!
@@sandyseffrood4384 You should! In my opinion its iconic but maybe I am old (46:)
@@sandyseffrood4384 Sounds like I should watch it, too. But some of the quotes probably existed long before in some way.
@@sandyseffrood4384read the book first …
At 19 I backpacked around Europe. Didn’t even have a backpack. I had a shoulder bag. One pair of shorts I washed ever night. Two tshirts. My let’s go book. Some cash. Chapstick and contacts. That was it! Best time.
Rich is he who needs less. Thank you for the video.✨
Less is More
A couple weeks ago one of the kitchen cabinet shelf fell & broken a few dishes & bowls. Instead of getting upset, I was happy to see less things to clean going forward.
I get that too. Anytime something breaks, as long as it's not something meaningful, I get relieved as those are then discarded and not replaced. In the last year a floor lamp and a table lamp broke down, yippee. I just moved a lamp from another room rather than replace with new.
Stuff robs us of our time, and time is the essence of life. Be minimal in a maximal world.
it wasn't until I got older that I realized that the things I thought were important, just weren't to me anymore....I think you have to gain a certain amount of self-esteem in order to get to that point and age will do that for you if you are open to liking and loving yourself.....once that happens all the rest falls away.....
I love Joshua’s messages! His minimalist approach is grounded upon a strong Christian morality and will never go out of date. I’ve noticed other minimalists are now ‘giving it up’, which makes me realise that minimalism for them was just a passing fad and had no real substance. I’m learning more from Joshua’s minimalism messages than from anyone else’s.
I’ve always had this feeling that if I could just have this (fill in the blank), then I’d be happy. Now I realize this is just crap! Thanks for all your insights!!
One of my favorite books about the pitfalls of consumerism is Madame Bovary written by Gustave Flaubert in 1856. It's a great read.
One of my favorites. Poor Emma, so delusional.
I’ve declutterred very slowly over the last five years, and generally aimed for a simpler home. Streamlining has become a way of life, I suppose. The big lesson I’ve learned lately is that as we age we change, and we love some of our heirlooms less and thus we are able to part with things we once thought we’d have for our life.
Joshua❤. I just want to say THANK YOU. I am on a journey towards minimalism but I have a long way to go. I just ordered your book The Minimalist Home because I am in need of help! Your a huge inspiration ❤️🙏
My next-door neighbors - a couple - own a pickup truck, an SUV, a Jeep, and a regular sedan. And then he has a work SUV. TWO people, no children, no family in this area, no friends I have ever seen. No outside jobs that would require large vehicles for hauling items. Cannot even imagine the thinking behind it. THANK goodness one car has always been enough for me.
Ugh my partner thinks that the perfect number of vehicles is n+1 where n is the number you currently own. We currently have 2 cars and 2 motorbikes...drives me up the wall!!!
@@JessicaMcCafferty94 oh that would be hard to deal with!
We have 7 vehicles two drives. I want to downsize .
@@JessicaMcCafferty94 I know about the "N+1" for bicycles that at least take up less space to store than cars. I was about to write that they also are cheaper to buy and to run but some bikes and spare parts are crazy expensive.
But I noticed something else that could also be one of these phrases. It's never enough but at some point it's too many.
they might like the collection or customizing and per car is of different use like trail vs city.
Good for you that 1 car is enough.
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in spending!! I was packing for a one week vacation and wanted a few new dresses. I have a closet full that are perfectly fine. I do not need more !! I had bought new pants and after I had them I kept seeing other ones that would be nice to have also. It’s like the one purchase was calling me to keep buying !! NO ! I had to force myself to stop buying stuff I don’t need!! Thank you for your channel!
I have been watching for a while and your videos have really helped me change my attitude toward stuff. I have now started to pair back my stuff and it feels great.
As Joshua mentions, we often claim to understand that a nicer house etc won’t make us happy, but clearly our lifestyle and bank accounts aren’t reflecting this understanding. Listening to this channel on repeat has helped me to emotionally understand and not just intellectually process this concept. And it’s saved me from the interior design videos I would have likely been watching instead haha. You need to really marinate your mind in a concept to make lasting change. I appreciate the abundance of content to help us achieve it!
Thanks for the wisdom, humbleness, and reminder to make sure your lifestyle should reflect your goals. I’ve made much more time to develop my relationship with God thanks to your channel! Big journeys begin with small steps.
At some point I just realized I have everything I need in life. I don't need a new watch I already have 4 and my phone to see the time. I don't need that desk from Ikea my kid's old one is perfect. You get the point.
