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The Minimalists The Minimalists
Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus help over 20 million people live meaningful lives with less through their website, books, podcast, and documentary. The Minimalists have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Forbes, TIME, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, BBC, and NPR.

The Minimalists Podcast

Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus discuss living a meaningful life with less. With more than 40 million downloads and 5,000 listener reviews, The Minimalists Podcast is often the #1 Health podcast on Apple Podcasts, and it occasionally charts in the Top 10 of all shows.

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Episodes

In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about baggage, boundaries, and letting go of the past, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I remove the emotional baggage of a past relationship?
  • Is it selfish to share my emotional baggage with my partner?
  • How do I ensure I’m not unwittingly creating emotional baggage for others?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Some of the worst experiences in my life are some of the best experiences in my life.”
  • “Sharing our pain with our partner is a hallmark of love, but we mustn’t batter our loved ones with our suffering.”
  • “Baggage weighs us down only when we refuse to set it down.”
  • “Before we let go, we must first loosen our grip.”
  • “Even the best excuse is still an excuse.”
  • “It’s hard to stay a victim when we go out of our way to contribute beyond ourselves in a meaningful way.”
  • “If I’m living just for myself, then I’m not really living at all.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#168
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about their personal collections, and they answer the following questions:

  • What should I do with items that are no longer useful but might have value as decorations or collectibles?
  • Is it better to store or display collectibles?
  • What should I do with collectibles that bring me joy that I’m too embarrassed to display?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Collectibles are best collected in a museum.”
  • “Understanding the ‘why’ of your collecting will help you hold on tighter or let go faster.”
  • “If you’re embarrassed by your things, you must let go of them or the embarrassment.”
  • “Guilt speaks to your actions; shame speaks to your character.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#167
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are joined by Diane Capaldi to talk about hope, despair, joy, and regret, and they answer the following questions:

  • What should I do if I still feel little hope toward transitioning into a minimalist lifestyle after decluttering?
  • How do I maintain the hope of living a meaningful life if my loved ones don’t support me?
  • Isn’t hope simply a form of craving that a minimalist should seek to overcome?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Hope is a loosely held expectation without a specific destination.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “A comfortable life is not remotely a virtuous pursuit.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Hope is a power stance—craving is not.” —V
  • “Minimalism doesn’t eliminate desire; minimalism helps us to be less impulsive in an impulsive world.” —Ryan Nicodemus

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#166
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are joined by James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, to talk about creating new, empowering habits, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I select and develop the habits to foster my passions?
  • How do I determine where to start with new habits when I’m overwhelmed by the options?
  • How do I break the habit of never saying “no”?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Subtraction is greater than addition.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Start small with a new habit even if you start with a small failure.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Whenever you say ‘yes’ to something unimportant, you’re saying ‘no’ to something important.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “‘Yes’ is a form of time debt; ‘no’ is a form of time option.” —James Clear
  • “‘No’ is a decision; ‘yes’ is a responsibility.” —James Clear
  • “Say ‘yes’ until you have to say ‘no,’ and then say ‘no’ until you have to say ‘yes.’” —Joshua Fields Millburn

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#165
In this special year-end episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan reminisce about their favorite memories of 2018, and they answer the following questions:

  • When should I stop pursuing a relationship?
  • Is it still a hobby if I make money from it?
  • What are a minimalist’s views on religion?
  • Did your absence from social media make you realize it made your life more meaningful, or did it make you realize it’s just a modern platform to advertise?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “A parable speaks to the heart; a command speaks to the mind.” —Peter Rollins
  • “If the outcome is income, then it’s clearly not a hobby.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Forcing yourself to make money from a hobby is a great way to kill your love for that hobby.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “A paintbrush can create a masterpiece. A paintbrush can destroy a masterpiece. An idle paintbrush, however, does nothing at all.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “A silent monk sitting in a temple converts absolutely no one.” —Ryan Nicodemus

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#164
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are joined by Jordan Harbinger to talk about what it takes to start a successful small business, and they answer the following questions:

  • When is it acceptable to take on debt to expand my business?
  • How do I run a minimalist business and still earn a living wage?
  • How do I establish a work-life balance when starting a business?
  • How do I overcome the fear of failure to migrate from corporate cog to owner-operator?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Don’t confuse hustle with productivity, creativity, or quality.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Say ‘yes’ until you have to say ‘no,’ and then say ‘no’ until you have to say ‘yes.’” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Short-sighted entrepreneurs focus on hustling over adding value.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Job security is a misnomer when your security is in someone else’s hands.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Keep your day job until you’re the only one that’s stopping you from scaling on your side hustle.” —Jordan Harbinger
  • “Betting on an employer instead of yourself is playing the odds for disappointment.” —Ryan Nicodemus

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#163
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss upgrading your phone, clothes, technology, housing, appliances, and anything else you might consider upgrading, and they answer the following questions:

  • Under what circumstances can I justify an upgrade?
  • How do I resist the urge to upgrade to the ‘latest and greatest’?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Every upgrade is also a downgrade.”
  • “Upgrades that place you in debt downgrade your quality of life.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#162
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss our culture’s addiction to stuff, shopping, drugs, alcohol, outrage, drama, success, and achievement, and they answer the following questions:

  • When should I stop trying to save those individuals that refuse to save themselves?
  • How do I break my addiction to the status quo?
  • How do I break my addiction to success?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Some cultures consider competition to be a mental illness.”
  • “Worry more about impressing yourself than impressing others.”
  • “We fail when our definition of ‘success’ is ‘excess.’”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#161
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss re-evaluating our lives so we can make the changes we need to make, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I effect positive change in a friendship?
  • How do I ensure there’s adequate support in place to make a significant personal or professional change sustainable?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Debt-free is the new pay raise.”
  • “It’s okay to sacrifice your comfort as long as you’re not sacrificing your values.”
  • “A comfortable life is not a meaningful life.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#160
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the holiday shopping season, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I explain to my young child the importance of gifting things of value?
  • What should minimalists gift their loved ones?
  • How do I convince family members to gift my children valuable experiences instead of material items?
  • How do I resolve the conflicts between my duties as a marketer and my values as a minimalist?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “If gift-giving is considered a love language, then Pig Latin is a Romance language.”
  • “Traditions are birthed out of today’s actions.”
  • “Discontent is birthed at the place where our values don’t align with our actions.”
  • “Money over values is a failed equation.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#159
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan chat with Randi Kay about self-care, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I move on from the darkness of my past to become the person I want to become?
  • How important is foot care to overall health?
  • How do I practice self-care without feeling selfish?
  • How do I balance caring for myself with caring for others?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Act as if your future self is watching.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Self-care is taking care of the best version of yourself.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Self-care and selfish reside on opposite sides of our values.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Self-care is a daily brushing of the mind, body, and soul.” —Randi Kay
  • “To give your best to others you must first give your best to yourself.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “A life without boundaries is the most bound life.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “If giving doesn’t fill you up inside, then it isn’t truly giving.” —Randi Kay

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#158
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about reducing excess stuff, including some of the things that might add value to your life, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I appropriately address the frustration I experience when I lose any of the few things I truly value?
  • How do I determine if any family items are heirlooms to be saved for future generations?
  • Should I minimize gradually or quickly?
  • How do I minimize dispassionately?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Letting go is instantaneous; letting go takes forever.”
  • “Physical attachments to material items are non-transferrable.”
  • “Letting go of our stuff hurts us only when we conflate material with meaning.”
  • “If news is always breaking, then it’s broken.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#157
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about fear, depression, success, judgment, and gift-giving, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I explain my mental health issues to my new partner?
  • How do I address gift-giving with loved ones that insist on giving gifts and question my judgment for not wanting them?
  • How do I conquer the fear of criticism that is holding me back from sharing my creative work with the world?
  • How do I overcome decision fatigue and choose a career?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Confidence is a way to kill fear.”
  • “Missing out is letting go in advance.”
  • “Criticism highlights the problem, while feedback actually highlights the solution.”
  • “It’s better to have done something badly than to not have done anything at all.”
  • “It’s not worth creating if everyone likes it.”
  • “Create to create—not to reach an objective.”
  • “Don’t let perfection be the enemy of creation.”
  • “Binary thinking produces gray-scale rainbows.”
  • “There are many paths in life; if you choose one that aligns with your values and beliefs, you can’t go wrong.”
  • “If you want to overcome fear, get lost a little bit.”
  • “Judgment is but a mirror that reflects the insecurities of the person that’s doing the judging.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#156
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan sit down with Peter Rollins, producer of Making Love, to discuss why people struggle with love, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I appropriately enrich a relationship?
  • When should I stop pursuing a relationship?
  • How do I best love myself?
  • How do I determine if a love is good or bad?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “We desire the desire of the ones we desire.” —Peter Rollins
  • “None of us gets what we want, but you can not get what you want in different ways.” —Phil Harrison
  • “Embrace the healthy tension.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Recognizing our past helps us best free ourselves from it.” —Peter Rollins
  • “Internal clutter gets in the way of love; thus, to love ourselves, we must let go of that which is in the way: emotional clutter, psychological clutter, spiritual clutter, mental clutter, existential clutter.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “The more your short-term actions align with your long-term values, the more love and respect you’ll have for yourself.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Find the space where you’re accepted and gradually you’ll accept yourself.” —Peter Rollins
  • “Don’t let others’ opinions make you think less of yourself—get those people out of your life.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Hate often masquerades as love, so tread lightly and with intention.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “If you really want to test your love, ask yourself whether you would start the relationship over again.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Does your love seek to fill the lack and to get rid of the struggle in your life, or does your love animate and help you enjoy the lack and the struggle in your life?” —Peter Rollins

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#155
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer a bunch of questions about minimalism, including:

  • Which revenue stream should I focus my energy on to ensure my company is profitable?
  • What project are you focused on to complete within the next year?
  • Should I spend more money for an apartment with an extra room for a home office?
  • How does having a child change one’s minimalist practices?
  • How do I find happiness when I’m stressed?
  • What can I do to minimize more quickly?
  • How do you consistently deliver practical and valuable advice?
  • How do I learn to push through discomfort?
  • Why do you do what you do?
  • How do I create a company while remaining true to my minimalist values?
  • How do I stay true to my minimalist values through a significant financial windfall?
  • Do minimalist practices remain consistent throughout the world?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Creating is creating, regardless of your location.”
  • “Happiness is ephemeral, and if you’re always chasing ephemeral things, then you’re always going to feel the pang of discontent.”
  • “Help people solve problems and the money will follow.”
  • “Money may be a passenger in the vehicle, but it’s never allowed in the driver’s seat.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#154
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about spouses, significant others, partners, boyfriends, girlfriends, and lovers, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do my partner and I create a mutually agreeable budget?
  • How do I live as a minimalist without my spouse’s support?
  • How do I purge my spouse’s excess stuff without upsetting them?
  • How do I determine between an ideal relationship and a simply comfortable relationship?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Trashing someone else’s stuff isn’t letting go—it’s theft.”
  • “The best way to ruin a relationship is to try to control the other person in the relationship.”
  • “Easy relationships atrophy; simple relationships grow.”
  • “If a relationship is missing support or respect, it’s guaranteed to be pernicious.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#153
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan sit down with Rachel Cruze, author of Love Your Life, Not Theirs, to discuss managing finances, eliminating debt, and avoiding the comparison trap, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I determine the appropriate amount of money to save when my income fluctuates throughout the year?
  • How do I explain minimalism to non-minimalists?
  • How do my partner and I decide who is responsible for each financial obligation in our household?
  • How do I maintain a balance between taking care of debt too much and not enough?
  • How do I keep myself motivated to keep paying off my debt when it feels overwhelming?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “It’s okay to have some nice stuff, just don’t let your nice stuff have you.” —Dave Ramsey
  • “Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things, so we can make room for life’s most important things—which, actually, aren’t things at all.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “The more you’re willing to sacrifice, the quicker you will get out of debt.” —Rachel Cruze
  • “Without any boundaries, you’ll find you get nowhere.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “You have to stop doing what you’re doing to do something different.” —Rachel Cruze
  • “If you want to get out of debt, then you must accept that it’s not easy, that it takes a lot of hard work, and that it requires a plan.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Sometimes the best thing to do is simply turn around.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#152
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about donating, selling, recycling, reusing, and trashing their excess stuff, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I determine what items I should donate and what items I should sell?
  • Will friends appreciate me gifting them my unwanted belongings, or will they be offended?
  • What should I do with items that are missing pieces, e.g., board games, rather than just throwing them away?
  • How do I determine what is the best use of my time and energy between recycling, selling, and trashing?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “The best way to declutter is to avoid new clutter before it enters your home.”
  • “Holding on to something incomplete will make you feel exactly that—incomplete.”
  • “You will be more complete without the incomplete objects in your life.”
  • “When getting rid of old possessions, sell whenever it makes sense. If you can’t sell in seven days, donate immediately. If you can’t donate, recycle. If you can’t recycle, trash it.”
  • “There’s an official rulebook for minimalism—and you’re the author of your own book.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#151
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about how the city in which you live affects the rest of your life, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I decide where it’s best for me to reside?
  • How will I know when I’ve simplified enough?
  • How do I choose a more affordable location for my family without sacrificing neighborhood amenities?
  • Why are some areas of the world happier than others?
  • How important are transportation options when considering places to live?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “People don’t hate change—they hate being changed.”
  • “Don’t simply run away from something—ensure you’re also running toward something else.”
  • “Don’t mistake others’ happiness for your own.”
  • “The more we contribute to our community, the happier we make our community.”
  • “To get where you’re going, you must have a way to get there.”
  • “The vehicle we regularly use isn’t nearly as important as sticking to our budget.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#150
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan sit down with Dr. Christopher Ryan, author of Sex at Dawn, to discuss sex, couples, and nontraditional relationships, and they answer the following questions:

  • If I consider the physical characteristics I find attractive when choosing a partner, am I being intentional or shallow?
  • Should I save my sexual accoutrements for the possibility of a future relationship?
  • Is building a strong emotional base crucial for a healthy sex life?
  • How should I respond to criticisms regarding the traditional life choices of my partner and me, e.g., waiting until marriage to live together and have sex?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Looks do matter in terms of attraction; but, in terms of long-term compatibility, values matter more.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Figure out your non-negotiables, and then don’t negotiate.” —Dr. Christopher Ryan
  • “A strong emotional base is crucial for all relationships.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Unquestionably, instability is the birthplace of chaos.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “A healthy sex life is different for everyone; so, in my experience, great sex happens when it’s consensual and all parties’ preferences are respected and supported.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “No response is often the most appropriate response.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “People who challenge your values and beliefs are not entitled to a response.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Extended travel with a partner is one of the best methods for testing compatibility.” —Dr. Christopher Ryan
  • “We must be content with what we currently have in order to appreciate something better.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#149
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan sit down with Nate Green to discuss how he’s moving forward after exiting a ten-year relationship, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I move on from a relationship but still remain friends with my former partner?
  • How do I rid myself of the remnants of a relationship that ended badly?
  • How do I forgive myself for a breakup that was my fault?
  • How do minimalists best divide up their collective items during a breakup?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “A well-curated exterior is an indication of a well-curated interior.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “The advice you most often give is the advice you need to take.” —Nate Green
  • “I try to only speak when I have something more valuable to say than silence.” —Michael DeSanti
  • “Before you can forgive you must understand who you are forgiving and who the forgiving is actually for.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “The best way to forgive yourself is to consistently be honest and freely forgive no matter how uncomfortable it is.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Even if you can’t make amends to the person that you feel that you’ve wronged, you can start living differently right now.” —Nate Green
  • “The view in the rearview mirror is not the horizon.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “You must be willing to let go of anything to regain everything.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “If you can’t handle the shit you’re buried in, hire a professional shit cleaner.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “The important things are rarely actual things.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “If you let life keep on lifing, it’ll just take care of itself.” —Nate Green

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#148
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan sit down with Chris Hogan, author of Retire Inspired, to discuss financial freedom, getting out of debt, and retirement planning, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I retire and still ensure I can leave a legacy?
  • How do I take on mid-life responsibilities and obligations—marriage, children, mortgage—while still appropriately saving for retirement?
  • Which is the better retirement investment between a 401K and a Roth IRA?
  • How do I ignore the judgement of loved ones and fully pursue my passions?
  • Is a house an asset or a liability?
  • Is it possible to overdo Dave Ramsey’s baby steps related to investing and paying off a mortgage?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Don’t use your retirement to fund your emergency.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “How miserable are you willing to be to impress the people around you?” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Other people’s expectations are just that—other people’s expectations.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Opinions are just like yesterdays: everybody has them.” —Chris Hogan
  • “Renting is simply paying for the freedom to walk away.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “You can’t afford a house unless you can afford to put down 20% on a 10-15-year mortgage.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Renting is not throwing away money: you’re paying for extra time so you can purchase a home the right way.” —Chris Hogan
  • “I will never go into debt to own the thing that takes me to work just so I can pay for the thing that takes me to work.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#147
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about the difference between curating and collecting, and they answer the following questions:

  • Are museum collections considered intentional curations?
  • Shouldn’t I save items I acquired on vacation that are exclusive to the areas I visited?
  • Shouldn’t I save items that improve with age?
  • How can I best curate a collection of items that are meaningful to me?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Curators create space; collectors just fill space.”
  • “Without curators, anyone can put up ‘art’ in a museum.”
  • “As the seasons pass, some things get better with age and some things rot—it’s critical to recognize the difference.”
  • “Excuses to collect are plentiful—focus instead on curating a meaningful life.”
  • “Even the best excuse is still an excuse.”
  • “Be proud of your creations instead of your possessions.”
  • “Our objects possess no meaning except the meaning we thrust upon them.”
  • “Curation is the deliberate collection of that which adds value to our lives.”
  • “Collecting is an impulse, but curation is a skill; and, when developing any skill, you need practice, and, sometimes, a mentor as well.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#146
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about their personal challenges, and they answer the following questions:

  • What aspects of minimalism have you found particularly challenging, and how have you overcome those challenges?
  • How do I return to challenging myself in my discomfort zone after an extended period of time spent in my comfort zone?
  • Is procrastination always bad?
  • How do I best manage a relationship with a loved one that collects stuff?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Don’t let your amateur crastination turn pro.”
  • “A planned respite isn’t procrastination anymore than a planned car crash is an accident.”
  • “One can differentiate taking a break from procrastination by considering the guilt they feel during downtime.”
  • “Find your breaking point before you are broken.”
  • “You can be in a relationship with a brick wall if you love and accept it enough, but the question to ask is this: How do our relationships align with a meaningful life?”
  • “You can fix broken things even if you’re missing pieces.”
  • “People don’t hate change—they hate being changed.”
  • “Meaningful tasks rarely reside on our to-do list.”
  • “Creation leads to contentment.”
  • “Hurting is not growing.”
  • “You’ll know you’ve found your passion when it’s something you’re willing to bust your ass for.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#145
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer an assortment of difficult questions about simple living, including:

