Beyond Preference to Purpose

It’s perfectly all right—and in fact desirable—for you to find your own individual path to a minimal lifestyle. That doesn’t mean you won’t be making big changes in your life. Probably you need to get rid of a lot of clutter in order to free yourself up. There’s a big shake-up ahead. But it’s going to be the particular kind of shake-up that you need, not one that somebody else needs. And you’ll be glad when you do it. 

It’s not just that you’re free to shape your personal approach to minimalism based upon your own preferences. More importantly, you’re free to shape your minimalism based upon your purposes. As best you can, identify the life you want to lead, and then pursue the kind of minimalism that will get you there. 

I encourage you to write down why you want to minimize. The possibilities are endless—and will be entirely unique to you, your purpose, and your values. 

I’m not saying that you have to have every last detail of your goals nailed down right now. But as far as you know them now, define your reasons for de-owning and decluttering, and keep these reasons before you. Here are some examples: 
• I want to get out of debt and start saving money. 
• I want a schedule that’s less hectic. 
• I want to be available to help my parents as they grow older. 
• I want to spend a year volunteering in Haiti.
• I want to be free to coach my child’s sports team. 
• I want to spend evenings with my family instead of straightening up the house. 
• I want to invite people over without worrying about what a mess my house is. 

Before any of us can minimize our homes and lives, we must be convinced the lifestyle is worth our effort. Your statement of purposes for simplifying will remind you of what you want out of the process you’re starting. 

You have dreams, you have passions about things you want to do, and you’re concerned about the potential your future holds. This is why owning less is so important for you. It helps you do what you have been created and called to do. 

Make a list of reasons you want to de-own and declutter. What is the bigger purpose you have in mind?