I conduct countless experiments. Not those bunny-rabbit-in-a-cage kind of experiments, but real-life tests of self. These experiments 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 darkest emotions.
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 in my life, they become 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
- Getting rid of Internet at home
- Getting rid of my phone for two months
- Living with No Goals
- Killing time
- Exercising 18 minutes per day
- Clearing my plate
- Daily happiness updates
- Getting rid of 90% of my stuff
- Going vegan for a year (I wrote about this in Live a Meaningful Life)
- 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 10 days (Ryan just did this)
- Reading a book a week (N.B. I’m a slow reader)
- Publishing one or two short stories a month
- TBD
How about you—what are you considering? Send me a message on Twitter and let me know.
