Joshua Fields Millburn's Blog

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about letting go of nonsense, the many ways humans waste their lives, what happens when you minimize ambition, and much more with Dr. Kapil Gupta.

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeWhat does it mean to “overcome the world”? Why does Dr. Gupta have a disdain for smartphones? Why is “getting something to be happy” an empty act? What does a wasted life look like? Why has Joshua abandoned most of his ambitions? In what ways do we misunderstand love? What’s the problem with socializing? What is permanent in an ephemeral world? In what way are social media and politics like dirt? What are Dr. Gupta’s thoughts on money? Since “good” and “bad” are constructs, does that mean morality does not exist? Why does Kapil use an avatar instead of his photo, and why does he not appear on camera? Are there any other sacred cows Dr. Gupta would like to dispatch? Added Value: A track from Joshua’s favorite album of the year so far. Bonus conversation with Dr. Gupta: Why don’t we have to explain ourselves? Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

There’s nowhere in the world that the world is not.If the poor man is happy, he certainly isn’t happy because he is poor.Consumerism is the ideology that acquiring more will make you a better person.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: Cataclysmic EndBook: Overcoming the World Podcast: No PrescriptionsWebsite: Dr. Kapil GuptaFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 498 | Nonsense appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about the right amount of deprivation, sacrificing for others, obsession with books, education that aligns with minimalist principles, and more.

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeHow much should I deprive myself for the sake of loving others? When does it make sense to stop sacrificing for another person? Right Here, Right Now: Peek inside Joshua’s minimalist home. Listener tip: Coming to terms with body-image insecurities that you can’t control. How do I let go of my obsession with books and keep only the ones I love? What type of education best aligns with minimalist principles? How does it feel to go without superfluous material items? Talkaboutable: Recap of T.K. on Steve Patterson’s podcast talking about Catholicism. Sucky Ad: You don’t need to win like a champion to celebrate like one. More About Less: Nine little things that make your home look messy. Added Value: Soccer Mommy’s acoustic perfection. Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

It is difficult to help an arsonist maintain a campfire.A boundary without a resolution is a barricade.Sacrifice ends where self-betrayal begins.Without clear values, a kindhearted sacrifice oxidizes into bland placation.Love people and use things because the opposite never works.Focused obsession is fuel; unfocused obsession is asphyxiation.A child does not need a school to receive an education.Minimalism is the amplification of spaciousness.Never surround the truth with a bodyguard of lies.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: “Abigail”Book: Love People, Use Things Counseling: Clutter CounselingMore About Less: 9 Things That Make Your House Look MessyPodcast: SchoolPodcast: Steve Patterson & T.K. ColemanResource: 15 Ways to Write BetterResource: 30-Day Minimalism GameResource: Minimalist RulebookResource: Values WorksheetWatch: Entryway RuleWatch: Look Inside My Minimalist HomeWatch: No Piles RuleFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 497 | The Sacrifices appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about communicating with people who are unwilling to change their minds, the qualities of productive conversation, finding ways to be happy without knowing your purpose, a simple approach to getting divorced, the proper way to identify a narcissist, being a minimalist when you enjoy buying new things, and much more.

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeHow can I have conversations with people who aren’t interested in changing their mind? What makes a conversation productive? Right Here, Right Now: Our 20 favorite podcast episodes; and our next Sunday Symposium. Lister tip: Avoid buying things by saying “hell no” to nonessentials. Can I be happy if I don’t have a purpose? What is the minimalist approach to a divorce in which kids are involved? What is the proper way to identify a narcissist? How do we practice minimalism if we enjoy buying things? Talkaboutable: We failed spectacularly in Hollywood last week! Sucky Ad: What is one advertisement that JFM would be excited to see? More About Less: A beautiful rant about microplastics and A.I. Added Value: A song for the first day of summer. Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

Not every disconnection requires a reconnection.Charity produces clarity.If you deeply desire to misunderstand someone, you will find a thousand ways to misinterpret them.You can’t maintain a campfire with an arsonist.Happiness without purpose is ephemeral.Every time you give yourself permission to be upset, you could also give yourself permission to be happy.Peace cannot be purchased or pursued; it can only be uncovered.Dopamine is the neurochemical that fuels consumerism.Consumerism makes you believe the lie that you are incomplete.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: “Summertime”Book” Dopamine Nation Book: Essential Counseling: Clutter CounselingEvent: Sunday SymposiumInstagram: Lead TesterMore About Less: Chris RyanPodcast: Minimizing Narcissism Podcast: The Science of HappinessResource: 20 Favorite Private Podcast EpisodesWatch: Michael ClaytonWatch: Ninth GateWatch: Seasonality RuleWatch: No Piles RuleWebsite: The Billboard CreativeFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 496 | Good Talk appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about letting go of sadness, replacing possessions after a natural disaster, swapping a smartphone for a dumb phone, understanding the downsides of home ownership, holding on to sentimental items for too long, asking loved ones for their attention, and much more.

