Essential makes you question the value you place on the objects in your life.
Book notes
“Minimalists don’t focus on having less, less, less. Rather, we focus on making room for more, more, more: more time, more passion, more experiences, more growth, more contribution, more contentment—and more freedom.”
Having more stuff brings us stress and anxiety, and can trap us in a job we don’t like
It’s not enough just to organise – “organizing is well-planned hoarding”
Getting rid of things creates physical space and frees up ‘head space’
“The things you own end up owning you.”
Be more intentional in how you check your smartphone
Schedule responding to emails for a specific time
Be yourself online
Be proactive and deliberate, rather than reactive and passive
Invest in experiences over possessions
Take control of your expenses by dividing them into three categories: Needs, Wants and Likes. Start by getting rid of everything except Wants, and reduce the Wants by half.
Improve your mind by eating healthily, sleeping and exercising
Give experiences instead of material gifts
“The best, most loving gift you can give someone is your time and undivided attention. Presence is the best present.”
Your true priorities are how you spend your time now.
Avoid ‘busy’ things: meetings, conference calls, updating social media, multitasking etc.
Reduce the number of tasks you do, but increase their significance
Work towards ideals in key areas of your life: body, diet, relationships, work environment
Radical growth happens when you feel vulnerable
Aspire to be someone only if they are happy
“You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
A more intentional life is more rewarding
Treat uncertainty as variety
“Success is a simple equation: Happiness + Constant Improvement + Contribution = Success”
Buy Essential on Amazon (affiliate link)
Mark Hammonds 