You’re Losing Control Over Your Life Just Because of This Silly Habit

One weakness can shadow a multitude of strengths

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“Buy one, get one free (BOGO)!”

I see this slogan almost everywhere in malls, shops, and in promotional emails. And it reflected in the home.

I had stuff I didn’t need.

Plus, I also got free stuff I didn’t want. That doubled the clutter. I was buried under unnecessary decorations, piles of paper, or decorative items that no longer served a purpose.

I had an eye-opening realization about my true wants and needs from frequently changed houses.

I have changed as many as 9 homes in the last 11 years. In the wake of paying less price for relocation, I had to give away most of my expensive stuff. For free.

And every time after decluttering my cognition, stress, and productivity drastically increased.

I’ve come to a realization that “You’re losing control over your life because of not harnessing the power of minimalism.”

And control over life means:

• Not letting material possessions influence your way of living

• Limited decision-making = Less mental fatigue

• Developing resilience, adaptability, and emotional independence

• Having control over your responses and behaviors, irrespective of external stimuli

• Financial stability

While “control” can sometimes be misconstrued as trying to dictate every single outcome (which is unrealistic), true control is contentment.

And that comes from minimalism.

What Psychology Says About Minimalism

• It frees you from the mental conditioning that buying more things will make you happier.

• You easily break free from the cycle of wanting more and never being satisfied, to appreciate what you already have.

• It gives you clarity of thought. And clarity means control. Chaos means weakness.

• Minimalism can also help you tune in to your emotions and address any unhappiness or discontentment that you may have been ignoring or masking with material possessions.

Here’s how I went from hoarder to living with a minimalistic approach. And how you can, too. WITHOUT. FORCING. YOURSELF.

Detach from the Sentimental Clutter

I was cleaning out my attic, and I stumbled across a box of my old mixtapes. Now, these things hadn’t seen the light of day in years, but suddenly, I was flooded with memories of cruising around town, windows down, blaring these bad boys.

As much as those tapes meant to me, I realized I didn’t need them anymore.

Their part in my life was over.

I let myself reminisce for a bit, and then I tossed them like a weight had been lifted.

We all have items that hold sentimental value, even if they’re just collecting dust in some forgotten corner. But the more you keep them, the higher the chances you won’t see them again. Until you overhaul your home.

Embrace the memories. Then, pass it on to someone you think will value it. Use it to keep it alive and create more memories.

By decluttering your sentimental clutter, you’ll create a space that’s more functional and less chaotic. And trust me, that’s a feeling worth cherishing.

The Magic of Multi-Functional Items

So, have you ever heard of a Swiss Army knife?

That thing’s got like a bazillion tools all in one, right? Now, I am not saying you must live like MacGyver, but there’s something to be said for investing in multi-functional pieces.

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort to live a minimalist life; you just have to be smart about it.

Find yourself a bed with built-in drawers or a sofa that transforms into a guest bed.

Trust me, you’ll thank me later. The magic of multi-functional items is all about maximizing efficiency, and it’ll change your life.

Curate a Capsule Wardrobe

I’ll let you in on a little secret:

I used to have this overflowing closet, packed to the brim with clothes I never wore.

It was like a museum of fashion mistakes — a sign of my inability to let go.

But having to donate clothes against my wish(due to frequent house changes), I was forced to adopt the concept of a capsule wardrobe.

This approach focuses on a smaller selection of versatile, high-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits.

So, I said adios to the Hawaiian shirts and linen pants that had been sitting in my closet for years, and I invested in timeless pieces that make me feel like a million bucks.

It was liberating is an understatement.

Embrace Digital Solutions

So physical clutter ain’t the only thing holding you back. Our digital lives can be just as messy, and it’s time to tackle it head-on.

I had this buddy once who had like 50,000 unread emails. No joke.

What’s the point of subscribing to digital junk and paying for storage when you don’t use them?

Unsubscribe them. Delete them.

If you have a pile of documents, consider digitizing them.

I did it myself, and it was like I’d been given a fresh start.

By streamlining your digital life, you’ll enjoy increased productivity and reduced stress, man. It’s the 21st century, after all.

Time to get with the program.

The One In, One Out Rule

To keep my home clutter-free, I adopted the one-in, one-out rule.

I got this killer pair of shoes the other day, but I made sure to donate a pair I never wore anymore.

By doing this, I’m keeping my belongings in check and preventing them from taking over my home.

Remember, for every new item you bring into your space, get rid of one. It’ll help you be more mindful of your purchases and maintain a clutter-free environment.

A Question That Can Prevent Impulsive Shopping

You know that feeling when you come home with bags of stuff you didn’t need? That used to be me.

But now, by shopping mindfully, I avoid accumulating unnecessary items, and I gotta tell you, it feels pretty damn good.

Minimalism isn’t just about decluttering. It’s also about being intentional with what you bring into your life.

Before making a purchase, I ask myself:

>>> Can I live without it for a week? <<<

If I can, then I can do it for a month. And then, it becomes a mental conditioning to live without that item. Forever.

Take it from me, next time you’re tempted by that shiny new gadget or that cute dress, stop and ask yourself this question. You might be surprised at how often you decide you don’t really need it.

And when you do make a purchase, it’s more meaningful because you know it’s something that truly adds value to your life.

Wrapping Up

Embracing minimalism doesn’t mean you have to live in an empty room with a single chair.

It’s about creating a space that serves you and supports your well-being.

Now, my life is more streamlined, more intentional, and more focused on what really matters.

I feel lighter, and you know what? I’m happier. I’m more contented than ever before.

I urge you to give it a try. Just a try.

You have nothing to lose.

It’s not just a decluttering action. It’s a step to a better way of living.

P.S. Are you ready to adopt a minimalist mindset?

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👉 If this post resonates with you, forward it on to your buddies!

And please, don't forget to hit that ❤️ button.

If you’re NOT using the app, respond with the word “Awesome.”

It helps others find it on Substack.

Thanks for the support! 🙌