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The Minimalists
The Minimalists are Emmy-nominated Netflix stars and New York Times–bestselling authors Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus. Alongside their podcast cohost, T.K. Coleman, this simple-living trio helps millions of people eliminate clutter and live meaningfully with less. Learn More.

Minimalist New Year’s Resolution

Next year [2011] I resolve to purchase no physical items other than consumables (hygiene products and food). That’s right: no new clothes, no new shoes, no new books, no new electronics, no new gadgets, no new stuff.

Why? I want to prove I already have everything I need.

Don’t get me wrong: I will still spend money on experiences—concerts, movies, meals—just not on stuff. Now, I’m not conducting this experiment because I can’t afford to purchase new things; I’m doing it because I’m certain I can do it: I don’t need more stuff to be happy.

This resolution will help me focus my precious time on things more important to me: health, relationships, writing, reading, and other priorities.

If I fail, I will confess my failures—but I don’t intend on failing. Plus, telling the world about my resolution is a public reminder that people are counting on me to resolve. So stay tuned—I’ll link to my updates below.

A year without buying stuff is a long time (and I will certainly buy stuff after this upcoming year); thus, I realize this type of resolution is not for most people, at least not for a full year. But why not a week, a month—a quarter? I’m certain you can do it, too. And there are many other life-changing resolutions available to undertake:

Maybe you want to lose weight.
Maybe you want to get rid of your television.
Maybe you want to travel, get in better shape, and create more.
Maybe you want to quit your job.
Or maybe you’d rather start a revolution than have a resolution.

So, what do you want to do next year?

Updates

January 2011
February 2011
March 2011
April 2011
Final Update