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeHow do I let go of my sadness after I was forced to let go of everything I own? If you were to lose everything in a natural disaster, what’s the first thing you would replace? Right Here, Right Now: “I Shouldn’t Have to Deal with This” is one of our most popular episodes of all time. Listener Tip: The Light Phone is a great way to add intentional friction to your life. Is a home an investment if I’m worried about the long-term expenses? How long should I hold on to sentimental items from loved ones who have passed? How can I convince my friends to pay more attention to me? How can I deal with immense regret and be at peace with my past? Are there any advertisements you’d be willing to do if you had to? More About Less: To question is to consider, not refute. Added Value: A song about how new experiences add a freshness to life that remind you you’re still alive. Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

When you let go of everything, everything remains.When all is lost, only what mattered is mourned.It’s not the extras we miss, it’s the essentials.The soul aches for roots, not ornaments.Clinging is an unnatural disaster.Clinging occurs whenever you hold on to a useful thing beyond its usefulness.To rent a home is to pay for the freedom to walk away.There are no sentimental items, only sentimental people.Not needing something is the best way to get it.Letting go of regret is the last step in letting go.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: “Alaska Song”Book: Infinite Jest Book: Everything That Remains Book: Love People, Use Things Counseling: Clutter CounselingEssay: 5 Questions to Ask Before BuyingEssay: I Shouldn’t Have to Deal with ThisEvent: Sunday SymposiumMore About Less: Derek SiversPodcast: Emergency ItemsPodcast: Family MattersPodcast: GroundingPodcast: MindfulPodcast: OverthinkingResource: Minimalist RulebookResource: The Sound of LifeWatch: Entryway RuleWatch: Jason ZookWatch: Wouldn’t Repurchase RuleWebsite: Dave RamseyFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 495 | House on Fire appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about what to do with half-dirty clothes, minimalist boundaries, breaking difficult news to your mom, the role our outfits play in our identities, getting an education outside the school system, letting go of regret, and more!

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeWhat would a minimalist do with clothes that have been worn but aren’t ready to to be washed?What do you do with your half-dirty clothes?Right Here, Right Now: It’s Joshua’s birthday month! Listener tip: Spice up the Seasonality Rule by minimizing out-of-season clothing. How can I explain to my mom that I don’t want to have kids without disappointing her? What role does our attire play in shaping our personalities? How can I get an education that leads to more income if I have a distaste for the traditional school system? How do I learn to just forgive myself, learn from the mistake, and move on rather than continue reliving it and beating myself up? Talkaboutable: 83% of U.S. workers report experiencing daily work-related stress. Sucky Ad: The Sad Compromise of Sponsored Results Added Value: A great soundtrack for a late-night drive—or folding laundry. Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

A minimalist boundary is anything that keeps the clutter out. Half-kept things reflect a life half-lived.If it gets in the way, it’s clutter.Sometimes the most appropriate way to love someone is from a distance.Our identities are shaped by the costumes we wear.A school can be the worst place to get an education.Regret illuminates your future obstacles.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: Late NightAlbum: Parlor HawkArticle: TalkaboutableBook: Debt Free Degree Book: Hell Yeah or No Counseling: Clutter CounselingEssay: How to Start a Successful Blog in 2025Event: Sunday SymposiumPodcast: SchoolResource: Minimalist RulebookSucky Ad: Seth Godin’s BlogWatch: A chair built for your half-dirty clothesWatch: Set the Stage RuleWebsite: Kristen ZieglerFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 494 | Half-Dirty Clothes appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about letting go of family clutter, making a distinction between family and friends, surrendering broken things, how to stop being a “yes man,” the link between closet clutter and past trauma, punishing kids for bad behavior, minimizing old moving boxes, and much more!

