We are indoors again. This time it’s winter, so with less time in the garden or by the river, I find myself looking for interesting documentaries to watch. I was pleasantly surprised to run across one that reminded me of a movement I’ve always been interested in and curious about: Minimalism.
I’ve written about Marie Kondo before and her method of decluttering by letting go of items that no longer spark joy. Minimalism goes above and beyond that.
It is about getting rid of the material possessions we have in excess, but it is also about mindfully simplifying our lives in order to make space for what truly matters to us. It is not just about decluttering our homes, but about decluttering our lives.
How can we do this when our attention is being pulled in so many directions? We can begin by occupying our minds less with consuming, with where to store objects we hardly use, with buying things we don’t need, for example. It is about choosing the objects we have in our surroundings with intention. It is about having an understanding of what we really want and need and dedicating the rest of our thoughts and time to what we love, to creating, to contributing - to experiencing life.
In fact, one of the main reasons clients approach me to discuss a potential career change is the desire to have more freedom in their lives. If this sounds like you too, implementing some elements of the minimalist lifestyle is one way to start feeling more free today.
You may be looking for a career change for other reasons: more creativity, flexibility, or a desire to help others in a bigger way. Getting clear on your values can help you identify what is most important to you at this time. Making more mental and physical space in your life allows you to dedicate more time to what is truly important, while you transition into a new career or start a new project that will bring more fulfilment.
This is true for me as well! Converting fully to a minimalist lifestyle is not in the cards for me at the moment, but I can certainly see the benefits of making intentional choices, not just in the way I approach my work, but in other areas of my daily life as well. The environment will benefit in the long run as well. It is all connected.
This is why I have been inspired to minimalise one area of my life every day for a month. This is my take on the challenge presented in the documentary.* It will range from discarding an item I find in a drawer, to deleting an app from my phone, to gifting an experience instead of a physical gift. I will spend the next month researching minimalist tips and implementing the ones that feel good to me.
Is there an area in your life that could use a minimalist approach? Your desk? A closet? Your time on social media? All of it? How would it feel to simplify your life, free up some mental and physical space to be laser focused on what’s most important to you right now?
Depending on how this pandemic has affected you, you may or may not be able to begin a career change at this time. If not, perhaps you can still find a way to make space to do work you love and carry out other activities that are fulfilling for you.
If you are ready for a career change or keen to begin your dream project, book a complimentary introduction to coaching call here today to get started.
For more tips on minimalism: https://www.theminimalists.com/resources/
Photo by Andrej Lišakov on Unsplash
* Less is Now. Created by The Minimalists. Directed by Matt D’Avella, 2021, Netflix, www.netflix.com.