0:44 “… Consumerism becomes excessive when it extends beyond what is needed…” - Joshua Becker
Thank you for your encouraging and helpful insights! ✨🌷✨
I managed to stay away from impulse buying but I am bit in relapse at the moment because am a bit depressed. And i see how easy it is to get back to and the "joy" impulse buying once you let go of the effort while the brain has not integrated the new habit yet.
After some personal reflection and looking at ways to simplify my life, I have decided to eliminate unnecessary financial burdens from my life, starting with eliminating subscriptions like Netflix, mobile phone contracts, regular high street fashion shopping, eating out. I admit I did these things out of boredom and feelings of stress. I thought about the language and technical skills I want to improve on and other goals I want to achieve for the next six months. So to afford more time and resources, I could do with less financial burdens and material items
This was a great reminder for me. Thank you, Joshua. I've been praying for the Lord to change my heart because I really do treasure things of this world--too much. I agree that the feeling of sharing a portion of our monthly expenses to go towards those in need is so much better than if that amount had gone toward an unnecessary car payment or deepening debt. I want to live for a bigger cause than spending and entertainment. And I have promised the Lord that I would. Thanks for all you do.
My way of exchanging presents are mainly based on food items. My christmas presents , birthday presents are the foods that my children and I enjoy. When my children see me enjoying their presents , they're very happy too. I love minimalist attitudes of mr BECKER, thank you ! May you all be blessed with good health, longevity and eternal joy throughout ! 🌏🌞🌱🍀🐞🙏👍💯🏆🎊😊
This is definitely very good advice. One does not have to be a minimalist to be a careful and intentional consumer. I have learned to always check out all of the negative reviews on things I am considering buying. Most things that are advertised on TV or on Facebook or other media sites are not worth wasting money on.
There is a difference between being a minimalist and being frugal. I collect hand-me-downs when I don't need them, to a limit, so I don't have to buy clothes later on when I do need them.
I'm praying my family gets on board with me to do with less, keep those things that are useful. They don't mind that I'm doing it for my personal stuff and things around the house, but when it comes to theirs...quietly being an example. Wonderful video. Makes me want to cry because it's all so true and I yearn for the simplicity and enjoyment of life without an excess of stuff.
Loved this video, ironically the ad immediately afterwards was for Temu, the world's biggest retailer of stuff that ends up in landfill
Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future.., I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life!!
Starting early is simply the best way of getting ahead to build wealth , investing remains a priority . I learnt from my last year's experience , I am able to build a suitable life because I invested early ahead this time .
Exactly ! That's my major concern and what lucrative investment can one venture into with the current rise in economic downturn
In fact, I had no prior experience or understanding when I began investing in 2020, but by the end of 2023, I had made a profit of almost $850k. All I had been doing was going by what my financial advisor had told me. This demonstrates that all you truly need is a professional to assist you; you don't even need to be a great investor or put in a lot of work.
@@mikegarvey17who is your advisor please, if you don't mind me asking?
'Izella Annette Anderson' maintains an online presence. Just make a simple search for her name online.
I recently downsized to a smaller home. I let my kids take anything that was connected to them and i donated carloads of stuff. Alot of nice things i didnt need. It was freeing and so much easier to clean my home now. I look around and say "less is more".😊
My house is not excessively big but it still feels like more than I need & I daydream about downsizing often
The thing is - if i don't have a partner or friends/relationships - you can't force that. And i found that "stuff" for hobbies DOES to some extent work as a substitute. I like my stuff, my books, music collection, guitar collection and similar. Giving that away will not bring me the social relationships i miss.
It is funny, but although I don't have much money, envy never came my way. My friends - and nearly everybody in my personal surrounding- has a lot more than me. But this has never been a problem for me. If they buy fancy new furniture or a wonderful oldtimer car to drive with on sundays or make vacations to places on the other side of the world, I'm happy with them. And although I watch a lot of hometours of very beautiful homes on RUclips, I never feel the need to keep up with this. It is just something beautiful to please my eyes like beautiful nature when I take a walk. Some people can live in fantastic houses near by the sea- good for them 👍 It is not, that I would not also like to live a rich lifestyle with no sorrow about the future and if I had the possibility to level up easy I think I would do it a bit. But otherwise it is ok as it is, because I am greatful for my family and friends and for what I have and for what I am able to do😊
I found you this year and I appreciate your content so much. I have removed about 2/3 of what we own over the last 3 years after my father’s death and having to empty his home. I was not able to convince my husband…… then in last two months he was ready. Tools, books, clothes gone…. He was ready and your advice to just do me first was spot one. Thank you.
