Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, it’s safe to say you’ve heard of, or perhaps even joined, the growing movement of minimalism. I myself have committed to reducing clutter both physical and mental in my life. There’s something about simplifying and eco-friendly that is so rewarding.

It’s also safe to say that everyone loves treats, and today you’re in for one. Not only will I give you my thoughts on Everett’s amazing e-book (not an affiliate link) on being minimalist, but I will also share the great interview I did with Everett a few weeks ago.

I’ve read nearly 50 books within the past three years. Some have been good, most have been bad, and only a handful have left a significant lasting impact on me. The art of being minimalist (not an affiliate link) is one of those amazing books.

Because of Everett and his amazing writing, I began to  contemplate my own idea of what’s possible, especially in regard to living freely. Reading his book has made me seriously consider never buying a car, further embrace the path of minimalism, and taught me the beauty of simplicity while also inspiring me to continue pursuing my dreams. Yes.. the 70 pg e-book is that damn good.

A Story of Consumerism

I first want to say I’m extremely blessed to have grown up in a family that has done very well financially. I say that not to brag, but to show where I’m coming from. Growing up, I was graced with literally anything I wanted, which as you may know, lead to me collecting a lot of stuff. Quite frankly, I was[am] spoiled (I like to leave the rotten part out.)

Because I was raised with an abundant amount of possessions, I quickly become accustomed to the “more more more” mindset. But as I matured, I soon discovered that that mindset would not bring me the peace of mind I sought. Does that mean I don’t enjoy my Mac book pro? Or I-phone? Of course not. When you buy less, each possession you do decide to keep is that much more valuable.

Buying stuff for the hell of it, is something that I’ve struggled with for much of my life. I can’t tell you how much stuff I purchased only to lose it in my closest a few weeks (even days) later. I know that my situation isn’t unique by any stretch of the imagination and that’s why I’m so excited to help share Everett’s message, because we all can improve. I could go on days about the benefits you’ll receive for reading it, but minimalism is personal and you need to experience it for yourself.

Who Will Enjoy It

People who value freedom.

People who want to travel.

People who value relationships and experience more than the illusion of a bank account.

People who want to make a difference in the world.

People who want to spend less time doing busy work and more time creating.

Who The Book Is Not For

Anyone who doesn’t meet the criteria above.

Minimalism is personal, and that’s why it’s beautiful. There’s no check list and there’s always room to improve. Minimalism is more of a mindset than about owning nothing. You don’t have to be a monk with no home to come to appreciate the power of owning little. You don’t have to not own a house to realize the power of doing less. It’s all about finding that point where happiness can radiate from every part of your being.

You Don’t Have To Buy This Book

Now this might sound weird, as I’ve just spent a good several hundred words describing how amazing (and literally life transforming) the book has been not only for me, but hundreds of others as well. But the truth is you don’t need to buy his book. You can begin living the steps he gives in right now. You can begin to appreciate the power of simplicity before you finish reading this post.

Do I recommend it whole heartily? Yes. Can it literally change your life? Absolutely. But for me to tell you to buy it would go against the philosophy of minimalism.

So often, we (myself included) forget that we don’t need anything to start creating change today. We don’t the latest book or program to begin applying the knowledge we already know.

Living a life of minimalism forces you to make due with what you have, instead of waiting on the illusion of tomorrow.

By no means am I saying you shouldn’t invest in programs or books that will help you in the long run, but don’t waste a second  thinking you have to wait until then.

You Need To Buy This Book

You may think I’m crazy, as I just said you don’t need this book, but I was simply trying to make a point. With anything you buy, you’re often chasing an experience that is currently available to you now. Realizing that this is the case more often that not, can really open your eyes up to how simple happiness can be.

I’d be silly to tell you not to buy the book, and for that reason I even suggest putting your minimalist journey on hold and buying yourself a copy right now. For the price of less than coffe for two, you could quickly be on your way to experience freedom at its purest form. His book has had such a strong impact on me that I’m telling you to bu

Having now been at college for a year, I’ve come to realize I don’t need stuff to be happy. I have a ways to go, but I’m also as excited as I’ve ever been.