  • How do you define simple living?
  • How do I incorporate simple eating practices into my simple living practices?
  • How do I maintain my minimalist lifestyle with a non-minimalist roommate?
  • What one thing can I do immediately that will have the most significant impact on my adoption of a minimalist lifestyle?
  • How do I find a balance between “living my present” and “worrying about my future”?
  • How do I break the strong attachment to my stuff?
  • How do I maintain my minimalist lifestyle among those in my social circle obsessed with material goods and money?
  • How do I reduce my family’s entertainment expenses while still keeping my children happy?
  • How do I make my home cozy without “unnecessary” things?
  • How do I craft a simple life with the little personal time I have as a constantly hustling freelance entrepreneur?
  • What are your thoughts on the tiny house movement?
  • How do I make simple living fun for my family?
  • How do I become a minimalist as a teenager?
  • What cultures offer exemplary examples of simple living?
  • How do I maintain simple living practices without the fear of missing out?
  • Will living a simple life lead to living a bland life?
  • How do I slow down to enjoy life when everyone around me is so busy?
  • How do I live a simple life while balancing my responsibilities related to work, school, and family?
  • How can I make housecleaning a simpler process?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Minimalism is the thing that gets us past the things, so we can focus on life’s most important things—which, actually, aren’t things at all.”
  • “Sometimes we must slow down to avoid going too far.”
  • “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • “Strive to live the life your future self will be proud of.”
  • “Our beliefs must be anchored in our values.”
  • “A schedule will help you plan your future so you don’t worry about it.”
  • “Start with the easiest things so you gain momentum and confidence to tackle the most difficult things later.”
  • “Don’t bring stuff into your life that you know you’ll become attached to.”
  • “Minimalism isn’t easy—but it is simple.”
  • “As the chaos grows, so does the need to simplify.”
  • “In order to stay focused with a full plate, we must learn the art of saying ‘no’.”
  • “The fewer things we own, the fewer things we must clean.”
  • “Cleaning is easier for minimalists.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#144
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan sit down with Anthony ONeal, author of 5 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make in College, to discuss school debt, consumer debt, scholarships, credit scores, and credit cards, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I strike a balance between paying off my student loan debt and building my dreams?
  • How can I attend college with no money?
  • How do I justify buying things of value when I’m in debt?
  • How do I pay off my significant student loan debt with my modest income?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Simple isn’t necessarily easy.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Don’t talk about money problems until you create a budget.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Content people don’t have the best of things, but they make the best of things.” —Anthony ONeal
  • “It’s not how any of us starts—it’s how any of us finishes.” —Anthony ONeal
  • “Go for the layup shots that are almost always guaranteed instead of always risking it for the three-point shots that aren’t guaranteed.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Spending four years of careless spending will force you into eight years of careful budgeting.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “I’m not against money—I’m against money problems.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “You can’t spend your way out of debt.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “It didn’t take you a day to get into debt, and it’s not going to take you a day to get out of debt.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#143
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss anxiety, worry, and stress, and how they personally deal with these negative emotions, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I reduce my priorities to reduce my anxiety?
  • How do I minimize my worry and indecisiveness to minimize my anxiety?
  • Will simply letting go of stuff help me shed my anxiety?
  • How do I rid myself of the physical feelings of anxiety?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “If you go searching for anxiety, you will find it.”
  • “Busy does not mix with anxiety.”
  • “When we tell others we’re ‘busy,’ we’re telling them our lives are out of control.”
  • “The easiest things are usually the least meaningful things.”
  • “Our material possessions are a physical manifestation of our mental state.”
  • “The more we detach from things that don’t add value to our lives, the calmer, the freer, and the lighter we feel.”
  • “Follow your fear to find the root of your anxiety.”
  • “Oxygen is anxiety’s enemy.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#142
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the best ways to explain minimalism to your parents and other relatives, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I address my parents’ toxic, wholly unsupportive relationship with me, and how do I forgive them for it?
  • How do I help my loved ones better understand my lifestyle choices so they simply accept me?
  • What do I do when my parents ask me to clear their clutter for them, but they won’t let go of anything?
  • How do I help my aging parents understand that many of the possessions they want to pass along to loved ones have little intrinsic or extrinsic value?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Family is not determined simply by bloodlines.”
  • “Sometimes the best way to love someone is from a distance.”
  • “My expectations shape my mood.”
  • “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • “You can’t care for others until you first care for yourself.”
  • “No matter how close to perfect you believe to be, you will always be judged.”
  • “Doing is often the opposite of helping.”
  • “Helping is helpful, unless the people you’re helping don’t want help.”
  • “In helping a drowning person you may drown yourself.”
  • “Patience is paramount.”
  • “You don’t have to be mean to be honest.”
  • “Most gift horses have tooth decay.”
  • “You can’t fix a problem until you see the problem.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#141
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss tips for buying things intentionally, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I stop myself from compulsively consuming?
  • When you must consume, what brands do you trust?
  • How do I manage my professional responsibilities and obligations to make more time for my personal pursuits?
  • Should I spend more money on better products, or should I save money purchasing less inexpensive products that might be less durable?
  • What criteria do you ensure a product meets before you purchase it?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Not buying something is your future self letting go of that thing in advance.”
  • “Don’t relegate the responsibility of your consumer purchases to the companies—take that responsibility solely upon yourself.”
  • “More isn’t better; only better is better.”
  • “Forsaking your budget is far more harmful to you than forsaking quality.”
  • “If it doesn’t fit, you must deep-six.”
  • “A few things to consider before making a purchase: budget, occupied space, and hidden costs.”
  • “The ability to not act on every impulse is what makes us better human beings.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#140
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss ownership of things versus access to things with Ryan Delk from Omni, and they answer the following questions:

  • Is ownership simply a matter of satisfying one’s ego?
  • Is it always better to rent something instead of buying it?
  • Should I invest in things I use frequently instead of minimizing everything?
  • How do I determine what I must own compared to what I can have access to?
  • How do I enjoy the benefits of streaming services without the stress of the expense and the constant notifications?
  • Where do I draw the line between ownership and access regarding items that adapt and evolve as I use them, such as musical instruments?
  • Why does our culture place such an emphasis on ownership?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Things don’t have a personality, but they can augment your personality.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.” —Mark Twain

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#139
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua brings his doctors from NBT onto the podcast to discuss his personal health problems, including fatigue, hormonal imbalance, insomnia, digestive issues, gut health, back pain, multiple chemical sensitivities, brain fog, low libido, erectile dysfunction, heavy-metal poisoning, and more, and they answer the following questions:

  • Is there a link between excess material possessions and an increase in mental health issues?
  • What’s the best way to support someone who is dealing with a serious health problem?
  • How do I take responsibility for my health without obsessing over it?
  • How do I safely recover from burnout?
  • Why do we seem to have more health problems today than we ever had in the past?
  • How do I best deal with chronic fatigue syndrome?
  • Can I safely detox from heavy metals on my own?
  • What are your thoughts on the low-carb, ketogenic, and Whole30 diets?
  • How necessary are most supplements?
  • How do I attain and maintain good gut health?
  • What are the symptoms of Candida overgrowth, and what natural remedies will eliminate it?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Excess is a sign of instability.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “The road to support is paved with understanding.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Obsession is helpful until it’s no longer useful.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “If you give up worry, there’s nothing to worry about.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Fix the things you can fix and you’re willing to fix, and then don’t worry about it.” —Dr. Tommy Wood
  • “Extinguish the fire before rebuilding your home.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Even LeBron James has shown he can’t win alone.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#138
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan chat with T.K. Coleman about goals, direction, standards, and expectations, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I determine what’s most important to me so I can shape my professional and personal goals around it?
  • How do I pursue my interests and simultaneously purge my guilt for not attending college?
  • What can I use to motivate me to take action on challenging pursuits that interest me?
  • How do I find the right direction when I realize I’m going the wrong way?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Prioritize discovery over dogma.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Don’t confuse your excitement with your passion.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Following your passion means pursuing what you believe in past the point of all obstacles.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “If it’s always exciting it’s probably an indicator it’s too comfortable—obstacles create the discomfort we need to grow.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Instead of having a goal have a direction in which you want to travel.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “There is no piece of insight—no matter who it comes from or how awesome it is—that isn’t fully capable of destroying your life if you don’t combine it with critical thinking and creativity.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Find people you want to emulate.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “The more we pursue meaning, the more things will fall into place.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Passion is one half love and one half obsession.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Obsession is about going deep on something for long, sustained periods of time.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Perspiration trumps aspiration.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “An idea is worth nothing without taking immediate action.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “If you’re passionate about something, and you can’t motivate yourself to take that first step, then your first step is probably too big.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “You won’t see the sunrise if you’re facing westward.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “It’s wise to stop to get a lay of the land before you change course.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Giving something up that isn’t good for you is not without its reward.” —T.K. Coleman

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#137
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about letting go of sentimental items, souvenirs, trinkets, keepsakes, and mementos, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I manage the multitude of emotions prompted by my minimalism journey?
  • What options are available for writing journals if I don’t want the clutter of physical journals and I don’t want to write on a computer?
  • Should I save anything with the consideration of what my children might like to own?
  • How do I find the leverage to part with the few things that remind me of my recently deceased loved one?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Frequency doesn’t equal friendship.”
  • “Any storage unit either of us ever had was a burden.”
  • “Too few is greater than too much.”
  • “When it comes to saving precious heirlooms for children, avoid the guessing game by asking them what they want.”
  • “If you wait until you’re completely ready, you may never let go of anything.”
  • “What’s the cost of not letting go?”
  • “Our memories aren’t in our things—our memories are inside us.”
  • “Create boundaries or you’ll hold on to everything.”
  • “More gain, more pain.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#136
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about friends, partners, coworkers, acquaintances, and other types of relationships, and they answer the following questions:

  • When you adopted minimalism, did you struggle to find people who shared your newfound values and beliefs?
  • How do I minimize my friends to the few that actually add value to my life without offending anyone?
  • What’s the value of having acquaintances who are responsible with their money?
  • How can I turn valued acquaintances into cherished friends?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Responsibility is contagious.”
  • “Your friends reflect you, and you reflect them.”
  • “You get more when you give more.”
  • “The more values and beliefs two people share, the more fruitful the relationship.”
  • “Acknowledge small losses now so you’re not forced to address huge losses later.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#135
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about setting intentions, differentiating essentials from nonessentials, developing a plan to leave the corporate world, and the difference between “good intentions” and intentionality, and they answer the following questions:

  • Do you recommend that everyone leave their corporate jobs?
  • How do I minimize my consumption of a plethora of unnecessary physical consumables?
  • How do I remind myself during my daily routine of the intentions I set for myself?
  • How do I maintain my composure with seemingly good-intentioned people who insist on contributing their unsolicited advice at every opportunity?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “We were born to choose our path; we weren’t born onto any specific path.”
  • “Help people solve problems and the money will follow.”
  • “Treats are no longer treats when they become routine.”
  • “Knowing the ‘why’ behind the ‘what’ makes the ‘how’ significantly more manageable.”
  • “If we do less, we can be more.”
  • “Intentions are different from intentionality: setting intentions without committing to action is like buying a Thighmaster just so you can store it in your closet.”
  • “Good intentions often lack intentionality.”
  • “Confidence is key when navigating through people’s judgements: an intentional life is a path to confidence.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#134
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the upside of constraints, the freedom of limitations, and the flexibility of nonstandard lifestyles, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I acclimate myself to letting go when I’ve been encouraged so strongly for so long to save everything?
  • How can I embrace a minimalist lifestyle despite my current maximalist obligations and responsibilities?
  • What constraints have you implemented in your life to help you become a better minimalist?
  • How can I determine what constraints are in my best interest?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Minimalism is a life of well-curated constraints.”
  • “Every impulse that arises is a potential pothole on the road to a meaningful life.”
  • “Constraints are useful only when they increase our freedom.”
  • “Continuously avoiding things we dislike stunts our growth.”
  • “If you pad your world, you’re never going to develop the callouses necessary to create something meaningful.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#133
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan chat about experiences, regrets, the adventures of moving to to a new city, and the cost of bad habits, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I avoid getting mired in the materialism of city life when I move there from my rural residence?
  • How can I spend time out and about with my friends without spending an inordinate amount of money?
  • Is it better to follow the tried and tested route based on other peoples’ experiences, or is it better to take risks and enjoy your own experiences?
  • How do I better internalize the lessons from the good and bad experiences of my past?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Live your life for you and you can be communicative, you can express yourself, without having to impress others.”
  • “Do what others do unless you have a good reason not to.”
  • “Learning from others’ mistakes is a good idea, as is learning from others’ successes, but there’s rarely only one way to do something.”
  • “Learn—then let go.”
  • “If you wouldn’t beat up a loved one for their past mistakes, don’t beat yourself up for yours.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#132
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan chat with T.K. Coleman about education, college, and careers, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I move on from my current job when it leaves me little time to pursue an education or even look for a new job?
  • How do I prepare myself adequately for the upcoming challenges of college?
  • How do I determine if I’m following the most appropriate career path for me?
  • How can I avoid work meetings that distract me from meaningful work without upsetting the status quo?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Every princess wants a prince, but so few are willing to kiss the frog to discover him.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “You have to love your life for it to become livable.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “The fastest way to get where you want to be is by appreciating where you are and respecting yourself for what you’re doing.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Don’t just have something you’re running from—make sure you also have something you’re running to.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Making progress is more productive than pursuing perfection.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Experimenting with your curiosity yields far more benefits than finding your passion.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “You must be willing to walk away from anything if it’s no longer serving a purpose in your life.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “You must not only follow your dreams—you must also let your dreams follow you.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Continuously upgrade your dreams to reflect the person that you’re always in the process of becoming.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Sometimes you must tear down the boundaries you set for yourself to avoid rotting in your self-imposed prisons.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “Desire is what you long for; love is what you’re committed to.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “What would you be willing to do if it cost you everything?” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Adult problems are youth problems left unresolved.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Tomorrow’s road to success is paved by all of yesterday’s many small failures.”
  • “People don’t fear failing per se: people fear failing and being alone, failing and being blamed for it.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Be real with yourself about what you want, take ownership of your path, and don’t be a victim about it.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Freedom is not free—freedom is something you have to take.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “You learn more about the ideas you study when you have real world experience to weigh them against.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “You can’t know ‘there’ until you go there.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “The most important part of a plan is taking action.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Abandon the permission-based mindset.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “You learn how to create value by creating value.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Start with the results you want to create, or you’ll pursue a purposeless aim.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Learn out loud—document the journey.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Don’t confuse schooling with education.” —Joshua Fields Millburn
  • “The best person to give you any advice on what’s best for you is you.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “Don’t let others’ expectations dictate your decisions.” —Ryan Nicodemus
  • “The only way to know if something is a better fit for you is to try it on.” —T.K. Coleman
  • “Too often we confuse talking about work with actually performing work.” —Joshua Fields Millburn

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#131
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan brought Rich Roll into the studio to chat about the role food plays in our everyday lives and how to use food as fuel instead of entertainment, and they answered the following questions:

  • How do I maintain a healthy diet while traveling?
  • How do I purchase organic foods and grass-fed meats given my modest budget?
  • How do I determine what is trendy from what is actually beneficial for me?
  • Is there a relationship between nutrition and mental health?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “That which is real often isn’t trendy, and that which is trendy often isn’t real.”
  • “Eat real food, close to its natural state.”
  • “Trendy and beneficial aren’t always opposites; the question to ask is: How is trendy going to serve your life?”
  • “Our brains and our bodies are not standing in separate rooms.”
  • “Food addiction can be as hard to overcome as drug addiction.”
  • “If you fuel your body, you fuel your brain; if you abuse your body, you abuse your brain.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#130
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about new beginnings, starting over, creating new habits, walking away from bad situations, health problems, and losing weight, and they answer the following questions:

  • What items should I keep, sell, donate, or recycle before I move to a new residence?
  • How can minimalism help me adopt an appropriate diet?
  • How do I build the confidence necessary to undertake a new beginning in my life?
  • How do I overcome the fear of stepping outside my comfort zone to start a new career?

