I conduct countless experiments. Not those bunny-rabbit-in-a-cage kind of experiments, but real-life tests of self that get me outside my comfort zone, allow me to grow, and force me to learn myriad things about myself along the way.
Through these experiments, I’ve discovered more than I ever thought possible: learning my limits, testing my habits, stretching my mind, confronting my darkness.
The point of these experiments is not to limit myself, though—at least not in the long term. Minimalism has never been about deprivation. Rather, I limit myself in the short term so I can learn about myself, learn about my psyche, and ultimately identify what is meaningful in my life.
Often these changes stick, becoming empowering habits that make my life more meaningful; other times, I gain a deeper understanding of myself even though I discontinue the experiment.
My past experiments include…
Getting rid of Internet at home
Getting rid of my phone for two months
Living with no goals
Killing time
Exercising eighteen minutes per day
Clearing my plate
Daily happiness updates
Getting rid of 90% of my stuff
Going vegan for a year (q.v. Minimalism)
Intermittent fasting
Waking at 3:30am
Checking my email less than once a day
Living in the moment
Ryan’s packing party
Not buying stuff for a year
Leaving the corporate world
Other experiments I’m considering…
Getting rid of email altogether
No Internet usage for a month
Juice fasting for ten days
Reading a book a week
Publishing one short story each month
How about you—what are you considering? Send me a message on Twitter and let me know.
