Minimalistic Living By Owing Less: The Secret to Happiness?

The world today thrives on comfort, which can be achieved by spending a lot of money. But is this the only path to a successful life, or does it burden you even more in the long run?

As kids, we often received money from our parents—yet it never seemed quite enough to meet our growing wants. While material possessions may offer temporary satisfaction, they also bring added responsibilities, often leading to a heavier, more burdened life. This article explores a path toward a lighter, more intentional, and truly fulfilling way of living.

A Silent Rebellion Against Excess

Over the past few decades, as technology became deeply woven into every aspect of our lives, we embraced the belief that owning more gadgets and possessions would lead to better living. Yet, despite this relentless accumulation, many find themselves feeling weighed down—overwhelmed, stressed, and unfulfilled.

Minimalism isn’t just about rearranging rooms or decluttering shelves; it’s about creating space for mental clarity and emotional well-being. Popularised by figures like Marie Kondo, who encourages keeping only items that “spark joy,” and The Minimalists, whose books and documentaries highlight the value of owning less, the movement points toward a simpler, more intentional way of life.

Many points can be raised, proving minimalism is the correct way of life. Some of these are:

Cognitive Clarity
Our minds are constantly bustling with random thoughts that significantly increase stress and anxiety. By being minimalistic, we can evacuate the spaces around us and our minds, which will help us achieve the calmness we seek.

Simplifying Choices
Psychologist Barry Schwartz’s famous concept, the paradox of choice, states that having too many viable options in our lives, whether about wearing different clothes or the type of food we eat, can lead to decision fatigue and dissatisfaction. Minimalism reduces the stress of choosing repeatedly, making life simpler and more manageable.

Focusing on Vital Matters
Minimalism helps a person realise what is truly important, prioritising relationships and experience as well as personal growth over materialistic possessions. True happiness can only be achieved when people shift their focus from extrinsic values to intrinsic ones.

Minimalism and the Pursuit of Happiness

Psychological research increasingly supports the idea that owning fewer material possessions can enhance overall well-being. A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that minimalism is linked to higher life satisfaction, reduced stress levels, and a stronger sense of purpose.

These findings echo the insights of the Harvard Grant Study, a landmark 75-year research project on human happiness. The study concluded that a simpler, more intentional life—not wealth or material accumulation—is the true path to peace and fulfillment. No possession, it found, can replace the tranquillity that comes from living with clarity and purpose.

Embracing Minimalism

If the idea of minimalism resonates with you, here are some tips that may help you embrace it.

Start Small: The 30-Day Challenge

Indulge in a small challenge that involves letting go of one item each day for 30 consecutive days. If you continue this, you might be able to eliminate 365 unnecessary items from your life in just a year.

The ‘One in, One Out’ Rule

Adopting the ‘One in, One Out’ rule reduces possession of excessive and unnecessary items. For every item you bring into your home, swap it out with an old item, preventing clutter.

Practice Mindful Consumption

Before making your new purchase, ask yourself: Do you need the item? Will it add value to your life? These kinds of questions will curb you from impulsive buying.

Focus on Experiences, Not Things

Your focus should not be on spending hard-earned money on materialistic items; rather, you should invest it in experiences like travel and hobbies with loved ones.

Finding Simplicity in Life

Letting go of unnecessary burdens allows you to rediscover life’s true essence—simply living. Stepping away from the daily hustle, nurturing meaningful relationships, and spending quality time with loved ones brings a deeper sense of fulfilment.

Let this article serve as a gentle reminder: quality always outweighs quantity. Happiness isn’t found in what we own, but in how we choose to live.

Is Minimalism the Right Choice for You?

Minimalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but its principles offer great insight into how to lead a fulfilling life.

In a world that constantly judges you by your net worth, minimalism provides a rejuvenating message: “You already have enough. You are enough.” True happiness results from not showing off your net worth but letting go of what no longer serves you and discovering the joy of living with less.