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeI found out my deceased wife was having an affair before she died. Consequently, I might not be the biological father of our daughter. What should I do to let go? How do you differentiate between friends and family?Right Here, Right Now: Our next FAMZ is June 6 at 3 PM ET for Audio+ subscribers on Patreon. Listener tip: How to let go of broken things. How can I stop being the “yes man” in my family? How can I let go of my closet clutter if it’s linked to trauma from my past?What are The Minimalists’ thoughts on punishing kids for bad behavior?How do I tackle the lingering boxes from my last move and finally achieve a peaceful space? Talkaboutable: How do stats make you feel? Sucky Ad: Christopher Walken did a Miller Lite commercial? Added Value: Keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart.Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

Your material possessions are made of matter, but they don’t matter the way your family matters.Beer buddies aren’t always battle brothers.Saying yes to everything means you’re saying no to the important things.The rearview blocks the beauty of the horizon.Every parent has three jobs: enjoy, set boundaries for, and don’t screw up your kids.Gratitude reframes regret.Your biological family is assigned; your logical family is appointed. Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”Book: Minimalism: Live a Meaningful Life Counseling: Clutter CounselingEvent: FAMZListener Tip: The Crayon InitiativePodcast: Attachment Styles Podcast: The Beauty of UncertaintyResource: Minimalist RulebookWatch: Minimalism Full DocumentaryWatch: Sucky AdWatch: TalkaboutableWebsite: Rob BellFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 493 | Family Matters appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about navigating the nuances of human touch, sensory overload, pain, pleasure, unnecessary distractions, storage units, travel, decision fatigue, letting go of old boxes, and more!

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeAs self-proclaimed “huggers,” how do The Minimalists avoid overstepping personal-space boundaries with hugs and other forms of physical touch? Talkaboutable: Hugs alleviate stress and may boost your immune system by 32%. What role do your five senses play in amplifying your joy or magnifying your discontent? Right Here, Right Now: Play the 30-Day Minimalism Game. Listener tip: Embrace boredom and discomfort to live a simple life that is free of unnecessary distractions and overstimulation. What’s an appropriate amount of time to keep a storage unit while I travel? How do you handle decision fatigue when you’re decluttering in a new home? Why am I struggling to let go of old boxes and packages? What’s the best way to stop complaining? Sucky Ad: Are advertisements evil because they lack consent? Added Value: Nobody does the right thing. Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

A hug is the true window to the soul.The sacred sings through what we sense.Clinging to pleasure is the path to pain.Pain and pleasure are determined by the stories we tell ourselves.Pleasure is not the opposite of pain—pain-free is.The cost of a thing extends well beyond its price tag.Indecision is a decision to cling to uncertainty.Don’t mistake the packaging for the meal.Your complaints point toward your clinging.Suffering is an accelerant for gratitude.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: The Bourne IdentityArticle: “Why Some People Hate Being Hugged, According to Science”Book: Comfort Crisis Book: Everything That Remains Counseling: Clutter CounselingCourse: Simplify EverythingEvent: Sunday SymposiumPodcast: Bedroom ClutterPodcast: Blank SpacesPodcast: Cabinet ClutterPodcast: Closet ClutterPodcast: Comfort CrisisPodcast: Conflict Frequencies Podcast: FrustrationsPodcast: Garage ClutterPodcast: HedonismPodcast: Living Room ClutterResource: 30-Day Minimalism GameSong: Gimme a HugWatch: Black MirrorWatch: Let Go of Instruction ManualsWebsite: Professor ShawnFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 492 | Gimme a Hug appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about the surprising beauty of uncertainty, and they wish a fond farewell to a beloved team member.

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeIf I feel stuck at work, what path should I choose to help alleviate my career uncertainty? How do you know whether it’s time for a change in your life? Right Here, Right Now: Malabama’s final episode. Listener tip: Everything you do is an underfulfillment of your potential to someone else. Am I hiding from my emotions if I let go of all expectations? How can I minimize my worries that “the best version of me” should be doing something different? How do I let go of my struggles around my own body image? How do I balance my hedonistic attitude with my legitimate need to enjoy life? Talkaboutable: Small acts of kindness can increase well-being and social connectedness while decreasing anxiety.Exit interview: What surprised Malabama about her time working with The Minimalists?More About Less: Beginnings.Added Value: How Malabama has added value to our lives.Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