Myself and two of my three sons are debt free, We have paid for cars and home. We try to be ecological, as well as thrifty, and healthful. My third has a mortgage,with a small family, They plan finances carefully as a team.
New subscriber here, have been binge watching your videos. I too am a minimalist now which I wasn’t in my earlier years, I am 58 yrs. I get a much better kick out of seeing my savings grow than I ever did shopping. I wish I could have seen your videos in my 20’s and 30’s, would have had a lot more money now. I have gotten my 2 daughters to start watching your videos too 😊
Thank you. Now, to start seriously donating and throwing away.
I so enjoy your videos. Stop and think. Take the pause. Great message.
Great video Joshua. I just spent a small fortune replacing the floors in my townhome. Buying new area rugs, and a new very expensive couch, etc. I think the total will end up being 27K.
Thankfully I’m paying in cash out of savings. These things will last a very long time. But of course I already know within a short period of time I will feel essentially just like I did before. I don’t exactly regret these purchases but I know they won’t bring me happiness or contentment.
However, I am “Staging my Home for Living.” Thanks for your inspiration and important message. You have made a difference to me.
Staging your home for the now, instead of when selling is a great concept.
These years with You Changing Lives through Your Dedicated Work is what brings Joy to countless people who have had the privilege to hear You.
I am an extreme minimalist with a toddler and I appreciate minimalism more now than ever before!
All of this is so true. I have been a minimalist for almost a decade. But it is only this month that I finally closed my credit card account.
I was also able to donate a sizeable amount of money to one of my yoga teachers, who found herself in debt due to legal fees incurred from speaking out against abusive yoga schools.
It feels so good to ditch the credit card carousel, and to be able to be generous when my heart is moved ❤️ So much more fulfilling than excessive consumerism!
Hi Joshua I work cleaning houses, most of the time the houses are really big and full of things, many times only one person lives I'm there, what makes me feel sad is that elderly people live by themselves in huge houses. This makes me think twice before I buy something I ask my self if I really needed, since watching your videos I have started decluttering, selling things I don't need thank you for the videos. My goal at long time is just to have the basic stuff and live with as little as I can.
I have a cleaning business too. One client is 75, just her and her husband in a 3500 sq ft home FILLED with stuff. She has an estate sale addiction and just buys, buys, buys and buys more. She will drown in her stuff. It made me really rethink how I live and spend.
I 100% agree. It took me a long time to learn this though. Now, each month I pay my bills, buy my groceries, budget for fuel and I stay out of the stores! I use to be nervous if I didn’t have $400 a week for incidentals! What I learned was I would spend that money every week and it wasn’t really things I needed. Now I put all that into savings and more leaving myself with just a small amount each week in case a real need comes up. I find as I get older money in the savings gives me a far better feeling than spending.
Wow your closing statement was so powerful. I'll write it down and put it on a picture frame to keep a close reminder of these very important facts. Thank you so very much!!!❤
Joshua, this is why YOU are my favourite minimalist. I can subscribe to all your teachings, it aligns to my values perfectly. Thank you for another wonderful, well thought out, perfectly delivered message. Love your work :)
Your last statement reminds me of a definition of idolatry I once heard. "Idols (false gods) always promise everything and deliver absolutely nothing."
♥️🇨🇦
Great video! For me, I prefer the word "Intentionalism" or "Mindfulness" rather than "Minimalism" because I think the point is to be mindful about what you own and intentional about what you choose to bring into your life. Over-consumerism is such an accurate term for how many people are living. I am trying to use everything I own. If I find I'm not actually using it or genuinely enjoying owning it, I am trying to let go of it.
Thank you Joshua for another great video. Each week you tackle a different topic with such insight and wisdom. I look forward to your video each week 😊
Very true and great ending of this video👌.These videos helps me to have a different perspective in life - to what is and what is not important. It has and is shaping me for wanting less material things. Thank you for your constant reminders Joshua.🙏🙂
We have to make an intentional decision to swim against the tide of consumerism. It isn't easy, but it's necessary. I am so grateful I followed your decluttering strategy.
Always look forward to your videos!!! I’ve deleted all my online shopping apps !
Great Joshua!! 🙏🏻 …like helping those less fortunate than ourselves!