Listen

Apple Podcasts · Spotify · Google Play · YouTube

Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “The good life is birthed from great habits.”
  • “Routines are ‘shoulds’; habits are ‘musts.’”
  • “You will become what you focus on.”
  • “Apologizing to yourself for your past is an effective way to accept and let go.”
  • “Starting over requires forgiving yourself and moving forward in a way that aligns with your values and beliefs.”
  • “Change isn’t impossible—it’s incremental.”
  • “We needn’t let go of everything to move on.”
  • “A life of surplus comfort isn’t a life well-lived.”
  • “Comfort is the place in which we grow and learn the least.”
  • “We learn from what we’ve learned.”
  • “You must live on the edge of your comfort zone to grow, to learn—to become a new and better version of yourself.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#129
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about resetting, taking breaks, prioritizing, healing, and finding time to recover, and they answer the following questions:

  • What role can minimalism play in healing?
  • How can I get the alone time I need between a full schedule and a full house?
  • How do I prioritize tasks that are important but not urgent?
  • How can a minimalist stay a minimalist when they live in a non-minimalist environment?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Enough is never enough when we have the wrong mindset.”
  • “What’s urgent usually isn’t what’s important.”
  • “To make your habits a priority, make your habits both important and urgent.”
  • “When it comes to prioritizing, calendar is the ally and procrastination is the enemy.”
  • “Even a great excuse is still an excuse.”
  • “A person who blames others for their discontentment will always rely on others for their contentment.”
  • “If you wait around for everyone else to become a minimalist before you become a minimalist, you will never yourself become a minimalist.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#128
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan chat with Derek Sivers about simplicity, complexity, parenting, creativity, and saying “no” to almost everything, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I prioritize the most important things in my life once I’ve eliminated the clutter?
  • How do I say ‘no’ to gifts and donations from my loved ones for my newborn without looking like an unappreciative jerk?
  • How do I stay present with my loved ones when there are so many pressing demands on my time from my professional life?
  • How do I ensure I stay committed to my minimalism journey?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Common sense ain’t so common.”
  • “To take back control of our lives we must practice saying ‘no’ more frequently so we can say ‘yes’ to what’s truly important.”
  • “If all you’re doing is aspiring, then you’ll end up with aspiration all over the place.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#127
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about some of their favorite high-quality items, and they discuss finding a balance between quality and quantity. They also answer the following questions:

  • How do I transition to buying quality over quantity?
  • What brands of products and services do you recommend to other minimalists?
  • What’s the best approach to fight that programmed obsolescence that is engineered by big companies?
  • What is your definition of quality?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Most items are obsolete before we buy them.”
  • “There’s always going to be a better version around the corner. And around that corner. And around that corner. Stop worrying about the better version of a material possession and focus on being a better version of yourself—one doesn’t need to buy anything to do that.”
  • “Raising one’s standards increases the quality of one’s life.”
  • “Quality is perspectival.”
  • “Quality increases with necessary effort.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#126
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about Easter, corporatism, and letting go, and they answer the following questions:

  • How can I tactfully let loved ones know I don’t want any Easter gifts for my family?
  • Do you believe you still would have adopted minimalism if it hadn’t been for those tragic events in your life years ago?
  • How do I help my loved ones stay motivated to maintain minimalist practices?
  • How can minimalism better address corporatism and its burgeoning waste?
  • What are some prime examples of products and services that fraudulently market themselves as minimalist or essentialist?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Instead of saying ‘no,’ tell them what you’re saying ‘yes’ to.”
  • “There are five transformative words to use whenever you’re asking something of others: ‘Would you be willing to…?’”
  • “It doesn’t take a car crash to become a safer driver, but sometimes that’s what it takes to wake us up.”
  • “Common sense ain’t so common these days.”
  • “Ask yourself, ‘How might my life be better with less?’”
  • “Alone we can’t be the change—we can only be the voice. But everyone we touch can be an echo of that voice.”
  • “Capitalism is awesome. Crony capitalism, however, is ruining our environment and depleting our resources.”
  • “If minimalism is a product, then I ain’t buying it.”
  • “If minimalism is about nothing more than counting your stuff, then I lost from the start.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#125
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan chat with Rob Bell and Andrew Morgan about religion, spirituality, and their new documentary, The Heretic, and together they answer the following questions:

  • What are a minimalist’s views on religion?
  • What resources do you recommend for those interested in incorporating spirituality into their minimalist practices?
  • Was it painful when the church turned its back on you, and, if so, how did you move past the pain?
  • Do you accept the title of ‘heretic’ like a badge, or do you simply shake it off?
  • Do we actually choose our beliefs, or are they a result of an unconscious process?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “If you’re going to go in, go in all the way.”
  • “It’s easier to give birth than to raise the dead.”
  • “Calling is overrated; curiosity is underrated.”
  • “And then what?”
  • “We must walk away to move on.”
  • “You don’t need clergy to confirm you’re excelling in life.”
  • “Your beliefs are a path to your values.”
  • “As a human being, you’re a vitamix of nature and nurture, of impulse and instinct—so, a practice, a religion, can be incredibly helpful to give you a path to transform your heart to take part in the healing of the world.”
  • “We may not get to choose our beliefs, but we do get to choose how close we hold them.”
  • “How you hold a belief is equally important as the belief itself.”
  • “Don’t insist on being right in a wrong way.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#124
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about creativity, writing, music, and hobbies with Paul Johnson of Canyon City, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I reconcile my minimalist values and beliefs with all of the items that are necessary for my hobby?
  • How can I ensure my work space only contains those tools that are absolutely essential?
  • Is it still a hobby if I make money from it?
  • Are hobbies essential for a happy mind?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “It is impossible to have the peaks without the valleys.”
  • “Constraints breed creativity.”
  • “Always leave room to exhale after each inhale.”
  • “Don’t write stories in lieu of living them.”
  • “Creativity is portable.”
  • “Having Jimi Hendrix’s guitar does not make you Jimi Hendrix.”
  • “If the outcome is income, it’s not a hobby.”
  • “Forcing yourself to make money from a hobby is a great way to kill your love for that hobby.”
  • “A hobby is something you do for pure joy.”
  • “Pursuing happiness is a fool’s errand.”
  • “Essential is perspectival.”
  • “Hobbies aren’t the way to happiness, but they do make life far more interesting.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#123
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about how to live as a minimalist and still respect the important people in their lives, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I find common ground with my houseful of non-minimalist roommates?
  • How do I find a balance with my non-minimalist partner?
  • How do I minimize the friends, family, and colleagues in my life that insist on tearing me down instead of building me up?
  • How do I overcome my introversion to develop strong, enriching relationships with others?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Give all you can give and take only what you need.”
  • “Lead by example and you’ll raise the standards of everyone in your life—and they, in turn, will raise yours.”
  • “On a long enough timeline, everything is temporary.”
  • “Raise your standards and lower your expectations.”
  • “Hurt people hurt people.”
  • “Misery encourages others to pull up a chair and stay awhile.”
  • “Distance creates the room necessary to let go.”
  • “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • “It’s possible to show love and support from any distance.”
  • “No values, no self; know your values, know yourself.”
  • “When everything is urgent, nothing is urgent.”
  • “Do the things you find meaningful, make friends along the way—approaching it in the reverse way can be more difficult.”
  • “Don’t conflate meaning and excitement.”
  • “People love people who are interesting.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#122
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan invite Courtney Carver into their new studio to talk about emotions, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I maintain high standards for myself without beating myself up when I fall short of those high standards?
  • How do I let go of resentful feelings I have toward people that cling to their belongings and don’t embrace minimalism?
  • How important is it to take emotion out of all of our important life decisions?
  • Why is being emotional stigmatized while so many of us desire to feel good?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Maintain high standards and low expectations.”
  • “Wherever focus goes, energy flows.”
  • “Motion moves emotions.”
  • “Emotions are like assholes: everybody needs them.”
  • “Let reason guide you, but let emotions inform your decisions.”
  • “It doesn’t matter what you let guide you as long as your actions align with your values and beliefs.”
  • “Some stigmas are useful, other stigmas are a byproduct of fear—so choose your stigmas wisely.”
  • “The only stigmas that matter are our own.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#121
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are back “in studio” to talk about how they’re using social media in 2018, and they answer the following questions:

  • What advice do you have for those that want to use social media more intentionally for their business?
  • How do I create a social media strategy for my business without sacrificing my personal privacy?
  • How do I determine the line between too much and just enough when I use social media for promotion?
  • Did you discover a newfound value or a lack of value regarding social media after being off of it?
  • Did your absence from social media make you realize it made your life more meaningful, or did it make you realize it’s just a modern platform to advertise?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “We are nothing more than dogs thrashing in the collars of our self-imposed demands.”
  • “If it feels like too much, it’s too much.”
  • “Before using social media, ask yourself: How can I use this tool as little as possible and still add value to the various platforms people love?”
  • “A paintbrush can create a masterpiece. A paintbrush can destroy a masterpiece. An idle paintbrush, however, does nothing at all.”
  • “A silent monk sitting in a temple converts no one.”
  • “When you give yourself permission to waste time, intentionally waste time—which, then, actually isn’t a waste at all.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#120
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are back “in studio” to talk about decorations, and they answer the following questions:

  • Are non-functional decorative items appropriate in a minimalist’s home and work environments?
  • How can I reconcile my need to minimize my possessions when others’ perceptions of my personal and professional statuses rely on those possessions?
  • How do I address the unsightliness of my child’s collections?
  • How do I curate an art collection as a minimalist?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Step slowly to avoid going too far.”
  • “If someone likes you for who you are trying to be, then it is not you that they like.”
  • “Our choices influence other people.”
  • “As parents, we teach our children to pick their battles, but we, too, must pick our battles carefully.”
  • “A parent’s job is not to order their children around; a parent’s job is to set boundaries.”
  • “No matter what, you can always say ‘no.’”
  • “Art extends beyond the framed objects on our walls.”
  • “Buy art only if you love it, you have room for it, and you don’t have to go into debt to acquire it.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#119
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are back “in studio” to talk about collecting, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I reconcile my collector’s mindset with the principles of minimalist philosophy?
  • How do I appropriately purge my medals and trophies?
  • How do I express my minimalist viewpoint regarding my loved ones’ collections without offending my loved ones?
  • What fuels people’s desires to collect in the first place?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Ensure collecting doesn’t interfere with living.”
  • “Trophies look back; champions look forward.”
  • “Clutter is in the eye of the beholder.”
  • “Better questions lead to better solutions.”
  • “Asking loved ones for support is the best help you can ask for.”
  • “We often collect things to mask our hoarding.”
  • “Insecurity leads to collecting.”
  • “Completing the collection will not make you complete.”
  • “Embrace the incompleteness.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#118
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan chat with minimalist-traveler Colin Wright, author of Some Thoughts About Relationships, and they answer the following questions:

  • What minimalist advice would you give a teenager on the cusp of graduating from high school and starting their journey into life?
  • What does a happy, ideal life look like to you now that you’ve fully adopted minimalist practices?
  • How do I purge the emotional baggage I accumulated throughout my childhood that is now interfering with my adulthood?
  • How do I best utilize the free time I’ve discovered as a result of embracing minimalism?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “There is no single, definitive definition of success.”
  • “No one on their deathbed says they regret not accumulating more stuff.”
  • “If you can cultivate one minimalist superpower, make it the minimalist superpower of detachment.”
  • “Just as much of our stuff we cling to doesn’t add any value to our lives, many of our emotions we cling to don’t add any value.”
  • “You must determine if you’re following someone else’s path, or if you’re following the path you want to follow.”
  • “The measurement of success is not money and things.”
  • “Our childhood shapes us, but, once we leave our childhood home, we get to form how we want our lives to be.”
  • “You want a little friction in your life so you have traction to move forward and grow.”
  • “Happiness is not the point; happiness is a beautiful byproduct of striving to live a meaningful life.”
  • “Sitting around and doing nothing while you’re happy will always lead to you being unhappy.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#117
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Nashville with musician Griffin House, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I keep from bringing the mental clutter I accumulate at work into my personal life?
  • How can I ensure I continue to look my best but minimize my cosmetic consumption?
  • How can I better use food as a fuel instead of as a crutch?
  • What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs that want to use your journey as entrepreneurs as their business model?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Food is not entertainment.”
  • “It’s easier to fast than to diet.”
  • “Find your audience’s greatest need and fulfill that need.”
  • “If you’re just getting started, say ‘yes’ until you have to say ‘no,’ and then say ‘no’ until you have to say ‘yes.’”
  • “We’re not born to do one specific thing.”
  • “Every boulder you picked up, you can put down.”
  • “If we let ourselves become consumed by the world’s problems, we don’t take time to identify our own personal problems—which is a problem.”
  • “Advertisements are propaganda.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#116
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are back in-studio with Dan Harris, author of Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics, and they answer the following questions:

  • I know what I must do to achieve happiness in the long-term, but how do I address my unhappiness in the short-term?
  • How do I let go of all of the nagging feelings of regret when I make mistakes?
  • How do I squeeze meditation into an already full agenda?
  • How do I maintain happiness without becoming complacent?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

  • “Happiness is more of the good and less of the bad.”
  • “Prime the pump—start each day with a small victory.”
  • “Better to have spent a minute meditating than tweeting.”
  • “When it comes to meditation, one minute counts.”
  • “Complacency is not the birthplace of contentment.”
  • “Once you reach the horizon, there’s always another horizon.”
  • “Happiness is ephemeral, but living a meaningful life brings lasting rewards.”
  • “The price of security is insecurity.”
  • “The only bad meditator is someone who doesn’t meditate.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#115
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan have a hilarious conversation with satirist JP Sears in Atlanta, and they answer the following questions:

  • Is it necessary to explain to those that contribute to your mission how the money will be used?
  • What tips do you have for those that hate public speaking but must be public speakers?
  • How did you maintain your mental health after you completely decluttered your life?
  • How do I reconcile taking advantage of nearly every deal when shopping for a large family with the tenets of minimalism?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on maintaining mental health with minimalism: “Too often we mistake pleasure for happiness.”
  • Joshua on maintaining mental health with minimalism: “Always be willing to reconsider those decisions you’ve made that have helped you grow because they may not continue to help you grow in the future.”
  • Ryan on maintaining mental health with minimalism: “The best way to eliminate mental clutter is to be as proactive as possible.”
  • JP on maintaining mental health with minimalism: “Have your beliefs, but don’t believe your beliefs.”
  • JP on maintaining mental health with minimalism: “A belief that serves us will eventually dis-serve us.”
  • Joshua on reconciling shopping needs with minimalism: “Everything is 100% off if you don’t buy it.”
  • Ryan on reconciling shopping needs with minimalism: “If you’re feeling angst because you suspect your actions are not aligning with your values and beliefs, something has to change.”
  • JP on reconciling shopping needs with minimalism: “Get vulnerable with those parts of your heart that confirm you’re valuable enough for your family rather than avoiding those parts through the medication of shopping.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#114
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are back “in studio,” and they answer the following questions about challenges of the New Year:

  • What tips and tricks do you have regarding daily task planning and organizing?
  • How do I dial back my proclivity to be a workaholic and learn to enjoy life again?
  • How do I inspire myself to hold true to my minimalist ways year after year?
  • How do I take a leap of faith into a new creative endeavor when the direction and viability of the pursuit are not clear?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on inspiration for commitment: “We needn’t wait for the New Year to find a resolution.”
  • Ryan on inspiration for commitment: “Minimalism isn’t inspiring; living a meaningful life is.”
  • Joshua on new creative pursuits: “The direction is more powerful than the destination.”
  • Joshua on new creative pursuits: “You can be the kindergartner of your own destiny.”
  • Ryan on new creative pursuits: “An entrepreneur’s first step requires bravery—and a little stupidity.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#113
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan present their favorite moments from 2017, and they answer the following questions:

  • The workload at my current job consistently flows over into my personal time on my evenings and weekends, and it causes me a great deal of stress and anxiety in doing so—should I stick it out, and, if so, how do I manage the stress and anxiety?
  • What are the most responsible clothing manufacturers that produce the highest quality clothing?
  • How do I deal with setbacks and failure when I’m challenged by a mental illness?
  • When you experience major life events, do you find your values change, and, if so, what do you do about it?
  • How do you handle a toxic relationship with a parent?
  • How do you determine which sentimental items to keep, and how do you ensure that you don’t apply that sentimentality to everything else?
  • What advice do you have for creating a realistic value-based budget and adhering to it?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on addressing toxic relationships with family members: “Victims become victimizers.”
  • Joshua on addressing toxic relationships with family members: “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • Ryan on addressing toxic relationships with family members: “Don’t go out of your way to support someone and forsake your own meaningful life.”
  • Rob Bell on addressing toxic relationships with family members: “Some people you have to love from a distance.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#112
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan give you a special episode as a Christmas gift, and they answer the following questions:

  • Why do you think you receive any criticism at all for spreading such a positive message?
  • How do I resolve my feelings of guilt regarding all the items that I purge that must wind up in a landfill?
  • How do I deal with the difficult decisions regarding what items, values, beliefs, relationships to let go?
  • Is it possible to take minimalism too far?
  • What rules should I set for myself when developing my daily schedule to ensure it focuses on my true priorities?
  • How should I address the stress and anxiety I experience when I visit my loved ones’ cluttered environments?
  • How do I help my loved ones find the leverage they need to let go of worthless items?
  • What is the best way to move past negative feedback?
  • How do I let go of friendships that are no longer adding value to my life?
  • How do I conquer the fear of change?
  • What do you believe is the greater good, and how do you believe minimalism can contribute to it?
  • How can I promote a more minimalist lifestyle to others through my profession?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Ryan on criticism: “Simply being offended doesn’t automatically make someone right.”
  • Joshua on resolving guilt regarding purging: “You’re going to have to let go to move on.”
  • Joshua on letting go of bad relationships: “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • Joshua on letting go of items: “I don’t want to be detached from life; I want to be detached from giving meaning to stuff.”
  • Ryan on fully embracing minimalism: “Minimalism is about creating a simple life for yourself so you have the energy, time, and other resources to contribute beyond yourself in a meaningful way.”
  • Joshua on addressing the stress and anxiety arising from others’ clutter: “Judgement is just a mirror that reflects the insecurities of the person who’s doing the judging.”
  • Joshua on letting go of toxic relationships: “If you truly love someone—and it’s a toxic relationship—sometimes the best way to love them is from a distance.”
  • Joshua on the greater good: “It all comes down to how each of us maximizes the happiness, meaning, and well-being in the lives of the most number of people.”
  • Ryan on the greater good: “Minimalism can help someone fill the void with contribution to their community rather than stuff.”
  • Joshua on engineering solutions: “Create sustainable products in alignment with your values.”
  • Ryan on engineering solutions: “Ensure all of life’s necessary products are recyclable.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#111
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan return to their hometown, Dayton, Ohio, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I develop and maintain a healthy relationship with an ex-partner with whom I share children?
  • How can I best help others adopt minimalist practices?
  • How do I reconcile disagreements with a loved one to ensure those disagreements don’t adversely affect our relationship?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on the need to be right all the time: “You can be right, or you can be in love.”
  • Ryan on the greater good: “Minimalism can help someone fill the void with contribution to their community rather than stuff.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#110
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are back “in studio” to speak with minimalist filmmaker Matt D’Avella of The Ground Up Show. Together they answer the following questions:

  • How do the two of you split up the responsibilities and obligations of The Minimalists?
  • To what ideal career did you aspire as you were graduating from high school?
  • Did you always know you were discontented or did your discovery of minimalism help you realize you were discontented?
  • How did you address the risks involved in deciding to leave your careers in the corporate world?
  • How did you keep from falling back into the rat-race mentality with The Minimalists?
  • What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs regarding consistently creating meaningful content?
  • How do you determine what’s working and what’s not working during the creative process?
  • What advice would you give to someone that wants to be an entrepreneur who’s starting with nothing?
  • How did you not obsess about statistics when you were first starting out?
  • How can someone make an unrealistic goal a reality?
  • How do I create and maintain a balance between my personal and professional lives?
  • What’s the simplest advice that’s the most important to follow?
  • What can a person do today to turn their life around if they’re stuck in a career that’s unfulfilling?
  • Where do you go to reset when you’re feeling doubt?
  • What drives you?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on simple, important advice: “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • Ryan on simple, important advice: “Love people and use things because the opposite never works.”
  • Joshua on resetting one’s life: “Don’t just know what you want to do—know why you want to do.”
  • Joshua on resetting one’s life: “Find something compelling. And that’s usually within the why.”
  • Ryan on resetting one’s life: “Pick one thing to focus on, and then actually put in the work.”
  • Joshua on places for quiet reflection: “The LACMA.”
  • Joshua on places for quiet reflection: “There’s going to be a lot of sediment before you find gold.”
  • Ryan on places for quiet reflection: “My own mind.”
  • Ryan on what drives him: “All of the work I do is a net positive.”
  • Joshua on what drives him: “Improving and contributing.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#109
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Joshua Becker, founder of Becoming Minimalist, in Phoenix, and they answer the following questions:

  • Does the minimalist life ever become stress-free?
  • How does a minimalist appropriately purge religious items?
  • What should I do with everyday use items that are in storage—such as spoons and forks, pots and pans, cups and bowls—while I’m temporarily living with a roommate?
  • What recommendations do you have for goods that are both sustainable and durable?
  • Will the economy crash if everyone practices minimalism?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on purging spare items: “If something is too precious for me, I try to figure out a way to let it go.”
  • Ryan on purging spare items: “One day or Day One—you decide.”
  • Joshua Becker on purging spare items: “Generosity is not only the result of minimalism in our lives, but it also becomes the lifeblood of it: our excess becomes a blessing to others.”
  • Joshua on minimalists crashing the economy: “We will still spend money, but we’ll spend money on more meaningful experiences.”
  • Ryan on minimalists crashing the economy: “Minimalism brings a balance between too much and too little.”
  • Joshua Becker on minimalists crashing the economy: “The economy will shift instead of collapse.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#108
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Scott Harrison, founder of Charity Water, in New York City, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I help my child adopt minimalist practices without ruining their childhood expectations of the holidays?
  • How do I address the stress from my passions so I don’t lose my love for them?
  • How do I overcome the fear of leaving a ‘safe’ job with corporate benefits for a more independent pursuit that’s better aligned with my passions?
  • How do I get my partner to accept and embrace minimalism?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on leaving ‘safe’ corporate jobs: “Security is a misnomer.”
  • Joshua on leaving ‘safe’ corporate jobs: “It is not the security blanket that brings one security.”
  • Ryan on leaving ‘safe’ corporate jobs: “To have a job that brings you security just so you can live a life that you hate is never worth it.”
  • Scott on leaving ‘safe’ corporate jobs: “If you’re working a job you hate just to pay the bills—get out.”
  • Joshua on coercing others into minimalism: “Forced minimalism ain’t minimalism.”
  • Ryan on coercing others into minimalism: “Don’t spend too much time investing in people who don’t invest in you.”
  • Scott on coercing others into minimalism: “You can quietly start without them.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#107
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Denver, and they answer the following questions:

  • How can I ensure I don’t fall off the minimalism wagon?
  • How do I determine my passions, cultivate them, and incorporate them into my life?
  • Have you ever taken minimalism too far?
  • How do I stay confident and motivated through failures?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on taking minimalism too far: “Minimalism is not about deprivation—minimalism is about living intentionally.”
  • Ryan on taking minimalism too far: “If I find I’m depriving myself, I can always bring things I purged back into my life.”
  • Joshua on moving past failures: “Lower your expectations, but raise your standards.”
  • Joshua on moving past failures: “If you ask better quality questions, you’re going to get better answers.”
  • Ryan on moving past failures: “Sometimes we need to talk less and listen more.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#106
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Malcolm Fontier in Brooklyn, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I minimize daily stress and still fully engage in each and every moment?
  • What should I do when my values and beliefs are in conflict with the actions I believe I must take for the welfare of my loved ones?
  • How do I help my community adopt minimalist practices?
  • Are there values and beliefs I must adopt in order to finally call myself a minimalist?
  • How do I ensure my existence in the material world consistently aligns with my minimalist values and beliefs?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on requisite values and beliefs: “Minimalism is apolitical.”
  • Ryan on requisite values and beliefs: “Minimalists must believe in themselves.”
  • Joshua on staying true to ourselves: “Sometimes we must remove ourselves from the chaos so we can re-enter more deliberately.”
  • Ryan on staying true to ourselves: “In order to live a meaningful life, you must also contribute meaningful creations.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#105
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Courtney Carver, founder of Be More with Less, in Salt Lake City, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I know when I’ve taken minimalism too far?
  • What should I do if the countless accoutrements and other moving parts required for my job are causing me stress?
  • How should I support my loved ones who want to let go of their cherished items but are in a highly vulnerable state?
  • Is there one thing you treasure more than anything else?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on struggling to let go of stuff: “Organizing is just well-planned hoarding.”
  • Joshua on struggling to let go of stuff: “The easiest way to organize your stuff is to get rid of most of it.”
  • Courtney Carver on struggling to let go of stuff: “If you need new stuff to store your stuff—too much stuff.”
  • Ryan on struggling to let go of stuff: “Sometimes a person doesn’t realize they’re not that thirsty until they’re drowning.”
  • Joshua on a favorite thing: “Pass.”
  • Ryan on a favorite thing: “My treasures have nothing to do with who I am as a person.”
  • Courtney on a favorite thing: “My coffee machine.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#104
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Lewis Howes, author of The Mask of Masculinity, in San Diego, and they answer the following questions:

  • What do you suggest as a first step for those that are interested in adopting minimalism but have a fear of change?
  • What advice would you give someone who doesn’t have children to prepare them for a relationship with someone else who already has children?
  • How do I maintain a simple, intentional lifestyle in an increasingly complex world?
  • Is there anything inherently spiritual or deeply philosophical in minimalism that inspires you and keeps you focused on spreading your message?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on embracing change: “In order to live the best life, we must be prepared to change our mind.”
  • Ryan on embracing change: “It’s okay to close doors, but don’t be afraid to open them again if life calls for it.”
  • Lewis on embracing change: “When I let go of serving myself and focused on serving others, I truly started making a difference.”
  • Joshua on maintaining focus: “Avoid busy work—enjoy focused work instead.”
  • Ryan on maintaining focus: “Any boulder we’ve decided to pick up, we can put down.”
  • Lewis on maintaining focus: “When I have a clean space and a clean mind, I can attack a powerful vision.”
  • Joshua on spirituality in minimalism: “No matter which road you take, minimalism will help you better understand your values.”
  • Ryan on spirituality in minimalism: “It doesn’t matter which prophet you follow—or if you follow a prophet at all—living a simple life is the secret to a good life.”
  • Lewis on spirituality in minimalism: “Letting go of shit that doesn’t matter allows us to have inner peace and matter.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#103
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Edmonton and record one of their favorite episodes, and they answer the following questions:

  • Where should I start regarding adopting a ketogenic diet?
  • How do I address my parents regarding my distaste for accepting family heirlooms?
  • Was there anything you purged that surprised you?
  • How do I minimize without offending those who gave me the things I’m purging?
  • How do I navigate holidays with loved ones who aren’t aspiring minimalists like me?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on minimizing items from loved ones: “Letting go is a muscle, so flex it.”
  • Ryan on minimizing items from loved ones: “It doesn’t matter if your parents live with you—if it’s your house, you get to make the rules of the house.”
  • Joshua on enjoying holidays with non-minimalists: “Presence is the best present.”
  • Ryan on enjoying holidays with non-minimalists: “When it comes to gifts, set the expectation early, and then give an amazing gift.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#102
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Calgary, and they answer the following questions:

  • What tips do you have regarding finding, and being satisfied with, your own clothing style?
  • What advice do you have for those people who are reluctant to take action immediately to improve their lives?
  • What is your favorite ski resort?
  • What is your favorite podcast?
  • How do you explain you don’t want physical gifts to a loved one that enjoys giving gifts?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on his favorite podcast: “Joe Rogan is the undeniable Mozart of podcasting.”
  • Ryan on his favorite ski resort: “Sunshine Village. It has mountains for days.”
  • Joshua on gift-giving: “If gift-giving is a love language, then Pig Latin is a Romance language.”
  • Ryan on gift-giving: “If gift-giving is your love language and you’re buying people shitty gifts—what a lazy-ass way to show your love!”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#101
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Vancouver for their 100th episode, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you address feelings of loss when a prized possession you use daily is stolen?
  • What is your process for curating the most important things in your life?
  • How did you start living simple, intentional lives, and what advice would you give others seeking to do the same?
  • How do I resolve my feelings of guilt regarding things I’ve purged from my life?
  • What resource—book, podcast, film, etc.—has inspired you the most in your minimalism journey?
  • How can I help my children adopt minimalism while respecting their attachment to their things?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on addressing guilt after purging: “Often when we think we’re feeling anxious or guilty or whatever, there’s a positive emotion on the other side of it.”
  • Ryan on addressing guilt after purging: “Ruminating on guilt associated with the past is one of the worst wastes of your time.”
  • Joshua on helping children declutter: “It’s important to continuously challenge our children because it simultaneously challenges us.”
  • Ryan on helping children declutter: “It’s important for parents to set boundaries for children while still respecting their feelings.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#100
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Julien Smith, founder of Breather, in Montreal, and they answer the following questions:

  • What is the most challenging aspect of your current journey as The Minimalists?
  • How do I reconcile many of the traditional goals I grew up with—corporate career, marriage, children, home ownership, etc.—with the tenets of minimalism I now follow?
  • How do you recommend we address others who question our minimalist lifestyle?
  • How do we help our children become more conscious of compulsory consumption?
  • What advice do you have for recent college graduates who are graduating with mountains of debt and molehills of prospects?
  • What is the next step after decluttering?

Listen

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#099
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Ottawa, and they answer the following questions:

  • As dedicated minimalists, what do you want the world to look like in five years?
  • How important do you believe the history of minimalism is to the current minimalism movement?
  • Do you believe taking on some student debt is a more effective use of your time than working 16+ hour-days for years to pay for a college education?
  • What are some tricks and tips for getting rid of heirlooms?
  • How do we help children adopt minimalism?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on taking on student loan debt: “Don’t confuse schooling with education.”
  • Ryan on taking on student loan debt: “Graduating college with zero debt is going to feel so much better than graduating college with a lot of debt.”
  • Ryan on heirlooms: “If you don’t want to hold on to your shit, your kids definitely don’t want to hold on to your shit.”
  • Joshua on helping children adopt minimalism: “Your actions shape your child’s future self.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#098
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Chris Guillebeau, author of Side Hustle, in Portland, Oregon, and they answer the following questions:

  • How often do you recommend reassessing your values to ensure your short-term actions still align with your long-term goals?
  • When is bankruptcy the appropriate option for those people that are struggling with their finances?
  • How do I help my partner adopt minimalist practices?
  • What ideas, concepts, and skills did you glean from Corporate America that helped you in your minimalist journey?
  • Do you believe the philosophy of minimalism you have adopted has informed your spirituality?
  • When you’re at home, what kinds of meals do you cook, what kitchen utensils do you use to prepare them, and how long does it typically take to make them?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on lessons from Corporate America: “I couldn’t be the person I am today without my past wins and losses.”
  • Ryan on lessons from Corporate America: “You’re in the wrong job if it doesn’t align with the person you want to become.”
  • Chris on lessons from Corporate America: “It’s not the work you do, it’s how you do it—that’s the value that can transfer.”
  • Joshua on minimalism and spirituality: “Our material clutter is a physical manifestation of our internal clutter: mental clutter, financial clutter, and spiritual clutter.”
  • Ryan on minimalism and spirituality: “It does not matter what religion you follow or what god you worship—they all want you to live a simple life.”
  • Chris on minimalism and spirituality: “Getting rid of the excess allows you to figure out what you believe in.”
  • Joshua on appropriate diets: “Bring into your life only that which is appropriate.”
  • Ryan on appropriate diets: “It doesn’t matter how good your excuse may seem, it’s never good enough to justify eating unhealthy foods.”
  • Chris on appropriate diets: “There’s always something we should be proud of, and there’s always more we can do.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#097
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Toronto, and they answer the following questions:

  • What ultimately made you decide to quit your jobs?
  • What should I do if I have conflicting values?
  • What tips do you have for traveling light?
  • Can social media truly add value to our lives?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on traveling light: “All those things we thought we were going to need ‘just in case,’ we’re actually not going to need.”
  • Ryan on traveling light: “If you pack for more than a week when you go on vacation, you’re going to be distracting yourself from an awesome vacation.”
  • Joshua on the value of social media: “Rarely did a distracted person ever create anything meaningful.”
  • Ryan on the value of social media: “Instead of being a tool on social media, use social media as a tool.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#096
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about where they’re moving, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you move past feelings of shame regarding past mistakes and embarrassing episodes in your life?
  • How do you ensure you’re addressing any emotional baggage attached to items as you’re getting rid of them?
  • Is there a path to purchasing a house without taking on debt?
  • Is it cheaper to sell your furniture before a move and then buy new furniture for the new place, or is it cheaper to pay to move the furniture you already own?
  • How do you decide if it’s better to stick with what you have where you currently live, or if it’s better to move to a new place and start over?
  • What should I do with all my camping gear that I feel is overwhelming me?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on keeping old furniture versus buying new furniture: “Neither ‘cheap’ nor ‘expensive’ are synonyms for better.”
  • Joshua bonus maxim: “Don’t try to cram your old life into your new space.”
  • Joshua bonus maxim: “Sometimes cheap is too expensive.”
  • Ryan on keeping old furniture versus buying new furniture: “Don’t ask what the cheaper option is—ask what the opportunity cost is.”
  • Joshua on sticking around versus moving on: “It’s best to choose to graduate from a place before you’re ready to divorce it.”
  • Ryan on sticking around versus moving on: “When relocating, it’s important to know what you’re running toward—running from something can lead to the same problem, or it can lead to even bigger problems.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#095
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about budgeting, and they answer the following questions:

  • Is it good or bad to have a credit rating?
  • Is it appropriate to move in with loved ones to save money?
  • In what order should I pay off my debt?
  • What advice do you have for creating a realistic value-based budget and adhering to it?
  • How do I stick to my budget without restricting experiences with loved ones?
  • What do you recommend to those in the ‘pre-budget’ stage that are not ready to make every dollar go in its place?
  • How can I still afford some enjoyment in life while paying down my crushing student loan debt?
  • What can I do with all these books, CDs, and DVDs that are weighing me down?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on budgeting experiences: “No matter what, we always miss out on something; therefore, it’s important to replace ‘the fear of missing out’ with ‘the joy of missing out.’”
  • Ryan on budgeting experiences: “Sacrifices are necessary in order to meet one’s financial goals.”
  • Joshua on committing to a budget: “When would ‘now’ be a good time to have a budget?”
  • Ryan on committing to a budget: “Waiting around for ‘one day’ will always keep you waiting; ‘one day’ or ‘day one’—you decide.”
  • Joshua on enjoying life while paying down debt: “Change your beliefs, change your life.”
  • Ryan on enjoying life while paying down debt: “Get a plan in place or be lost forever. And be prepared to learn along the way: if your plan fails, readjust—but never give up.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#094
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Andrew Belle in Indianapolis about his new album, Dive Deep, and they answer the following questions:

  • As an introvert, how do you meet the demands of a passion that requires an extroverted personality?
  • What suggestions do you have for preparing yourself for the reality of daily life once you’ve graduated college?
  • How do you resolve the feelings of guilt you have for even purchasing items you need to run a business?
  • How can I be more intentional regarding the relationships I bring into my life?
  • To what extent did the bursting of the housing bubble in 2008 affect your journey into minimalism?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on relationships: “Don’t mistake quantity for quality.”
  • Ryan on relationships: “Regardless if you tell your friends ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ your honesty is what truly matters.”
  • Joshua on influences for adopting minimalism: “Sometimes tragedy illuminates the path.”
  • Ryan on influences for adopting minimalism: “Start incorporating minimalism into your life now before you’re forced into becoming a minimalist.”
  • Joshua on the transition from college to daily life: “The bird who enjoys her cage still isn’t free.”
  • Ryan on the transition from college to daily life: “If you just sit around in a spire, there’s going to be aspiration everywhere.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#093
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Spokane, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I minimize the many accoutrements I have for the many passions I pursue?
  • How do you ensure you’re adding the appropriate amount of value to a relationship?
  • What advice do you have for ensuring you don’t lose memories when you let go of sentimental items?
  • How do I minimize a plethora of paper documents I’ve saved and filed just in case I need them?
  • How do you explain your new minimalist lifestyle to former colleagues who are non-minimalists without bragging or sounding elitist?
  • What advice do you have for someone considering which mortgage term is most appropriate for them?
  • How deeply have you delved into the more energetic aspects of adopting minimalism?
  • How do you stay humble amidst the trappings of fame that come with being The Minimalists?
  • How do we help our children adopt minimalism when everything they own is the most important thing in the world to them?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on explaining minimalism to non-minimalists: “When you walk away from everything, the important things follow.”
  • Ryan on explaining minimalism to non-minimalists: “People hate change, but people hate being changed even more.”
  • Joshua on appropriate mortgage terms: “What percentage of people pay off a 30-year mortgage in less than 30 years?”
  • Ryan on appropriate mortgage terms: “There is no such thing as good debt.”
  • Joshua on just letting go: “When you take a meaningful path, the benefits are plentiful.”
  • Ryan on just letting go: “The physical things we have in our life are physical manifestations of what we have on the inside.”
  • Joshua on maintaining humility: “To stay humble, constantly put yourself in a state of discomfort.”
  • Ryan on maintaining humility: “You’ll support the people you love no matter what.”
  • Joshua on helping kids adopt minimalism: “If we want our kids to be the best versions of themselves, then we need to be the best versions of ourselves.”
  • Ryan on helping kids adopt minimalism: “As parents, you get to set the boundaries for your children.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#092
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss whether nostalgia is useful or dangerous, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you determine which sentimental items to keep, and how do you ensure that you don’t apply that sentimentality to everything else?
  • Is it okay for an aspiring minimalist to keep a small container of sentimental items as a time capsule?
  • How did you let go of yearbooks?
  • Is there a healthy form of nostalgia, or is it inherently useless to hold onto the past?
  • How does nostalgia impact historical awareness, and how will minimalism change that in the future?
  • Does nostalgia have a place in today’s world?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Josh on the utility of nostalgia: “Many things are both useful and dangerous. An automobile is useful; an automobile is dangerous. Likewise for nostalgia.”
  • Ryan on the utility of nostalgia: “Memories exist with or without a physical item in hand. Don’t use nostalgia as an excuse to hoard those physical items.”
  • Joshua on nostalgia’s impact on historical perspectives: “Nostalgia is a rose-colored rearview.”
  • Ryan on nostalgia’s impact on historical perspectives: “The past shapes our present, but does not ever equal our future.”
  • Joshua on nostalgia’s role in our lives: “Everything in today’s world has a place in today’s world. The question, then, is what will we choose to be nostalgic for in tomorrow’s world?”
  • Ryan on nostalgia’s role in our lives: “Nostalgia can make us feel warm and fuzzy. When one feels stressed over the nostalgic items they hold onto, it’s time to let go.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#091
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Grand Rapids, and they answer the following questions:

  • What is the best way to get rid of items that are still useful, but are of no value to me?
  • How do I let go of the stress I feel when I witness my loved ones not aligning their short-term actions with their long-term values?
  • How do you address all the stress that comes with inheriting all the stuff that comes with the passing of a loved one?
  • Before you quit your corporate jobs, did you have your financial houses in order regarding retirement?
  • How often should a minimalist do laundry?
  • How do you continue to practice self-control as you become more successful and gain a greater capability to get more stuff?
  • How do you deal with the stress of purging sentimental items, and how do you explain to those that gifted them to you that you have no need for their gifts anymore?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on laundry and retirement planning: “I agree with Ryan.”
  • Ryan on laundry and retirement planning: “I do my laundry once a week, and once a month I contribute to my retirement—both are non-negotiable.”
  • Joshua on self-control: “Contribution is key.”
  • Ryan on self-control: “Every day I try to be the best version of myself that I plan to be five years from now.”
  • Joshua on letting go of receiving and storing physical gifts: “Before you let go, set the proper expectations with yourself and your loved ones.”
  • JFM bonus maxim on letting go of receiving and storing physical gifts: “Don’t be burdened by other people’s burdens.”
  • Ryan on letting go of receiving and storing physical gifts: “As an adult, you get to choose what to do with your things.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#090
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Cleveland, and they answer the following questions:

  • What advice do you have for minimalists who have loved ones that prefer to receive physical gifts?
  • What is the best way to explain to a potential partner that you’re a minimalist?
  • What advice do you have for those that want to adopt minimalism into their lives, but fear the changes?
  • How do you manage the negative feedback that inevitably comes with failure?
  • What is your advice to minimalists struggling to reconcile their personal values and beliefs that conflict with their professional values and beliefs?
  • As minimalists, what are you saving your money for now?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on things to do in Dayton, Ohio: “Press Coffee Bar. Dayton Art Institute. Dayton Visual Arts Center. Downtown Dayton.”
  • Ryan on things to do in Dayton, Ohio: “United States Air Force Museum. Thai 9. University of Dayton.”
  • Joshua on curation versus hoarding: “Curators are the people who can take what would otherwise be a hoard and curate it into something meaningful, intentional, and necessary for current and future generations.”
  • Ryan on curation versus hoarding: “Unless you’re a professional curator, you’re probably just hoarding.”
  • Joshua on saving money: “There’s nothing inherently wrong with money. The question is—when we have access to more of it, what are we going to do with it?”
  • Ryan on saving money: “My secret to being financially secure is I always spend less money than I make.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#089
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Columbus, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you respond to people who resign themselves to situations by saying, “That’s just the way it is”?
  • How do you manage to continue to grow and to cultivate open minds and soft hearts?
  • What advice do you have for saying ‘no’ to people and to activities you like in order to avoid becoming overly committed and stressed?
  • What struggles and expectations have you had to address since becoming ‘The Minimalists’?
  • What do you recommend to a minimalist who is living among a group of people who have no interest in minimalism?
  • What are you really excited about right now?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on staying true to your own expectations: “A congruent life is a well-lived life.”
  • Ryan on staying true to your own expectations: “Don’t just say ‘no’ for the sake of saying ‘no’—be clear on what you’re saying ‘yes’ to.”
  • Joshua on living in harmony with non-minimalists: “On a long enough timeline everything is ephemeral.”
  • Joshua bonus maxim: “Beware of drowning people—they will also drown you.”
  • Ryan on living in harmony with non-minimalists: “I would not recommend moving back in with your parents and then telling them they have to get rid of all of their shit.”
  • Joshua on what he’s most excited about in the present: “Rebecca.”
  • Ryan on what he’s most excited about in the present: “The opportunity to examine new topics through the lens of minimalism in future projects.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#088
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Cincinnati, and they answer the following questions:

  • What questions have your audience members posed that have made you reevaluate your values and beliefs?
  • What questions did you ask yourself when you were younger to help you determine that happiness was more important to you than material success?
  • What advice do you have for people who seem to take minimalism to an extreme, or for those who offend others with their obsession with minimalism?
  • What suggestions do you have for those who want to quit their corporate jobs but need to maintain their level of corporate benefits for the welfare of their family members?
  • How do you maintain balance between your five core values?
  • Is there a question you wish audience members would ask that they have not yet asked?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on maintaining benefits without a corporate job: “When you don’t know the answer to something, the three most powerful words are ‘I don’t know.’”
  • Joshua bonus maxim: “Money is part of the equation, but it is not the primary driver for doing what I do.”
  • Ryan on maintaining benefits without a corporate job: “Minimalism is not about having an easy life—it’s about having a well-curated life.”
  • Joshua on finding balance among values: “You’re only as strong as your weakest value.”
  • Ryan on finding balance among values: “Your priorities are not what you say they are—they are what you do.”
  • Joshua on the ideal question: “Every question is the ideal question to the person that posed it.”
  • Ryan on the ideal question: “I don’t have a preconceived notion of what the perfect question should be.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#087
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Rich Roll live on the Less Is Now tour, and they answer the following questions:

  • What questions did you ask yourselves, and what resources did you consult, to determine your five foundational values?
  • What has helped you ‘drudge through the drudgery’ and stay focused on your projects?
  • How do you let go of the fear that you don’t have enough?
  • What films do you find most relatable to the journey of becoming a minimalist?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on letting go of fears: “Sometimes letting go of control is the best way to regain control.”
  • Joshua bonus maxim on letting go of fears: “Lower your expectations and raise your standards.”
  • Rich on letting go of fears: “Control is an illusion.”
  • Ryan on letting go of fears: “Pursuing control will eventually teach you that you have no control.”
  • Joshua on an ideal minimalist film: “August.”
  • Ryan on an ideal minimalist film: “I Am.”
  • Rich on an ideal minimalist film: “Fight Club.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#086
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about shopping, and they answer the following questions:

  • Do you ever splurge on anything?
  • How do I justify purchasing something new to replace something that is still functional, but has lost its luster?
  • How do I quell my feelings of guilt after purchasing new items?
  • How do I reconcile my need to sell merchandise for my livelihood with my need to hold true to my minimalism values?
  • How can I create a profitable minimalist store?
  • What are good questions to ask myself before I go shopping?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on aligning values: “Intentional creators focus on creating value, not urgency.”
  • Ryan on aligning values: “If you’re adding value to people’s lives, you needn’t sell them trinkets to earn a living; offer them something that they will find immense value in instead.”
  • Joshua on commodifying minimalism: “Meaning and purpose are lost when profit is the motive.”
  • Ryan on commodifying minimalism: “Selling minimalism is like selling water to a fish.”
  • Joshua on questions to ask yourself before shopping: “Before bringing something new into your life, ask yourself: Will this add value? Can I afford this? What is the true cost?”
  • Ryan on questions to ask yourself before shopping: “Make a list before you go shopping, and then don’t buy anything that is not on your list.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#085
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Patrick Rhone, author of Enough, in Minneapolis, and they answer the following questions:

  • Is America’s consumerism more nefarious than that of other countries that therefore makes practicing minimalism even more crucial in the United States?
  • Is it better to use up what you have, or is it better to sell it, donate it, or give it away?
  • Should I hang onto the things I purchased for the person I want to become?
  • Are there similarities between the principles of living in Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning and the principles of minimalism?
  • Where should I draw the line with memorabilia?
  • Is it possible for me to live a minimalist lifestyle while making a living selling other people things they don’t need?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on recognizing life-changing events: “We all experience car crashes in life: the question isn’t about the crash—the question is about what we do after the crash.”
  • Ryan on recognizing life-changing events: “For us to make a major change in our lives, sometimes we must have a major catastrophe—but we shouldn’t have to wait for that moment.”
  • Patrick on recognizing life-changing events: “Every moment is a fresh opportunity to make a new start.”
  • Joshua on drawing the line with memorabilia: “The winner is not determined by the trophy.”
  • Ryan on drawing the line with memorabilia: “Even if you win a gold medal, it doesn’t matter how many you hold onto—you’re going to have to work your ass off to win another one next year.”
  • Patrick on drawing the line with memorabilia: “When you win that gold medal, how many fingers will you be holding up?”
  • Joshua on practices that conflict with our values: “If your actions don’t align with your values, you’ll continue to experience a chasm of discontent.”
  • Ryan on on practices that conflict with our values: “If you want to live a discontented life, live outside your values and beliefs—but you’re certainly not going to be happy.”
  • Patrick on practices that conflict with our values: “Tell your own story of your life, and, by doing so, you will help others live their lives better.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#084
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan speak with Rob Bell in Los Angeles, and they answer the following questions:

  • What is the best way to tell people you’re a minimalist that is easiest for most people to understand and accept?
  • Is it possible to have a better life with ‘more,’ and, if so, what would that ‘more’ be?
  • How do you find a deep-rooted, lasting happiness in everything?
  • How do you find the flow that makes your work effortless?
  • Why does minimalism seem to be more popular with females than males?
  • Can minimalism help you improve your financial situation?
  • Do you ever secretly buy things and hide them from one another?
  • How do you handle a toxic relationship with a parent?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on the relationship between minimalism and finances: “I made really good money in the corporate world, but I spent even better money—and that equation never works.”
  • Ryan on the relationship between minimalism and finances: “If you’ve dug yourself into a hole, there isn’t an easy way to get out of it—it’s going to take a lot of work.”
  • Rob on the relationship between minimalism and finances: “The more debt you have, the less oxygen your soul has.”
  • Joshua on toxic relationships: “Victims become victimizers.”
  • Joshua bonus maxim: “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • Ryan on toxic relationships: “Don’t go out of your way to support someone and forsake your own meaningful life.”
  • Rob on toxic relationships: “You must determine how much you can engage with someone without losing yourself.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#083
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discussing hoarding and collecting, and they answer the following questions:

  • What are your thoughts on emergency preparedness?
  • How can a minimalist coexist with their hoarder partner?
  • How can I help an older family member adopt minimalist practices to improve their life?
  • How do you broach the subject of minimalism with a family member that is a dedicated hoarder?
  • Do most hoarders actually find the things they were saving for one day, or do they simply purchase replacements?
  • As a hoarder, where do you start when you’re completely overwhelmed by stuff?
  • Once you’ve decluttered, how do you ensure the cycle doesn’t start again?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua Bonus Maxim: “If you’re just driving around without a destination in mind, you’ll never get there.”
  • Joshua on discussing minimalism with hoarders: “Approach people you care about with compassion and understanding.”
  • Ryan on discussing minimalism with hoarders: “To keep confrontation from escalating, don’t use the word ‘you’ unless it’s followed by a compliment.”
  • Joshua on successful hoarding: “Hoarding is always a problem, never a solution.”
  • Ryan on successful hoarding: “I’ve yet to hear a good reason why the average person should hoard.”
  • Joshua on decluttering an overwhelming hoard of stuff: “When facing an overwhelming challenge, it’s best to start with the ‘why,’ not the ‘how.’”
  • Ryan on decluttering an overwhelming hoard of stuff: “If you don’t know where to start, that’s a good sign there isn’t a wrong place to start. The only wrong you can do is not taking action.”
  • Joshua on breaking the cycle of clutter: “Once you finally reach the horizon, there’s always a new horizon.”
  • Ryan on breaking the cycle of clutter: “Temporary habits are almost as bad as no habits at all.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#082
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua injures himself at a rest stop & Ryan eats chocolate in front of a crowd in Madison, Wisconsin, and they answer the following questions:

  • What tips and tricks do you have regarding moving?
  • How can you grow side hustles without increasing mental clutter and losing focus?
  • How much chocolate is too much chocolate for a minimalist?
  • What do you do when you’re a minimalist, but your partner has no interest in minimalism?
  • How do you become successful without becoming obsessed with goal achievement?
  • How does minimalism apply to kids?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on chocolate limits: “Food is not entertainment.”
  • Ryan on chocolate limits: “It doesn’t matter how much chocolate you eat—if you have a void, chocolate is probably the last thing that’s going to fill that void.”
  • Joshua on introducing partners to minimalism: “Ask them to ask themselves: ‘How might my life be better with less?’”
  • Ryan on introducing partners to minimalism: “In order to have meaningful relationships, you must support those people. But it’s impossible to support someone if they don’t support you back.”
  • Joshua on finding success without obsessing over goals: “Let go of your goals, and, instead, travel in the right direction.”
  • Ryan on on finding success without obsessing over goals: “Don’t water down your goals with more goals. But regardless of how many goals you have, it doesn’t mean anything without taking massive action.”
  • Joshua on minimalism and kids: “No matter your age, no matter your race, no matter your level of income, no matter your perceived status—everyone can benefit from living a more meaningful life.”
  • Ryan on minimalism and kids: “Kids! Become minimalists now before you have to in the future.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#081
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about their families, and they answer the following family-related questions:

  • How does caring for others fit into minimalism?
  • How do you pitch minimalism to folks that are resistant to getting rid of their stuff?
  • How do I part with gifts from family and friends without offending the gift-givers?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua Bonus Maxim: “The price of the thing is not the value of the thing.”
  • Joshua on explaining minimalism to family and friends: “Actions speak louder than pontification.”
  • Ryan on explaining minimalism to family and friends: “No matter how one lives a meaningful life, showing always works better than telling.”
  • Joshua on preparing for the birth of a child: “Lower your expectations; raise your standards.”
  • Ryan on preparing for the birth of a child: “When one lives an authentic life, they needn’t change a thing.”
  • Joshua on judging others: “Why do you look at the clutter in your brother’s room, but fail to notice the clutter in your own?”
  • Ryan on judging others: “Judging others never helps; accepting and appreciating others, warts and all, is the best way to help others move forward.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#080
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Chicago, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you deal with the collisions with the values and beliefs of the non-minimalists in your life?
  • How do I donate items to different charities when I don’t have a car to haul the items to those charities?
  • What questions did you ask yourself to determine your passions, and what actions did you take to pursue those passions?
  • What have you learned about yourself that you weren’t able to recognize before adopting minimalism?
  • How can I meet my daily personal and professional obligations without a smartphone?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on what he’s learned about himself after adopting minimalism: “Patience is a choice.”
  • Ryan on what he’s learned about himself after adopting minimalism: “My priorities aren’t what I say they are—they’re what I actually do.”
  • Joshua on meeting obligations without a smartphone: “What is driving you crazy may not be the tool itself, but how you’re using the tool.”
  • Ryan on meeting obligations without a smartphone: “It doesn’t matter what boulder you’re carrying: you picked it up, and you can set it down.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#079
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan are joined by Minimalism director Matt D’Avella, and they answer the following questions:

  • Was it hard to invest so much money and time into your film project without assurance it was going to succeed?
  • How do I further minimize the essentials in my life when I feel like I’m always overbooked and I can’t catch my breath?
  • How have your lives changed since you made the film?
  • What can we do as a community to further promote the message of living more intentionally and simply?
  • What was the most challenging thing about making the film?
  • If you were to make the film again, what would you do differently on that pass?
  • What is your next project?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#078
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Seattle, and they answer the following questions:

  • After you found success, what changed in your lives?
  • Can you be in a committed relationship with someone who doesn’t share the same core values as you?
  • If I must use social media for my job, how do I regulate my usage of it effectively?
  • How can I ensure my family has access to all of my digital archives when I pass away?
  • What is the most significant obstacle most people encounter when they’re trying to minimize?
  • How can I be a minimalist and still enjoy a hobby that requires a significant amount of accoutrements?
  • How can I be a minimalist with multiple dogs without getting rid of the dogs?
  • Is the ease or difficulty of adopting and maintaining minimalism tied to geography?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on ensuring our families have access to our digital archives when we pass away: “If you’re preparing for a future that’s inevitable—we’re all going to die—then let’s take care of that now so we’re not scared to death of death.”
  • Ryan on ensuring our families have access to our digital archives when we pass away: “Minimalism is about living deliberately, and preparing for death is one of the most deliberate things we can do.”
  • Joshua on overcoming obstacles to minimizing: “There are two reasons we don’t let go: fear and greed.”
  • Ryan on overcoming obstacles to minimizing: “It doesn’t matter why we hold on to things—there’s never a good enough reason to hoard. Letting go will always feel better than hoarding.”
  • Joshua on participating in hobbies that require numerous accoutrements: “Limitations breed creativity.”
  • Ryan on participating in hobbies that require numerous accoutrements: “It takes big balls to admit to yourself that buying another tool isn’t going to make you a better mechanic.”
  • Joshua on maintaining minimalist practices with several dependents: “It’s harder to be a minimalist with kids, but it’s so much more important.”
  • Ryan on maintaining minimalist practices with several dependents: “It doesn’t matter how many kids or pets you have—it just makes your minimalism look a little different from others.”
  • Joshua on the relationship of minimalism with geography: “It’s important to graduate from a place before you find that you want to divorce it.”
  • Ryan on the relationship of minimalism with geography: “There isn’t one damn good reason to not live a deliberate life.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#077
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan stop by Live Wire Radio in Portland, Oregon, to record a live radio show in which they must convince the audience to keep or let go of certain possessions.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#076
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit the great state of Maine, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I help my children minimize their stuff without doing it for them?
  • How do you deal with gift-giving from others around birthdays and Christmas?
  • How do you discover your identity and your passions?
  • As an artist, how do I minimize many of the tools that are requisite for my art?
  • How do you stay focused on maintaining minimalist practices despite the temptations of the surrounding consumerist world?
  • Is minimalism more difficult to practice with a family than as a single person?
  • What has been your favorite part of your minimalist journey?
  • Do you feel kinship with religious and spiritual practitioners?
  • What books are you reading right now?
  • How do you determine the career path that will work best with your life?
  • What has added value to your life in Portland, Maine?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on practicing minimalism with a family versus as a single person: “Minimalism is more challenging as a family, but that’s why it’s more important.”
  • Ryan on practicing minimalism with a family versus as a single person: “Pass.”
  • Joshua on the favorite part of his minimalist journey: “As my life changes, that which adds value changes as well.”
  • Ryan on the favorite part of his minimalist journey: “Nothing makes me happier than living a well-curated life.”
  • Joshua on kinship with religious and spiritual practitioners: “Minimalism is not about deprivation; minimalism is about aligning your short-term actions with your long-term values.”
  • Ryan on kinship with religious and spiritual practitioners: “It doesn’t matter what organized religion you belong to, or what god you worship: they all want you to live a simple life.”
  • Joshua on books he’s currently reading: “Discourses. The Average American Male.”
  • Ryan on books he’s currently reading: “Sex at Dawn.”
  • Joshua on choosing the best career path: “If there is a right path and a wrong path, take the right path. If there is a right path and a left path, then pick a path and go.”
  • Ryan on choosing the best career path: “The best recipe for discontent is being stuck in a career that doesn’t align with your long-term values and beliefs.”
  • Joshua on what has added value to his life in Portland, Maine: “Portland, Maine, has a shit-ton of culture per capita.”
  • Ryan on what has added value to his life in Portland, Maine: “Portland, Maine, has the best lobster rolls I have ever had.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#075
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan bring their Less Is Now Tour to Boston, and they answer the following questions:

  • Once your needs are met for the month, what do you do with your remaining money?
  • How can minimalism help with significant transitions in our everyday lives?
  • As an artist who creates physical artifacts, how do I reconcile that with being a minimalist?
  • Have there been moments when you’ve struggled when considering purchasing an item or letting go of an item?
  • How do explain your recent adoption of minimalism to your maximalist friends and family members, especially when it pertains to gifts?
  • How do you find the willpower to let go of sentimental items and family heirlooms?
  • How did you overcome the adversity of being disadvantaged in your youth to achieve the success you enjoy today?
  • Can you quantify the ideal minimalist wardrobe for a child?
  • How do you assess the value of relationships?
  • Once you’ve downsized, minimized, and eliminated everything, where do you go from there?
  • How do I get my family members to adopt minimalism?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on explaining the benefits of minimalism to family and friends: “You might be broke if you have a car payment, you have a credit card payment, you have a credit card, you have a student loan payment, you have a 30-year mortgage.”
  • Ryan on explaining the benefits of minimalism to family and friends: “The people in your life who love and appreciate you will support you no matter what.”
  • Joshua on letting go of sentimental items and family heirlooms: “I’ve never regretted anything I’ve let go of, but if I ever do, I’ll let go of the regret.”
  • Ryan on letting go of sentimental items and family heirlooms: “If you don’t ever start letting go, you’re going to be waiting the rest of your life.”
  • Joshua on overcoming adversity and realizing your potential: “There are two reasons we make changes: fear and meaning. And I feared staying in my previous life more than I feared making the change.”
  • Ryan on overcoming adversity and realizing your potential: “If you just want to be rich, go get a sales job. But you’re going to fucking hate it.”
  • Joshua on the ideal minimalist wardrobe for a child: “Full price is often the intentional price because sale price is fool price.”
  • Ryan on the ideal minimalist wardrobe for a child: “You and your husband get to set boundaries: you don’t need anyone’s permission but your own to do anything.”
  • Joshua on assessing the true value of our relationships: “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • Ryan on assessing the true value of our relationships: “It doesn’t matter whose blood someone has in their veins: I invest in people who invest in me.”
  • Joshua on what to do when the decluttering’s done: “In order to live a meaningful life you must align your short-term actions with your long-term values.”
  • Ryan on what to do when the decluttering’s done: “If you aren’t clear on what your values and beliefs are, you’re going to be lost the rest of your life.”
  • Joshua on convincing family members to adopt minimalism: “People don’t hate change: they hate being changed.”
  • Ryan on convincing family members to adopt minimalism: “If you truly love your friends and family and want them to be happy, you’ll support them in their happiness.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#074
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan visit Vermont for the first time, and they answer the following questions:

  • Once you decluttered your home, how did you fill the empty space appropriately without falling back into old habits?
  • If you could give minimalism a more appropriate name, what would you call it?
  • How do you deal with all the paperwork in life that seems so important and necessary?
  • What do your daily lives look like now that you’ve wholly adopted minimalism into every facet?
  • What baby steps can someone take if they’re having trouble integrating minimalism into their life?
  • Can minimalism be applied to other areas of life besides our living and working spaces?
  • When you tell people you’re minimalists, what’s the difference in their reactions between now and when you started six years ago?
  • Is there anything you simply had to have, something you couldn’t let go?
  • Did you have to teach yourself to say ‘no’ to things?
  • How can the poor and destitute benefit from minimalism?
  • How do you deal with unwanted and unneeded gifts you receive from loved ones?
  • As a minimalist, how do you reconcile minimalist practices with all the non-minimalist things that come with having children?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on applying minimalist principles to all aspects of life: “Intentionality is contagious.”
  • Ryan on applying minimalist principles to all aspects of life: “Minimalism is not just a well-curated home: minimalism is a well-curated life.”
  • Joshua on people’s reactions to discussing minimalism in the past and in the present: “I don’t care what people think about me; I care what I think about me.”
  • Ryan on people’s reactions to discussing minimalism in the past and in the present: “I don’t care what people think about me.”
  • Joshua on insidious items: “The best parts of me are made up of some of my worst failures.”
  • Ryan on insidious items: “If I die with no regrets, I’ll really regret that.”
  • Joshua on saying ‘no’ to daily demands: “I can’t beat Ryan’s answer.”
  • Ryan on saying ‘no’ to daily demands: “I say ‘no’ to as many things as I can so I can say ‘yes’ to the important things.”
  • Joshua on adopting minimalism when someone’s living paycheck to paycheck: “Money doesn’t buy happiness. But neither does poverty.”
  • Ryan on adopting minimalism when someone’s living paycheck to paycheck: “It doesn’t matter how much money you have—if you make shitty decisions, you’re probably going to have a shitty life.”
  • Joshua on unwanted and unneeded gifts: “Presence is the best present.”
  • Ryan on unwanted and unneeded gifts: “People buy gifts because they want you to be happy. If your life will be happier without those gifts, you will be doing them a disservice if you don’t get rid of them.”
  • Joshua on minimalism and children: “We must lead by example.”
  • Ryan on minimalism and children: “Having children makes minimalism even more important.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#073
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan kick off their Less Is Now Tour in Pittsburgh, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I maintain a minimal wardrobe when I have a career that depends on appearance?
  • Who influenced you to adopt minimalism?
  • What are your passions?
  • How do you stay focused on your minimalism practices and resist falling off the wagon?
  • How do I appropriately minimize a sentimental item that was made specifically for me?
  • How do I find my mission in life?
  • When I’m moving, how do I best determine what to keep?
  • How does minimalism help the grieving and coping process?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on practicing meditation: “Our material possessions are a physical manifestation of what’s going on inside us.”
  • Ryan on practicing meditation: “It only takes a minute to clear some mental clutter.”
  • Joshua on managing daily tasks: “My short-term actions must align with my long-term values every day.”
  • Ryan on managing daily tasks: “Exercise. Meditate. Contribute.”
  • Joshua on finding motivation: “Pass.”
  • Ryan on finding motivation: “It’s okay to veg out, but if you veg out too much, you become a vegetable.”
  • Joshua on addressing toxic relationships: “Victims become victimizers.”
  • Ryan on addressing toxic relationships: “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • Joshua on minimizing digital clutter: “You’ll never reach the end of the Internet, so stop trying.”
  • Ryan on minimizing digital clutter: “Simple is not easy. Purge relentlessly. Curate carefully.”
  • Joshua on getting rid of gifts you don’t want: “The only person’s permission you need is your own. The best way to deal with clutter is before it happens.”
  • Ryan on getting rid of gifts you don’t want: “When someone gives you a gift, they want to make you happy; if your life would be happier without that gift, I assure you they would want you to get rid of it.”
  • Joshua on regrets: “Successes are composed of fragments of failures.”
  • Ryan on regrets: “If I die with no regrets, I’ll really regret that.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#072
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss their evolving approach toward social media and news media, and they delete many of their smartphone apps live on the air. They also answer the following questions:

  • How do minimalists cope with the daily deluge of media?
  • Which social media platform do you find the most effective?
  • Is there an ideal newsfeed for minimalists?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on participating in social media responsibly: “To live intentionally, we must continually ask ourselves, ‘Is this useful?’”
  • Ryan on participating in social media responsibly: “What would life be like if we checked social media only once per day?”
  • Joshua on using social media with more focus and intention: “Minimalists aren’t Luddites.”
  • Ryan on using social media with more focus and intention: “Tools are as useful as the user.”
  • Joshua on using media more mindfully: “Let go of distractions—make room for intention.”
  • Ryan on using media more mindfully: “The more we practice self control, the better we get at it.”
  • Joshua on identifying essential media: “Essential is perspectival.”
  • Ryan on identifying essential media: “Watch yourself, consume less, participate in your local community.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#071
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the best ways to handle clutter, and they answer the following questions:

  • I’ve minimized my possessions to only those things that add value to my life and that bring me joy, but my space still feels cluttered—what do I do next?
  • What should I do with all the books and papers I accumulated as I was earning my college degree?
  • How do I deal with the clutter of my partner?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on defining clutter: “Clutter is like pornography and sandwiches: you know it when you see it.”
  • Ryan on defining clutter: “If you feel like your life is cluttered, that’s a clear sign to take action.”
  • Joshua on determining when consumables have become unhealthy clutter: “If it doesn’t fit, you must quit.”
  • Ryan on determining when consumables have become unhealthy clutter: “Hoarding is hoarding no matter what thing you’re hoarding.”
  • Joshua on still feeling cluttered after decluttering: “Loosen your grip—massive clutter requires massive amounts of #letgo.”
  • Ryan on still feeling cluttered after decluttering: “What could you #letgo of to feel less cluttered?”
  • Joshua on counting collections as clutter: “Often collecting is well-planned hoarding.”
  • Ryan on counting collections as clutter: “One man’s collection is another man’s nightmare.”
  • Joshua on dealing with incoming clutter: “The less we let in, the less we have to let go.”
  • Ryan on dealing with incoming clutter: “If clutter is still coming in, you’re not taking the right steps.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#070
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss their values, principles, and beliefs, and they answer the following questions:

  • What does the phrase “add value” mean?
  • When you quit a job you’ve held for a long time, how do you find your new identity separate from the identity you created through your job?
  • When you experience major life events, do you find your values change, and, if so, what do you do about it?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on passing minimalist ideals onto children living in a materialistic society: “To demonstrate our values, we must do more than tell—we must show.”
  • Ryan on passing minimalist ideals onto children living in a materialistic society: “Leading by example is the best way to transfer our values and beliefs to others.”
  • Joshua on how minimalism changed his values: “Minimalism didn’t change my values—it helped me discover what my values are.”
  • Ryan on how minimalism changed his values: “Minimalism helped me stop giving my values lip service and start taking action.”
  • Joshua on values that don’t give us joy: “If you are living by your values, but aren’t happy, consider changing what you value.”
  • Ryan on values that don’t give us joy: “If something you value is making you unhappy, you may not value that thing as much as you thought.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#069
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss how they deal with being overwhelmed, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I encourage and support someone who wants to adopt the best practices of minimalism, but can’t seem to find and keep the motivation to do so?
  • How do I declutter, de-stress, and live a more meaningful life as a 12 year-old, especially at school?
  • How do I deal with setbacks and failure when I’m challenged by a mental illness?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on addressing anything that distracts from long-term values: “Distractions are inherently meaningless. Values are inherently meaningful. Pause, and then choose wisely.”
  • Ryan on addressing anything that distracts from long-term values: “Take it simple: one step at a time.”
  • Joshua on determining the line between fully engaged and overwhelmed: “Engagement is an action; overwhelm is an emotion. When we are overwhelmed by our actions, we must focus.”
  • Ryan on determining the line between fully engaged and overwhelmed: “Look at being overwhelmed like a flashing yellow light: use caution when saying ‘yes’ to others and tasks.”
  • Joshua on coping effectively when overwhelmed: “Lean into the experiences you avoid.”
  • Ryan on coping effectively when overwhelmed: “Sometimes saying ‘no’ to others and tasks leaves room for saying ‘yes’ to a meaningful life.”
  • Joshua on avoiding procrastination when feeling overwhelmed: “Don’t let your crastination turn pro.”
  • Ryan on avoiding procrastination when feeling overwhelmed: “Having an accountability partner can often be the kick-in-the-pants needed to get things done.”
  • Joshua on determining what to focus on when multiple things compete for our attention: “Prioritize, and then decoct.”
  • Ryan on determining what to focus on when multiple things compete for our attention: “If saying ‘yes’ to others is distracting you from focusing on your priorities, everyone loses.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#068
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss happiness, meaning, discontent, and despair, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I make friends that share the same values and beliefs as me?
  • What are some best practices to stay motivated while minimizing?
  • How do you deal with things that you love that you believe might be holding you back?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on recognizing when you’re truly happy: “Happiness is a byproduct of a meaningful life.”
  • Ryan on recognizing when you’re truly happy: “Chasing happiness is an endless pursuit.”
  • Joshua on splurge items: “There is little correlation between happiness and stuff.”
  • Ryan on splurge items: “Splurging will never feel better than living up to one’s values and beliefs.”
  • Joshua on being the happiest he’s ever been: “Happiness isn’t the objective—a meaningful life is.”
  • Ryan on being the happiest he’s ever been: “I focus less on happiness these days, and instead focus on purpose.”
  • Joshua on whether values must make you happy: “Values don’t make us happy; aligning our actions with our values makes us happy.”
  • Ryan on whether values must make you happy: “Values don’t make you happy; living up to them does.”
  • Joshua on helping others recognize their values and beliefs so they can improve their relationships: “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”
  • Ryan on helping others recognize their values and beliefs so they can improve their relationships: “Trying to force someone to change is like trying to potty train a six month old baby.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#067
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the things people hold on to, the things people let go of, and the things that may or may not add value to our lives, and they answer the following questions:

  • If my family and I are moving into a fully furnished house for the next year, should we sell everything or should we place it in storage?
  • As a divorce lawyer, how can I help clients realign their values so they don’t fight over the division of their things?
  • How do I minimize the paper clutter that results from all the documentation that my job requires?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on the correlation between hoarding and financial security: “Excess is a sign of weakness.”
  • Ryan on the correlation between hoarding and financial security: “There’s not one good reason for the average person to hoard.”
  • Joshua on purging things immediately versus gradually: “The best plan is the plan that works for you.”
  • Ryan on purging things immediately versus gradually: “Comparing yourself to others as a guide to live life is a sure way to discontent. Instead, follow your values and beliefs.”
  • Joshua on using minimalism to control one’s surroundings versus using minimalism to liberate oneself: “Letting go of control is the best way to regain total control.”
  • Ryan on using minimalism to control one’s surroundings versus using minimalism to liberate oneself: “Anything taken to the extreme is going to be problematic.”
  • Joshua on addressing relatives that take issue with our large donations of things: “There’s a fine line between panic and excitement.”
  • Ryan on addressing relatives that take issue with our large donations of things: “The ones that truly love you will support you no matter what.”
  • Joshua on sentimental things: “Our memories are not in our things—our memories are inside us.”
  • Ryan on sentimental things: “You will find way more value in a few sentimental items versus a hoard of grandma’s knickers.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#066
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss lessons from touring, on-the-road routines, and their favorite cities.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#065
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about dealing with unpleasant experiences, and they answer the following questions:

  • Is there anything you removed from your life that you now regret that you removed?
  • What do you do when you’ve gotten rid of something that was of value to a family member?
  • Does becoming a minimalist help you better cope with unpleasant situations that arise in your life?
  • How can I get over the regret of bad decisions I’ve made that have led to bad experiences?
  • How do you answer the critics that claim minimalism is just for rich white people?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#064
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss jobs, careers, missions, passions, side hustles, and earning income, and they answer the following questions:

  • How can I keep the job I love, yet still alleviate the financial stress of being underemployed?
  • Do I need to keep my diplomas?
  • How can I tell if an employment opportunity is actually a pyramid scheme instead?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on suitable jobs for minimalists: “A vocation that matches your short-term actions with your values is ideal.”
  • Ryan on suitable jobs for minimalists: “It doesn’t matter what you do for a living. What matters most is living a life that aligns with your values and beliefs.”
  • Joshua on working long hours but still maintaining one’s values: “What are your priorities? There are 168 hours in a week—plan accordingly.”
  • Ryan on working long hours but still maintaining one’s values: “Our priorities are what we do, not what we say they are.”
  • Joshua on leaving a job you love to move out of state: “Consider your values when making life-changing decisions.”
  • Ryan on leaving a job you love to move out of state: “Home is where you find the most support.”
  • Joshua on the best way to negotiate a salary: “You will never have to settle if you add considerably more value than you’re worth.”
  • Ryan on the best way to negotiate a salary: “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#063
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss friends, family, acquaintances, and coworkers, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you reconcile your relationships with friends that have values and beliefs that starkly contrast with your own?
  • How do you minimize the chaos caused by certain people in your life?
  • How do you use breakups as catalysts for positive change?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on managing the obligations of social media and social events: “Schedule ‘you’ time before anything else, and then fill out the rest of your calendar accordingly.”
  • Ryan on managing the obligations of social media and social events: “Saying ‘no’ doesn’t make you a bad friend, especially when it enables you to say ‘yes’ to life’s most important things.”
  • Joshua on ridiculous questions regarding friends: “Q: Does minimalism mean I have to let go of my friends? A: No, minimalism allows us to better prioritize our most important relationships.”
  • Ryan on ridiculous questions regarding friends: “Q: How do I make all of my best friends become minimalists? A: You don’t make your friends do anything.”
  • Joshua on determining who among our friends are true friends, as opposed to those people that are just using us: “You can be used only if you’re useful.”
  • Ryan on determining who among our friends are true friends, as opposed to those people that are just using us: “You get to choose what you do with your time—not anyone else. Choose wisely.”
  • Joshua on using the silent treatment to let go of former friends: “Silence speaks volumes.”
  • Ryan on using the silent treatment to let go of former friends: “Don’t avoid important conversations.”
  • Joshua on the differences between family, friends, and acquaintances: “Family will suffer for you; friends will support you; acquaintances will be there when it’s convenient.”
  • Ryan on the differences between family, friends, and acquaintances: “I invest in people who are invested in me, regardless of whose blood they have in their veins.”
  • Joshua on maintaining healthy relationships with friends who don’t share the same values: “Values are the bedrock of friendship.”
  • Ryan on maintaining healthy relationships with friends who don’t share the same values: “Being friends with someone whose values don’t align with yours is possible, but it isn’t easy.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#062
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua jumped on Instagram Live to answer a bunch of questions about minimalism, including:

  • How can I live with a non-minimalist who likes to keep everything?
  • What has been the most valuable thing you have learned on your minimalist journey so far?
  • Was your partner a minimalist before you met?
  • How do you manage stress when you feel mentally tired or overwhelmed much of the time?
  • In regards to people, how do you go about saying “no”?
  • Should I move to improve my life?
  • Do you do laundry every day?
  • Do you see a link between minimalism and spirituality?
  • Do you have some tips for dealing with people in your life who don’t understand minimalism?
  • If I have debt, should I invest first or pay off the debt first?
  • What do you think of Dave Ramsey?
  • Your film is not available on Netflix in my country—is there another option to watch your film worldwide?
  • When is your next tour date?
  • What are our thoughts on nutrition?
  • What is your favorite recipe on the Minimal Wellness website?
  • How do you retrain a young child’s materialistic mindset when your family is becoming more minimalist?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#061
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about finances, debt, economics, and they answer the following questions:

  • Should I invest my earnings when I have school loan debt and credit card debt, or should I focus on paying down the debt?
  • My family’s medical debt seems the most pernicious of any of our debt—how do I best address it?
  • What financial advice do you have for recent college graduates?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on paying debt off slowly: “There’s no such thing as good debt.”
  • Ryan on paying debt off slowly: “There’s no such thing as good debt!”
  • Joshua on turning minimal finances into maximal finances: “The best way to give yourself a pay raise is to spend less money.”
  • Ryan on turning minimal finances into maximal finances: “Money can solve only so many problems.”
  • Joshua on budgeting as a minimalist in a household of non-minimalists: “Agree on outcomes before agreeing on actions.”
  • Ryan on budgeting as a minimalist in a household of non-minimalists: “You don’t have to be a minimalist to follow a budget.”
  • Joshua on budgeting for a wedding: “If you have to go into debt, you can’t afford it.”
  • Ryan on budgeting for a wedding: “A wedding doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg to make it a meaningful experience.”
  • Joshua on student loan debt: “There is no such thing as good debt.”
  • Ryan on student loan debt: “There is no such thing as good debt!”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#060
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan present three audiobook chapters from their most popular book, Everything That Remains.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#059
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about different types of minimalist dwellings and simple-living situations, and they answer the following questions:

  • I’d like to move to a much smaller home, but how do I get my partner and my children on board?
  • I have a lot of extra room in my home—how do I ensure I don’t fill it all with new stuff?
  • What are your views on microhomes?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on what he left out of his new home that he misses: “As my needs change, my possessions change accordingly.”
  • Ryan on what he left out of his new home that he misses: “Minimalists do not deprive themselves of the things that add value to their lives.”
  • Joshua on whether art is simply stuff: “Possessions have no intrinsic meaning, only the meaning we give to them.”
  • Ryan on whether art is simply stuff: “Minimalism helps me create beautiful art. It helps me create a beautiful life.”
  • Joshua on where to start decluttering: “Just start. Letting go gets easier by the day.”
  • Ryan on where to start decluttering: “One day or day one—you decide.”
  • Joshua on the appropriate amount of technology in the home: “The most valuable technologies don’t supplant, they supplement.”
  • Ryan on the appropriate amount of technology in the home: “Technology is a great tool, but don’t get caught up in the upgrades.”
  • Joshua on regretting parting with items: “I’ve never regretted letting go, but if I ever do, I’ll let go of the regret.”
  • Ryan on regretting parting with items: “The greatest regret I have is not letting go sooner.”
  • Joshua on maintaining a minimalist home with children: “Minimalism with children isn’t a challenge, it’s an adventure.”
  • Ryan on maintaining a minimalist home with children: “I can’t think of one good reason for the average person to hoard things.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#058
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer a bunch of questions about minimalism, including:

  • When will The Minimalists have a tour stop in my city?
  • Can I gradually adopt minimalist practices, or do I have to adopt them all at once?
  • How do I get all my family members to become practicing minimalists like me?
  • What are the best options for financially sound end-of-life planning?
  • How did you let go of items that you spent a lot of money on?
  • If everyone adopted minimalism and stopped buying stuff, wouldn’t that cause an economic crisis?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#057
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about clothing brands, simple wardrobes, and minimalist accessories, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I balance being a minimalist with my desire to own a full wardrobe of nice clothing?
  • What are the most responsible clothing manufacturers that produce the highest quality clothing?
  • I have purged most of my clothes, and I need to acquire well-made replacements that will last—where do I start?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on managing a wardrobe in a volatile climate: “As with life, plan for the hot days and plan for the cold days.”
  • Ryan on managing a wardrobe in a volatile climate: “I can’t think of one good excuse to hoard clothes.”
  • Joshua on apparel emblazoned with pop culture references: “I avoid logos, brands, and advertisements whenever I can.”
  • Ryan on apparel emblazoned with pop culture references: “Wear what you love.”
  • Joshua on just-in-case clothing: “I own what I need, and I constantly reevaluate my needs.”
  • Ryan on just-in-case clothing: “Typically I remove items from my life I don’t use at least once a year.”
  • Joshua on ethical second-hand clothes retailers and donation warehouses: “Buying used clothes, no matter the brand, is often the most ethical way to shop.”
  • Ryan on ethical second-hand clothes retailers and donation warehouses: “No matter where I get my clothes, I usually wear them out before I get rid of them.”
  • Joshua on minimizing a wardrobe to meet the approval of others: “You don’t need anyone’s approval but your own.”
  • Ryan on minimizing a wardrobe to meet the approval of others: “Days are less stressful for those who can find a simple wardrobe to fit their lifestyle.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#056
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan read mean tweets from their critics, and they talk about the best ways to respond to criticism.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#055
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the brief but inspirational life of one of their closest friends, Stanley Dukes.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#054
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about organizing material possessions, and they answer the following questions:

  • Once you’ve decluttered, how do you maintain your newly minimized living space?
  • What are some good alternatives to paper planners for keeping your schedule organized?
  • What do you think of Marie Kondo’s method?
  • How do you declutter your digital collection?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on recognizing when organizing is being used as a distraction: “Organizing is not nearly as freeing as letting go.”
  • Ryan on recognizing when organizing is being used as a distraction: “Distraction is a form of procrastination.”
  • Joshua on minimizing organizational tools: “It’s quixotic to assume we can use possessions to combat our problem with possessions.”
  • Ryan on minimizing organizational tools: “It’s impossible to keep it simple if you have an abundant supply of organizing materials.”
  • Joshua on using software to organize: “I embrace technology, but whenever I rely too heavily on tech, I feel disorganized.”
  • Ryan on using software to organize: “No software will do the hard work for you—taking action is our responsibility.”
  • Joshua on using organizing as an excuse to cling to stuff: “Before organizing, pretreat your possessions by getting rid of most of them.”
  • Ryan on using organizing as an excuse to cling to stuff: “You’re allowed to use as many excuses as you want in life, but it won’t be much of a meaningful life then.”
  • Joshua on everyday carry: “Everything I carry, I need.”
  • Ryan on everyday carry: “Comparing our material possessions to others is a great way to see discontent.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#053
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about how they handle stress, tension, and anxiety, and they answer the following questions:

  • What have you found most challenging about maintaining a minimalist lifestyle, and how have you overcome those challenges?
  • What can I do to feel more comfortable around non-minimalists?
  • Do you think you both would have continued to be long-term minimalists without having one another along for the journey for support and encouragement?
  • The workload at my current job consistently flows over into my personal time on my evenings and weekends, and it causes me a great deal of stress and anxiety in doing so—should I stick it out, and if so, how do I manage the stress and anxiety?
  • How do I deal with the stress and anxiety of commuting daily in my car so I don’t have to give up access to the things I love like my job, my partner, and my recreational activities?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on providing guidance: “For more meaningful interactions, I avoid questioning other people’s intentions.”
  • Ryan on providing guidance: “Being a role model for others is one of the biggest honors.”
  • Joshua on the influence of ambient clutter on stress levels: “Material clutter is a physical manifestation of what’s going on inside us.”
  • Ryan on the influence of ambient clutter on stress levels: “A visually overstimulating room can be just as distracting as a noisy room.”
  • Joshua on striving to become a stress-free minimalist: “Minimalism helps us feel less stressed by letting go of our vapid problems like consumerism, and replacing them with more empowering problems.”
  • Ryan on striving to become a stress-free minimalist: “Removing physical clutter can help free up mental space.”
  • Joshua on tools and tips to minimize stress and anxiety: “Just breathe.”
  • Ryan on tools and tips to minimize stress and anxiety: “Daily incantations affirm who we are and how we feel.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#052
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about dealing with material possessions while moving, and they answer the following questions:

  • In preparing to move to a more spacious place, how can I prepare appropriately to ensure I hold to my minimalist practices and not fill it with unnecessary items?
  • How can I help my children purge much of their superfluous belongings during a move, yet still make it fun for them?
  • How do I ensure I pack only what I need when moving?
  • How do I politely refuse family heirlooms and other donations from family when they’re moving?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on finding inexpensive or free moving boxes: “If you have less stuff, you’ll need fewer boxes.”
  • Ryan on finding inexpensive or free moving boxes: “Between friends, family, and local grocery stores, you can find a lot of cardboard boxes for free.”
  • Joshua on determining what to keep and what to purge: “Distinguish between just-for-when and just-in-case items. Let go of just-in-case items with the 20/20 Rule, and apply the 90/90 Rule when dealing with just-for-when items.”
  • Ryan on determining what to keep and what to purge: “It doesn’t matter what rules you follow, as long as you’re following rules that fit within your lifestyle.”
  • Joshua on determining what to sell, what to donate, and what to give away: “Moving is the perfect time to throw a literal packing party.”
  • Ryan on determining what to sell, what to donate, and what to give away: “When selling possessions, it’s important to determine the value of your time versus the sunk cost of the items.”
  • Joshua on parting with sentimental items: “The first step in letting go is understanding that our memories aren’t inside our things—our memories are inside us.”
  • Ryan on parting with sentimental items: “Start small—give away one sentimental item to see how it feels. If you can’t sleep at night, ask them to return it.”
  • Joshua on determining what is essential: “Ask yourself, ‘How do I want to live?’ Build your home and your stuff around that life.”
  • Ryan on determining what is essential: “Don’t bring things into your home just because there’s a space for it—instead, ask, ‘What is going to serve a purpose or bring me joy?’”
  • Joshua on forcing children to adopt minimalist practices: “The road to discontent is cluttered with good intentions.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#051
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss our addiction to possessions, shopping, social media, entertainment, and more, and they answer the following questions:

  • When I go to a store to return a purchase thanks to buyer’s remorse, how do I ensure I don’t succumb to my inner compulsive shopper where I wind up exchanging an item instead of returning it?
  • I recognize my binge watching of Netflix and YouTube makes me unproductive, antisocial, and unfulfilled, but how do I stop doing it?
  • As a small business owner, how do I help my customers avoid compulsory consumption without damaging the source of my income?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Ryan on eschewing social media and calling people instead: “Social media is a tool. Used properly, it can add a tremendous amount of value to our lives.”
  • Joshua on eschewing social media and calling people instead: “Avoid ‘keeping up.’ Focus instead on giving and getting value.”
  • Ryan on our desire to create collections: “Hunting and gathering is in our DNA. Collecting is a side effect, and it’s becoming an antiquated form of survival in most of the modern world.”
  • Joshua on our desire to create collections: “Collecting is well-planned hoarding. Thus, we often form collections to cover up our hoard.”
  • Ryan on doing nothing: “When I snowboard, I always take a few moments to ‘just be on the mountain.’”
  • Joshua on doing nothing: “Sometimes nothing counts as something.”
  • Ryan on spending an inordinate amount of time playing video games: “Habits are hard to break. Others’ habits are even harder to break.”
  • Joshua on spending an inordinate amount of time playing video games: “You can’t help people who don’t want help.”
  • Ryan on minimizing social media use: “If you want a break from social media, turn it off—the power button is right there.”
  • Joshua on minimizing social media use: “Use social media intentionally: unfollow and unfriend the people who aren’t adding value, and work hard to create value yourself.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#050
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about getting back to basics for the new year, and they answer the following questions:

  • What should I do when I love my job, but my company’s values and beliefs don’t align with my own?
  • How do you start working toward a goal, and how do you ensure you remain accountable to achieving that goal?
  • How do you measure your success throughout the year?
  • How do I get back to basics emotionally after a tumultuous year?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#049
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer a bunch of questions about minimalism, including:

  • Can adopting minimalist practices improve my mental state?
  • What are The Minimalists’ plans for 2017?
  • When are The Minimalists coming to my city?
  • After I adopt minimalist practices and declutter, how do I maintain my new neat and orderly life?
  • How do I address the nagging worry that everything will fall apart?
  • When you purchase items, do you ensure the companies you purchase from use ethical, sustainable, and environmentally responsible practices?
  • What did you do to grow your website and spread your message?
  • What tools do you use to write?
  • How do I stay present while traveling and stop viewing much of my trips through the camera viewfinder?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#048
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan present some of their best answers from 2016, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you minimize social media feeds and not miss important info?
  • What are some alternative education options besides college?
  • How do you commit to a career choice?
  • How can you best express the benefits of minimalism to others?
  • How do you find your passion?
  • How do you form a financial team with your partner who thinks some debt is okay?
  • How do you differentiate between good criticism and bad criticism?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#047
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about the different influences that helped them let go, and they answer the following questions:

  • When did you realize minimalism was the right path for you, and what brought you to that realization?
  • How do we help budding adults struggling with the overwhelm of consumption, and how do we do a better job helping our children adopt minimalist practices early so they don’t find themselves struggling through similar situations later in life?
  • Do you believe you still would have adopted minimalism even if you had not “had it all”?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Ryan on receiving unneeded gifts: “When you receive a gift, it’s yours now—you can do whatever you want with it.”
  • Joshua on receiving unneeded gifts: “Let it go: it’s just stuff.”
  • Ryan on the most difficult thing to give up: “Identity is one of the hardest things to let go: it takes a lot to see ourselves differently.”
  • Joshua on the most difficult thing to give up: “Letting go of our attachment to stuff is difficult, but necessary.”
  • Ryan on practicing minimalism among roommates who do not practice minimalism: “Showing respect is the best method of persuasion.”
  • Joshua on practicing minimalism among roommates who do not practice minimalism: “Don’t preach—teach.”
  • Ryan on minimizing the time requisite to achieve a goal: “Unorganized or unclear goals lead to discontent.”
  • Joshua on minimizing the time requisite to achieve a goal: “Discover what’s essential to reach your objective, and then eliminate the rest.”
  • Ryan on reconciling minimalist values with family and friends with non-minimalist values: “It’s important to love, support, and respect family—and more important to never act against your values and beliefs.”
  • Joshua on reconciling minimalist values with family and friends with non-minimalist values: “You can’t change the people around you, but you can change the people around you.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#046
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua answers questions about parenting as a minimalist, including:

  • How do you minimize the accoutrements that seem requisite when you have young children?
  • How do you initiate a minimalist lifestyle with family members, and how do you maintain and measure the results of such a lifestyle?
  • How do you help children adopt and maintain minimalist practices on their own?
  • What are the best gifts for children?
  • How do I let go of sentimental items?
  • Should I hold onto my children’s items for future children I may or may not have?
  • When co-parenting, how do I explain to the children how to reconcile the different values and beliefs of each household?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Joshua on minimizing children’s possessions: “Before we let go, we should first understand the benefits.”
  • Joshua on minimalist travel with children: “When traveling, limit yourself to what fits in only one bag. Sometimes limitations are freeing—they force you to select only the essentials.”
  • Joshua on explaining to your children about the preciousness of time: “Rob Bell says, ‘You are always teaching your kids. And sometimes you use words.’”
  • Joshua on explaining to children the relationship of possessions to social status: “You don’t have to try to be better than anyone to be a better human being.”
  • Joshua on nighttime sleep routines for children: “Have as few things in the routine as possible. Keep it simple: hygiene and reading are plenty.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#045
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua answers a bunch of questions about simple living, including:

  • Do you plan on making another movie?
  • What do you think of veganism and its effects on the environment?
  • What do I tell family members who are upset that I don’t want to participate in a gift exchange during the holiday season?
  • How can I be a minimalist as a teacher or a student when I have so many physical items—books, papers, etc.—to deal with?
  • What are your thoughts on tiny houses?
  • What are your thoughts on renting versus buying?
  • What is the simplest way to explain minimalism to others?
  • How do I get started with minimalism?
  • How do I convince family members to adopt minimalism?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#044
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan present two audiobook chapters from Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#043
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about creativity, craft, passion, and different types of creative work, and they answer the following questions:

  • Do you consider the value of your content for your audience while you’re creating it?
  • How can I improve my craft?
  • What is the best method for editing my work?
  • How do I create a blog?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Ryan on creativity and originality: “If you create something unique, by default it is original.”
  • Joshua on creativity and originality: “Worthwhile creations reside at the intersection of connection and originality.”
  • Ryan on half-completed projects: “Concentrating on one thing at a time is the best way to accomplish any task. Multitasking doesn’t exist.”
  • Joshua on half-completed projects: “Constraint breeds creativity.”
  • Ryan on creativity: “It’s not about how others define creativity—the one putting in the work gets to decide.”
  • Joshua on creativity: “Creativity sits in the absence of consumption.”
  • Ryan on creating consumables while minimizing consumables: “Living with less makes room for the things—even physical things—that add the most value to our lives.”
  • Joshua on creating consumables while minimizing consumables: “Don’t just live with less stuff—live without excess.”
  • Ryan on motivation to create: “If I stop creating, I stop living.”
  • Joshua on motivation to create: “Avoid content in favor of meaningful creations. Content is nebulous; important creations align with values.”
  • Ryan on flow state: “There is no magical formula: put in the work and you will find a flow state.”
  • Joshua on flow state: “Drudge through the drudgery.”
  • Joshua on minimal farming: “When confronted with an unknown, it’s okay to say, ‘I don’t know.’”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#042
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about creating a meaningful holiday season, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you get into the holiday spirit with all the everyday challenges of life, as well as the constant bombardment of holiday advertising?
  • How do you avoid succumbing to the overconsumption of alcohol amid all the pressures of the holiday season?
  • How do you discuss with your family that you want to replace holiday traditions that no longer add value to your family’s holiday season?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Ryan on mindfully participating in family holiday festivities: “The best way to contribute is to accept support from your loved ones, and to show your appreciation of them.”
  • Joshua on mindfully participating in family holiday festivities: “Be present. Be attentive. Just be.”
  • Ryan on acquiescing to the stress of the holiday season: “Busyness doesn’t always equal productivity. And it certainly doesn’t always equate to adding value.”
  • Joshua on acquiescing to the stress of the holiday season: “Busyness has become a status symbol, but it has become a vacuous endeavor. ‘Busy’ is the foulest four-letter word in the English language.”
  • Ryan on loneliness during the holiday season: “Are you feeling lonely this holiday season? The best way to create a bond with your community is to contribute.”
  • Joshua on loneliness during the holiday season: “‘Lonely’ and ‘alone’ are not synonyms. Sometimes a crowded place can feel the most alone.”
  • Ryan on holiday decorating without clutter: “Whether to have a bunch of decorations or not is the wrong question—the right question is ‘What adds the most meaning to my holiday season?’”
  • Joshua on holiday decorating without clutter: “A simply decorated home is the most elegant home.”
  • Ryan on juggling the festivities of the holiday season: “Party invitations are just that—an invite. You get to decide what to do with your time.”
  • Joshua on juggling the festivities of the holiday season: “Say ‘no’ to almost everything, so you can say ‘yes’ to that which is most important.”
  • Ryan on keeping the magic and fun of the holiday season without Santa: “There’s always room for new traditions. What matters most is that your family knows you love and support them.”
  • Joshua on keeping the magic and fun of the holiday season without Santa: “Honesty is the bedrock of the most healthy traditions.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#041
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan present two chapters about “Minimalism” and “Stuff” from Essential.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#040
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss reducing digital, physical, and mental noise in our everyday lives, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you deal with negative emotions?
  • What methods do you recommend for getting to sleep?
  • How do you adopt minimalism when you have mental challenges?
  • How do you manage to be a minimalist among non-minimalists?
  • How do you break the cycle of compulsory consumption?
  • Should you proactively provide others with constructive criticism?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Ryan on restaurant noise: “I avoid TV-filled restaurants unless I’m there to watch football.”
  • Joshua on restaurant noise: “The first step in turning down the volume is avoiding the noise. At the very least, turn your back to the noise.”
  • Ryan on the value of noise and static: “Noise isn’t always bad. I love going to concerts—plenty of noise there.”
  • Joshua on the value of noise and static: “The noise helps us appreciate the quiet.”
  • Ryan on ignoring devices and focusing on loved ones: “I’ve been to plenty of get-togethers where the invite specifically asks for no phones to be present during the event.”
  • Joshua on ignoring devices and focusing on loved ones: “For more meaningful get-togethers, leave your phone in the car, suggest a phone-free evening, and keep a phone basket near the door.”
  • Ryan on silencing mental noise: “Meditate.”
  • Joshua on silencing mental noise: “Are your negative thoughts useful? If so, take action. If not, let go.”
  • Ryan on noise while writing: “I like being in a coffeeshop. It’s not the noise, though—it’s the movement of the people I enjoy.”
  • Joshua on noise while writing: “Silence reigns supreme.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#039
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss giftgiving, the holiday shopping season, Black Friday, and the commodification of love, and they answer the following questions:

  • What gifts are appropriate for minimalists to gift on special occasions where gifts are the expectation, such as weddings, baby showers, bachelorette parties, and the like?
  • What gifts have you given on Christmas?
  • How do you tactfully part with gifts from loved ones without offending the gift giver?
  • How do I explain minimalism to family members with regard to giving gifts and receiving gifts?
  • What is the difference between a thoughtful gift and asking someone what they want for Christmas?