Your uncertainties are a product of your desires.Craving is a contract with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.Certainty is necessary for comfort, but uncertainty is essential for a meaningful life.If there’s no space to grow, you’re in the wrong place.People don’t hate change—they hate discomfort and coercion.Every expectation is another brick in your self-constructed prison cell.To worry is to pray for something bad to happen.Concern is useful; worry is useless.Excess metastasizes…Clinging is an unconscious agreement with yourself to be unhappy until you develop the courage to let go.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: “Sweet Home Alabama”Article: “The KIND Challenge”Book: How to Turn 39 Book: So Good They Can’t Ignore You Counseling: Clutter CounselingEvent: Sunday SymposiumPodcast: Digital ClutterPodcast: FrustrationsPodcast: HedonismPodcast: The Science of HappinessPodcast: Do Fewer ThingsPodcast: Toxic PositivityResource: Values WorksheetFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanMalabamaPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 491 | The Beauty of Uncertainty appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The Minimalists talk about the fear and joy of creating blank spaces in our lives.

Listen to the Episode

Apple · Spotify · YouTube · Patreon

Discussed in This EpisodeWhat if I don’t find anything meaningful on the other side of minimizing my stuff? Blank space—do you find it terrifying or appealing? Listener tip: New ways to get rid of your excess clothes and toys. What happens when my exciting work turns out to be too stressful? Why do I feel so compelled to save other people from their circumstances? What does it take to create a staged home that always feels calm? Talkaboutable: An estimated 16 million American homes are vacant. Sucky Ad: Does this commercial look like it was directed by The Minimalists? Added Value: A song that made JFM cry this month. Minimal Maxims

Joshua, Ryan, and T.K.’s pithy, shareable, less-than-140-character responses. Find more quotes from The Minimalists at MinimalMaxims.com.

Abundance exists only where fear doesn’t.Minimalism is the amplification of spaciousness.Simplicity doesn’t eliminate excitement; it minimizes the chase.Happiness is a team sport.Your home is a blank canvas upon which a calm or chaotic life can be painted.Going without is the price of simplicity.Space is to control what fire is to gold: it removes the excess to reveal what is essential.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeAdded Value: “Scars”Article: “Millions of U.S. Homes Are Sitting Vacant, So Why Are Homes Still So Expensive?”Blog: The Minimalists Book: How to Be Here Book: Minimalism Counseling: Clutter CounselingEvent: Sunday SymposiumFilm: Less is NowFilm: MinimalismInstructions: Update Private RSS FeedPodcast: HedonismPodcast: Lights OnPodcast: Nontrasactable GoodsPodcast: The Science of HappinessResource: Values WorksheetWatch: I’m On My Own AgainWatch: Set The Stage RuleWebsite: INDYXWebsite: Jordan Know Moore Website: ToycycleYouTube: George KamelFollow Our TeamJoshua Fields MillburnRyan NicodemusT.K. ColemanMalabamaPost-Production PeterMatt SavidakisJeff SarrisDave LaTulippeSubscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Podcast 490 | Blank Spaces appeared first on The Minimalists.

By The Minimalists

The tenth anniversary edition of our #1 bestselling book, Everything That Remains, enhanced with a beautiful new cover, is now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.

Synopsis

What if everything you ever wanted isn’t what you actually want? Twenty-something, suit-clad, and upwardly mobile, Joshua Fields Millburn thought he had everything anyone could ever want. Until he didn’t anymore.

Blindsided by the loss of his mother and his marriage in the same month, Millburn started questioning every aspect of the life he had built for himself.

Then, he accidentally discovered a lifestyle known as minimalism … and everything started to change.

In the pursuit of looking for something more substantial than compulsory consumption and the broken American Dream, Millburn jettisoned most of his material possessions, paid off loads of crippling debt, and walked away from his six-figure career.

So, when everything was gone, what was left? Everything That Remains is the touching, surprising story of what happened when one young man decided to let go of everything and begin living more deliberately. Heartrending, uplifting, and deeply personal, this engrossing memoir is peppered with insightful (and often hilarious) interruptions by Ryan Nicodemus, Millburn’s best friend of twenty years.

Available formats: Paperback · Kindle · Audiobook

Subscribe to The Minimalists via email.

The post Everything Is Final appeared first on The Minimalists.