This is such a good video of truthful content. I appreciate the points of “more” and not focusing exclusively on “less”. If we take away, it is so important that it is replaced with an intentional decision of what’s important.
Hey Josh. I'm impressed by the set of words you choose to address the topic making it simpler to understand rather than giving extensive, complicated explanation. Lots of love ❤❤
Thank you for this. What you say is so true and really resonates with me. 5 years ago I was a huge consumer and clothes are my weakness. The mall was like a museum to me; I went every week as a past time! My closet showed it too. I still have way too many things but now my purchases are more intentional. Videos like yours help keep me in check!😊
Thank you for the reminder to reject over consumption. I struggle constantly with desires to try something new for the house or my wardrobe. I'm canceling my Amazon account today. That seems to be my worst demon.
It is about balance and discipline.
And it depends on the line of sight of the person deciding on what is needed of course .
I surround myself with nice things as that is what makes me feel safe .
And 🤔 it is no where near clutter .
But to the minimalist, it could be perceived as.
I know it's not as I don't like clutter myself, so I refer it to : surrounding myself with nice things .
Or there is a phrase I like to use : Glory box items.
Lovely, goreous items that are bequeathed to my children and are for their own "glory box."
It is also an expression of house, home, and me.
What I like.
Skills in purchasing choice and acquiring assets . That is important to me as it sets a good example for my kin to see and know that their mum, was a competent, and reliable homemaker .
And knowing the price of things, what to acquire and how to get it .
All of those attributes, are important to me, as a mother , woman and human .
Surely we are creatures of comfort ?
That is what it is about for me .
I don't listen to people who buzz word "consumerism" , because 🤔 I am old school . Just because I am not mean spirited, doesn't make me a shopaholic.
No where near it .
Being a disciplined sales shopper , is an essential life skill .
And my home is happiness .
Escaping excessive consumerism offers such valuable benefits! Less stress and more time for what truly matters are worth simplifying for. 🌿
Thank you as always! I learned so much from you but the application of what I learned is the hard part. Get rid of some stuff but tempted so easy to grab some "cute stuff" whenever I am out:) Today, after watching you video, I make it to the point to just stay in the house, clean, organize and stop thinking about shopping:) God bless!
Less is MORE LIFE. Thank you Joshua!
Great points after all “What you own, owns you”
Recently had a clear out, ranging from worthless tat to expensive motorcycles, you can only ride one at a time after all.
Kept one great bike and a few bits and bobs - all of which has a value to me so I’m happy to be owned by them….for now
I have 7 kids and each of my kids has a minimal amount of things. When I go to other peoples homes I am shocked how many possessions they have!! We believe in hand me downs, thrift shopping and replacing it only when you have to. Also the best furniture I have is from the 60s. Literally solid as the day it was built
Promises happiness but never delivers 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 lifestyle envy is a so true I have cut instagram from life for this reason among others ❤
After watching this, I’m going through my closet and cabinets to get rid of things I don’t need or use
Thank you Joshua.. these videos keep me on track for the coming week ahead… I so look forward to the. ❤
thank you Joshua for your words of value and wisdom
I have to laugh, Temu is running ads on this video 😂 It just gives more meaning to this content.
Joshua, your work, written & this channel has made a huge impact. Thank you.
I try to look at that as these companies financing their critics.
Btw I think their phrase "shopping like a billionaire" fits better than many think: Get everything you want without any care about environment, ethics etc.
Temu runs ads all over the place!!!😂
Know several people who have millions, yet mow into their neighbors yards wanting their land, constantly have the ups truck at their house and more, more, more. Happiness is not in stuff. That's why they want what everyone one else has. Sad.
I can relate. I have family like this. For some folks, enough will never be enough no matter how much they get. Def the problem is so much about covetousness and comparisons and competing and the grass is greener over there syndrome (as I call it). Sad indeed. The extra toxic ones for sure have a scarcity mindset coupled with entitlement issues and often are very insecure.
Some are so toxic that they think they should have it ALL and that others should have none at all (but usually that’s to do with envy). It baffles me how someone so extra well off can keep crying poor mouth or being offended Bcuz they don’t have all of yours too. The kind who would take a poor man’s last penny (so they can have a million plus your one cent for themselves) Bcuz they can never get past “poor me” state of mind.
I also know some poor as dirt with the same attitude (who also over consume and get every freebie in town over and over to great excess and always have their hands out to take take take and are very gluttonous and wasteful) as well tho. So the real issue is for sure inside of their minds and hearts.