The tribe is taking form. Will you be part of it?

Interview

Everett, for those who aren’t familiar with your story, what first inspired you to live the minimalist life style?

I’ve always lived with less than your average person, but I took the minimalist journey to a new extreme in September of 2009. The reason is one that I believe many people face in the modern world.

I had a pretty awesome day job, working at New York Magazine as a photo editor, but it was taking up a lot of my time and I wasn’t being paid what I felt I was worth. The worst part, I had to go into an office every single day. The modern tragedy that everyone faces: office oblivion. The best part of my day, when the sun is out, was being spent under fluorescent lights cropping photos of celebrities I cared nothing for.

I’d been reading the work of Leo Babauta on his blogs Zen Habits and Mnmlist, and also I’d read the 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss.

I quit my job with $3000 in the bank, and decided to apply minimalism and working from anywhere in the most hardcore way possible. So many people told me that I’d fail, but I didn’t I thrived.

It turns out when you apply a healthy sense of minimalism, you can live and work from anywhere. This is what I wrote about in The Art of Being Minimalist, and on my blog Far Beyond The Stars.

In Cloud Living, Glen teaches people how to make a living online, how has minimalism and your blog helped you in gaining financial independence?

Working online is a huge transition for a lot of people. There is no guaranteed paycheck every two weeks like there is in the 9-5. You are responsible for every dollar you make.

This is where minimalism comes in: I’ve kind of stumbled upon the fact that humans don’t really need as much as we think we do to survive. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that 80% of the stuff we spend money on every year isn’t necessary.

What do we need? Inexpensive housing, and food. The rest is optional.

When you decide to opt out of consumerism, and only buy what you need, this dramatically decreases the overhead that you need to survive. You can take a lot more risks, and invest a lot more time in building income online, when you only need to spend $500 a month to support yourself. If your life costs $5000 you’re going to be a slave to the corporate system forever, because there’s no way you’re going to make that much money right out of the starting gate.

Eventually your income will grow, but when you first start it will be small. Being minimalist can save you a lot of worry during that transition.

What advice can you give to those who struggle to part with their excessive possessions?

There are many ways to reconsider your relationship to possessions, the secret is different for everyone.

When I was getting start as a minimalist, I found reading about people living with less was a big inspiration. People like Tammy Strobel, Karol Gajda, and Colin Wright — who are all living extraordinary lives with less, and working exclusively online — are huge inspirations to me every single day.

In your blog, you talk about how you own less than 100 items, how has this allowed you the freedom to travel and do as you please?

All of my stuff fits into a bag, which has allowed me a great deal of freedom to travel. In the last year I’ve lived in Portland OR, Chicago, New York, and I’m moving to San Francisco Bay in May, which so far has only cost me the $125 plane ticket + establishing new housing when I get there.

Stuff takes up your time, stuffs takes up your energy, and stuffs keeps you stationary. Many people are content to only travel two weeks out of the year.

When you have less than 100 things, you can relocate for the price of a plane ticket. This means that I can move basically whenever I want. I don’t necessarily need to, but the option is available.

There’s an overwhelming message, that I like to blame on the TV, that stuff equals happiness. This is quite the opposite, in my experience. I’ve found that buying things can give you a temporary dose of adrenalin, which makes you feel happy for a moment, but then that feeling fades. Traveling the world and living free can make it possible to have amazing experiences that will enjoy for a lifetime. Stuff can never give you that opportunity.

Can one own to few possessions? When is too little, too much?

I’m not sure if there is too few possessions. You caught me at an interesting time Bud, because I’ve been reducing my possessions to 50 things before moving to SF — At this point, every item I get rid of just makes me feel freer. The more you get rid of, the more you want to get rid of.

When you free yourself from the idea that you need stuff to keep you happy, you open yourself up to a world of infinite possibilities.

Thanks Everett for taking the time to do this.

Thanks so much for this opportunity Bud, it’s been great talking with you.
Best,
Everett Bogue – Far Beyond The Stars

Are you choosing to walk down the minimilist path? Is it all hype? I’d love for you to share your thoughts and experiences below.

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