Author: Kathy

Uncertainty is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s our professional situation, our personal lives, or the general state of the world, there will always be answerless moments. We can’t control everything, and we need ways to cope with uncertainty. A minimalist approach can work wonders in this regard. By focusing our energy, attention, and efforts on the essential, we learn how to face uncertainty with poise and serenity. On this basis, here are seven minimalist ways to deal with uncertainty in your life.  Anxiety is generally the result of a lack of information. We don’t have enough information about…

People often justify their decisions with the phrase “it’s worth it.” Product X is worth its price. That new project is worth my time. And those difficult relationships demand a lot of effort, but they’re worth it. Some difficult endeavors require investment, and they’re totally worth it. Others, however, are not. And investing in futile, toxic, and negative habits is the main reason why people don’t advance in life. On this basis, here are 10 things in life that just aren’t worth your time, energy, or effort.  Many people ask themselves how they can take their lives to the next…

Many people ask themselves whether they should spend money on item X, trip Y, or experience Z. They base their decisions on their current mood, their general purchasing habits, and the item’s price. These elements all work on an individual level, but they don’t form a genuine spending culture. If you want to establish a personal consumption system, you need spending norms. On this basis, here are six simple rules on spending money intentionally.  Spending money is a double-edged sword.  On one side, we hate to see our bank balance dwindle, and we don’t like to splash our hard-earned cash.…

In times of mental strain and general uncertainty, minimalism can become a helpful companion. As such, certain minimalist habits can take you back on track when you start to question the trajectory of your life. On this basis, here are seven minimalist ways to regain control over your life.  We all know the feeling.  Professional projects cramp our daily routines. The people in our lives take their toll. And most importantly, we lack enthusiasm, drive, and energy.  That’s where minimalism can reignite the fire in our lives.   Whether we suffer from too many commitments, unhealthy financial habits, or a mere…

In today’s world, more and more people prioritize the tangible content of their lives over the intangible content of their bank accounts. In short, how you use your money is now more important than how wealthy you are. The “live large with your wealth after retirement” doctrine is dead. Living on your own terms now, on the other hand, is the ultimate 21st-century aspiration. On this basis, here are four reasons why lifestyle design is the new rich. This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. For generations, the idea that children will have a better life…

In recent years, the idea of “digital detoxing” has become popular among people seeking a break from the 21st century. For a certain period, you refrain from using your smartphone, your laptop, and all other connected devices. After multiple tries, I can safely say that short spells of tech abstinence have a positive influence on our mindfulness, productivity, and serenity. On this basis, here are six transformative benefits of a digital detox. A few years ago, I spent a week in Chilean Patagonia. The region remains one of my favorite spots on the planet, with soaring mountains towering over icy…

Chris Guillebeau is an American author, blogger, speaker, and part of a select group of people who have been to all 193 UN countries. His writing inspires millions of people worldwide to channel their inner adventurer and get more out of life. On this basis, here are 5 powerful lessons from Chris Guillebeau about lifestyle design. This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. I first came across Chris’s work way back in 2012.  Somewhere in rural Mexico, a 20-something guy in my hostel was reading The Art of Non-Conformity, Guillebeau’s first book.  I wasn’t familiar with…

Our lives are full of distractions. An email here, a Youtube video there, and our focus goes out of the window. Distractions are powerful, but they are not invincible. With the right system in place, eliminating everyday distractions can become self-evident. On this basis, here are 7 ways to cut out distractions in everyday life.  Ask yourself: how often did you lose concentration as a result of mundane distractions?  How often did you stop reading a terrific book because your phone vibrated? How often did you take your eyes off work by opening a sensationalist news story?  And finally, how…

There is no doubt that minimalism changed my life. Rigorous prioritization helped me become more productive, mindful, and determined. Nevertheless, minimalism also has its downsides, and these can ultimately undermine its benefits. That’s why it’s essential to know when your minimalism becomes excessive.   We all know someone who fell into the trap of over-executing a good idea.  There is the gym rat who wants to become Arnie in two weeks and breaks his knees.  Then there is the Wall Street junior who works 16 hours a day for two years and ends up with a burnout.  And finally, some seek…

When it comes to books about minimalism as a mindset, not many come close to Greg McKeown’s Essentialism. Well-written and full of practical lessons, The Disciplined Pursuit of Less outlines the “less but better” approach. Focus your energy on the essentials, and you’ll become more productive, more serene, and more successful. This article may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. The term “essentialism” has various meanings. The word dates back to ancient Greek philosophy when Plato characterized the “essence” as an ideal form with essential properties.  As an example, we cannot draw a perfect circle by hand, but…