It's like a wino; if there were 3 bottles in the closet it wouldn't be enough. They'd want more.
Thank you, Sir.
For your advice, living simple is the .most happy to mee
best video on consumerism and minimalism anybody could watch
I took your inspiration Joshua and went to a capsule wardrobe. That resulted in donating 6 garbage bags of clothes and shoes. I wish I had done it a long time ago. I realize how much I didn't wear, didn't fit, or wasn't my style anymore. The less I have, I more fully utilize what I do have. It feels like my life and belongings are more purposeful, if that makes sense?
More contentment gives more meaning to your life. There is an ancient book that is sooooo relevant for us today. The Bible encourages contentment and the assurance that you will never be abandoned. Hebrews 13:5
Greed does not know how to say enough
Thanks for this very helpful video
Hi, we travel with carry-on only. Three of us live in a 2BR apartment. We have one small 8 year old car. By volunteering we meet nice people and build community.
No religion teaches consumerism. Tina, Al's wife
This was your best video yet. They’re all great.
I have been listing and following now for a few years. It’s finally starting to take root and I’m starting to pair things back and make choices to not buy things.
Over the years, I have found that the less stuff I have, the more relaxed I feel. I noticed this when I was tempted to check out the maximum of 10 DVDs from one of my libraries and while I could do this for free, I immediately felt overwhelmed by having to devote time to watching them and subsequently returning them whether I watched them or not. For this same reason, I don’t buy books nearly as much as I used to and have found that I just want to read and get rid of the titles that have been on my shelves for 10 or more years.
Great content, well presented!! 👏
This is my favorite of your videos so far. Excellent job!
Excellent video Joshua. Very good reminders to adhere to. Thank you
I have been declutterring so much in the last few weeks. Getting rid of excess that just consumed me. I’m a neat freak and clean monster. I just got so tired of all the decor and things I had to clean on a weekly basis. I’m feeling relieved as I minimize and only keep basics. My fear is that people will say my house looks simple or empty. I hope I can get over that.
They’d just be jealous. 😂
I love reading so i love using my local library. Save so much money and if i really love a book that i want to reread then i will buy it
"Every generation laughs at the old fashions but religiously follows the new". ― Henry David Thoreau
I love that quote! 😊🥰 (I think he officailly said "follows religiously the new")
I agree excessive consumption is not needed and I realized this In my 20s it’s a struggle but life is more than items. I’m always surprised that so many don’t get it and have no real intimacy with others they have use. I hear you it’s true what you say. I have had very little real conversation in years too you give me hope maybe someone is out their who gets it
Yes I think it’s common to seek satisfaction in things that aren’t. It seems common. Something about human nature and age
Worthy message ....tks for sharing
Fantastic video. Thank you x
Interesting to hear your wife sees. I love sewing as well, garments and home decor items. I have a spare bedroom completely filled with fabric, sewing machine, serger, Coverstitch, and all the accessories to make life easier? When you love color and textures and clothes, how do you limit these types of purchases? I have many clothes as a result of my passion for sewing.
She mostly repairs clothing as opposed to sewing new ones.
Thank you so much ❤
Thanks again ❤
I'm a purposeful spender only but its hard when you have kids wanting things all the time. Getting older has shown me how I have wasted so much money on things i didnt need, expensive hairdressers appoinments mainly.
Number 4 is the sad one for sure. I work for high volume car dealership and we replace tons of GOOOD tires every week simply because they dont meet some obscure standard. It use to see such good tires destroyed, but since pandemic that number has skyrocketed, now it saddens me to just see so much waste and consumption, and this is just at ONE location of dozens we have throughout the states. I only pray the guys who pick em up keep em and resell em, or if they are destroyed at least reused somehow. SMH 😔
I am someone who craves visual stimulation, and I am a collector of random things- however, although I am a maximalist by nature, 99% of what I own is second hand, vintage, thrifted or gifted, and I always repare and reuse, mend, donate or recycle. I take care of the things I own and am extremely mindful about any new acquisitions. I will never manage to be minimalist, but I never buy with credit and I never buy to impress anyone. It's the best I can manage as yet.
Fantastic!! Hit home and so many action steps!! Thanks for sharing!
Amen, amen, amen!!!
Another great video. Thank you so much for this special message. Have a wonderful weekend.
and being organized is such a relief for every day joyful loving. It’s easy to be organized when you don’t have seven extra end tables. The other day I just put them out on the sidewalk and they were gone within five hours ha ha