Listen

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Ryan on gift limits: “Try to compromise—can you ask your family to give consumables or experiences?”
  • Joshua on gift limits: “Don’t set expectations without first attempting to understand why someone is upset.”
  • Ryan on gifts for fathers: “Gift him an experience. How about preparing his favorite meal?”
  • Joshua on gifts for fathers: “Most dads I know—including myself—prefer presence over presents. After all, presence is the best present.”
  • Ryan on charities: “Charity Water is my favorite charity, and World Vision is a close second.”
  • Joshua on charities: “GiveWell.org provides evidence-based, thoroughly vetted analysis of the best charities to donate in your name, or as a gift.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#038
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan embark on a positive, apolitical discussion about the results of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, and they talk about where we go from here.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#037
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss focus, pacifiers, success, priorities, goals, and much more, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do we better educate ourselves about negative media?
  • How can minimalism help us develop and maintain clarity of mind?
  • Can pacifiers be useful?
  • How do we maintain a minimalist lifestyle?
  • How do we stay grounded with so much going on?

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Minimal Maxims

Joshua & Ryan’s pithy, sharable, less-than-140-character answers to the lightning-round questions:

  • Ryan on social media: “I check social media once a day.”
  • Joshua on social media: “Does this message serve the greater good? If not, delete before sending.”
  • Ryan on multitasking: “There’s no such thing as multitasking.”
  • Joshua on multitasking: “There’s only single-tasking. Or single-tasking plus noise.”
  • Ryan on goals: “I don’t have goals. If I don’t need a goal, then I don’t have it.”
  • Joshua on goals: “Instead of goals, I prefer to have a direction in which I travel: if you’re searching for a sunrise, head east; for a sunset, west.”
  • Ryan on focus: “If you don’t meditate—meditate. Five minutes a day—try it out.”
  • Joshua on focus: “First identify your ideal life, then shed that which does not serve your vision.”
  • Ryan on nutrition: “If I eat crap, I feel like crap.”
  • Joshua on nutrition: “Eat real foods. No sugar. Nothing processed. Reduce carbs. Treat food as nourishment, not entertainment.”

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#036
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer questions in front of a sold-out crowd in their hometown, Dayton, Ohio, including:

  • With the infinite possibilities of places to travel to and to live in, how do I minimize those options and focus on one place?
  • Have you considered focusing your efforts on educating the younger generations on minimalism to prevent the problems with consumerism that arise as we grow older?
  • When you’re on major media outlets, do you believe the interviewers are wholly engaged and later become advocates for minimalism?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#035
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer questions in front of a sold-out crowd in Salt Lake City, Utah, including:

  • What is your relationship with everything that remained after your purge of most of your physical belongings?
  • How does minimalism apply to life beyond physical belongings?
  • Do you feel pressure to be role models of minimalism, or is it just part of who you are?
  • How do we help our kids adopt minimalist practices when they’re so entrenched in a compulsory consumption society?
  • How do we explain to loved ones that we appreciate items they’ve given to us after we’ve donated the items when they’re no longer useful to us?
  • What are the best methods for storing digital files?
  • Will you share more personal insights into your lives as minimalists in future content?

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Mentioned in This Episode

Our sincere thanks to all the folks at Megaplex Theatres at The Gateway in Salt Lake City for graciously hosting us and for helping us capture this podcast episode.

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#034
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer questions in front of a sold-out crowd in Chicago, including:

  • How do we help the Baby Boomer generation adopt minimalism?
  • How did you connect with all of the minimalists featured in your film?
  • How did your move to Montana relate to your minimalist journey?
  • Have you ever asked for anything back that you gave away?
  • What advice do you have for documentary filmmakers?
  • What new projects do you have planned for the future?

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Mentioned in This Episode

Our sincere thanks to all the folks at The Logan Theatre in Chicago for graciously hosting us and for helping us capture this podcast episode.

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#032
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan take a break from their podcasting break to discuss some of their favorite documentaries.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#031
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss letting go and the willingness to walk away from anything.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#030
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer questions in front of a sold-out crowd in Los Angeles, including:

  • Why do you feel as satisfied purging items as you do collecting items?
  • How do you live as a minimalist in areas with a high cost of living?
  • What are the three life lessons you want to leave behind as your legacy?
  • How do you pay for education for a new career without going into debt?
  • Which presidential candidate is most in line with minimalist principles?
  • What are the best first steps to start one’s journey into minimalism?
  • How do you become the minimalist you strive to be when you’re wrapped up in obligations that require you to work most of the time and put that life on hold?
  • How do you transition from a corporate career to your life’s mission?
  • How do you attain and maintain focus as a writer?

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Mentioned in This Episode

Our sincere thanks to all the folks at the Harmony Gold in L.A. for graciously hosting us and for helping us capture this podcast episode.

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#029
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss debt, credit scores, credit cards, investments, and much more, and they answer the following questions:

  • Should you keep credit cards or cancel them after you pay them off?
  • Should you invest money while you’re paying off debt or put all the money toward paying off the debt?
  • Should you use federal income-based repayment programs if you have student-loan debt?
  • How do you form a financial team with your partner who thinks some debt is okay?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#028
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss passion, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you focus on one passion when you enjoy many passions?
  • How do you find your passion?
  • How do you make a living from your passion?
  • How do you prioritize your time to accommodate all your passions?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#027
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan hand the microphone to Colin Wright, of Let’s Know Things, for a special guest episode.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#026
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer questions in front of a sold-out crowd in Dallas, including:

  • How do we share the film with others?
  • How do we find lending libraries?
  • How do we continue to resist compulsory consumption?
  • How do we avoid assuming an air of superiority over others who have not adopted minimalism?
  • What does it mean to live intentionally?
  • What do we do if we feel discontented with minimalism?
  • What tips do you have for kids to learn to live with less?
  • Did you foresee the minimalist movement growing this quickly?
  • What city have you found to be the most minimalist?
  • How do you reconcile yourself with not being able to accomplish everything you want to do?
  • How do you reconcile yourself with your inadequacies as a minimalist?
  • How do you explain minimalism to your friends and family who insist on giving you physical gifts?
  • How do we repurpose things we normally throw away?
  • How do we address legal issues with tiny homes?
  • How do we take control of our lives?
  • How do we keep pushing ourselves as minimalists?
  • How do we minimize the cost and stress associated with travel?
  • How do we differentiate between what we should donate and what we should throw away?
  • How can we help businesses adopt minimalist practices?
  • How do we minimize sentimental items?

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Mentioned in This Episode

Our sincere thanks to all the folks at the Texas Theatre (@TexasTheatre) in Dallas for graciously hosting us and for helping us capture this podcast episode.

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#025
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan hand the microphone to Jessica Lynn Williams and Melissa Cain, of The Mind Palace Podcast, for a special guest episode.

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#024
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan share a handful of interviews from their new film, Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things, which hits United States and Canadian theaters starting today, May 24, 2016. Find your nearest showing here. You can also pre-order the online version of the film worldwide here, which includes six hours of bonus content.

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People Featured in This Episode

  • Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Neuropsychologist
  • Jesse Jacobs, Entrepreneur
  • Shannon Whitehead, Sustainable Apparel Consultant
  • Sam Harris, Ph.D., Neuroscientist
  • Juliet Schor, Ph.D., Economist and Sociologist
  • Patrick Rhone, Author
  • Yarrow Kraner, Film Director and Photographer
  • Ryan Nicodemus Co-founder, The Minimalists
  • Joshua Fields Millburn, Co-founder, The Minimalists
  • Leo Babauta, Author
  • David Friedlander, Communications Director, LifeEdited
  • Jacqueline Smith, Illustrator and Designer
  • Joshua Becker, Author
  • Kim Becker, Co-founder, The Hope Effect

Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#023
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer questions in front of a sold-out crowd in Miami, including:

  • How do you resist relapses into compulsory consumption?
  • Where do you purchase minimalist clothing?
  • What’s next for The Minimalists?
  • How can you best express the benefits of minimalism to others?
  • How can you reconcile your minimalists practices with the maximalist practices of family members?
  • How do you stay inspired and focused through the process of integrating minimalist practices into your life?
  • How can you encourage industries to integrate minimalist practices into their daily operations and future planning?

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Mentioned in This Episode

Our sincere thanks to all the folks at the Koubek Center Theater (@KoubekCenterMDC) in Miami for graciously hosting us and for helping us capture this podcast episode.

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#022
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss travel, moving, and packing lightly, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you minimize your belongings when traveling abroad?
  • How do you move without using a U-Haul truck?
  • Is it better to get a new car or a used car for transportation?
  • How do you travel widely without incurring debt?

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Mentioned in This Episode

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#021
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua, Ryan, and director Matt D’Avella answer questions from the audience about their film, Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things, at their sold-out New York City screening:

  • How do we help our children adopt minimalism practices?
  • How do we help our parents adopt minimalism practices?
  • How do we reconcile our personal lives with our professional lives when many of our careers revolve around consumption?
  • How can minimalism help us become more spiritual?
  • How do we tell friends and family members we don’t want physical gifts for birthdays and holidays?
  • Why did you choose to make a documentary about minimalism?
  • What is the most valuable lesson you learned from making the film?

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Mentioned in This Episode

Our sincere thanks to all the folks at the SVA Theatre (@svatheatre) in New York City for graciously hosting us and for helping us capture this podcast episode.

https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#020
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss mental clutter, internal clutter, and emotional clutter, and they answer the following questions:

  • Is there a connection between physical clutter and mental clutter?
  • What is the best way to declutter your mind?
  • What are the best meditation practices to focus and clear your mind?
  • How do you practice minimalism despite mental health challenges?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#019
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua discusses writing tips and best practices, and he answers the following questions he commonly receives regarding writing:

  • How did you become a successful writer?
  • What daily habits help you improve as a writer?
  • How do you keep your inner editor from interfering with your inner creator when you write?
  • What writing app do you use?
  • What books about writing do you recommend?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#018
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua discusses diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and more, and he answers the following questions:

  • What diet supplements are most effective?
  • How does minimalism change your diet?
  • What is on the grocery list of a minimalist?
  • What are the most ideal exercises for a minimalist?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#017
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Ryan answers a bucketload of listener questions, including:

  • How do you minimize social activities, but still participate enough socially to be beneficial?
  • How do you respectfully turn down gifts?
  • How do you determine what you can contribute to society that will add the most value?
  • What do you do with pets that are no longer adding value to your life?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#016
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the perils of consumerism, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you ensure the clothing you buy was created responsibly?
  • Where do you draw the line between spending more money for higher quality goods and getting sucked into consumerism?
  • How can you be a fandom collector and still be a minimalist?
  • How do you shop responsibly at warehouse club stores?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#015
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua answers a slew of listener questions, including:

  • How do you stay passionate when work and side projects are similar?
  • How do you maintain minimalist practices in the whirlwind of college?
  • How do you explain to loved ones you won’t go into debt to buy gifts?
  • Should you accept a new position that fits your passion but pays less?
  • How do you keep from accumulating more stuff after a move?
  • How do you tell loved ones you don’t want physical gifts?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#014
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss careers, jobs, passion, and the concept of having a “mission” in life, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you answer “Where do you see yourself in three to five years?”
  • Are there scenarios where more is less?
  • Do you have to make money from a passion?
  • How do you quit your job but still have security?
  • How did you transition from your corporate jobs to what you do today?
  • How do you commit to a career choice?
  • How do you ensure work duties don’t interfere with minimalist values?
  • How do you not lose passion in your work?
  • How do you balance passion and security during a health crisis?
  • What are your views regarding ambition?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#013
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about finances, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do you pay down student loan debt with only a part-time job?
  • How do you buy a house and stay debt-free?
  • Should you use retirement funds to pay down school loan debt?
  • How can you attend college without incurring debt?
  • How can you adopt minimalism if you’re financially challenged?
  • How can you afford to travel for pleasure when you earn less?
  • How can you still enjoy life’s pleasures while paying down debt?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#012
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about letting go of sentimental items, and they answer the following questions:

  • What do you say to those that lost sentimental items involuntarily?
  • What should you do with heirloom jewelry you’ll never wear?
  • How do you get rid of sentimental tchotchkes?
  • How do you help hoarders purge stuff without making them feel guilty?
  • How do you prevent sentimental attachments to newly acquired items?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#011
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan answer a bunch of random questions about minimalism, including:

  • What do you do about relationships you no longer want to invest in?
  • How do you control your compulsion to buy clothes?
  • How do you deal with the guilt you feel when purchasing things?
  • How do you deal with people who say minimalism is wrong?
  • How do you explain to people why it took you so long to finish college?
  • How do you balance using tracking tools without getting overwhelmed?
  • Have you ever felt regret after letting something go?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#010
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the “next steps” after removing the clutter, and they answer the following questions:

  • What activities did you cut out when you adopted minimalism?
  • Do you ever reach a plateau when getting rid of your stuff?
  • How do you store paper documents as a minimalist?
  • When does minimalism go too far?
  • What’s next after everything is decluttered?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#009
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan talk about relationships, and they answer the following questions:

  • How do I transition into minimalism and be mindful of my relationships?
  • How do I tell those I enjoy giving gifts to that I don’t want any in return?
  • How do I help my friends understand my new minimalist lifestyle?
  • Where does minimalism end and negligence begin in relationships?
  • How do I explain to friends and family that minimalism is not a fad?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#008
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the issues with “stuff,” and they answer the following questions:

  • What do you do when the experiences you enjoy involve a lot of stuff?
  • What do you carry with you every day?
  • What do you think of the KonMari Method for decluttering?
  • What suggestions do you have for stopping compulsive buying habits?
  • Do you believe you should only own a certain amount of items?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#007
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan share a live Q&A event at which they wrestled with audience questions about minimalism, decluttering, passion, families, children, pets, clothes, finances, debt, mortgages, and much more.

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#006
In this “quickie” episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss priorities, and they answer the following listener questions:

  • When minimizing possessions, how do you know when to stop?
  • When donating time, how do you minimize duties and schedules?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#005
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss the failures of the modern education system, and they answer the following listener questions:

  • How do you get a decent college education as a minimalist?
  • What are some alternative education options besides college?
  • How do you avoid getting caught up in the “rat race” vibe from friends?
  • How do you define success?
  • Whom do you consider a success?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#004
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss minimalism with children, and they answer the following listener questions:

  • How do you battle the clutter that comes with kids?
  • How do you convince loved ones to stop giving you physical gifts?
  • How do you help family members adopt minimalism?
  • How do you determine which items to keep “just in case”?
  • What advice do you have for buying a new, clutterfree home?
  • How do you declutter when your partner enjoys material possessions?
  • How can minimalism aid in the recovery from addictions?
  • How do you determine which books to keep and which to give away?
  • How do you keep minimalism from becoming an obsessive lifestyle?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#003
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss minimalism approaches to technology, and they attempt to answer the following questions:

  • How do you minimize social media feeds and not miss important info?
  • How do you minimize your online browsing habits?
  • How do you apply minimalism to technology?
  • How do you embrace minimalism when your partner has no interest?
  • What advice do you have for artists overwhelmed by art supplies?
  • What was the most difficult thing for you to get rid of?
  • How do you expand your vocabulary?
  • How do you explain you don’t want things for gifts, but experiences?
  • Is it better to donate items or to sell them?
  • What does value mean to you?
  • The Five Values in your book Minimalism are health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution. If there was a sixth value, what would it be?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#002
In this episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss best practices for decluttering, and they attempt to answer the following questions:

  • What is one thing you always thought you wanted, but then, once you got it, you no longer wanted it?
  • How do you gradually declutter your home?
  • How do you explain greed in our society?
  • What do you do with old photos after you scan them?
  • How do you deal with the natural pulling away from friends with different values?
  • When is The Minimalists’ documentary coming out?
  • What charities do The Minimalists support?
  • Do The Minimalists gain any money from their website?

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#001
In this introductory episode of The Minimalists Podcast, Joshua & Ryan discuss their personal stories, as well as the format of their new podcast.

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https://www.theminimalists.com/podcast/#000

The Minimalists Podcast is produced by Podcast Shawn. Our theme music was written and performed by Peter Doran. Our podcast is free of advertisements, so if you find value in these episodes, please consider becoming a supporter.

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