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Adopting The Minimalist Mindset: How To Live With Less, Downsize, And Get More Fulfillment From Life
A new revolution is currently taking place, one that looks set to change how we view ourselves and the objects around us. This new, groundbreaking revolution is the practice of minimalism. In a society consumed by debt, greed, and envy, this new trend looks to change the way we think about everything in our lives. We spend our entire lives chasing happiness by chasing our peers, consuming, and collecting goods. But with depression and anxiety at all time highs, this trend is clearly not working.
This Book Will Discuss:
The benefits of minimalism
How to practice minimalism
How to organize your home and your life
How to remove your ego from purchasing decisions
The habits of highly effective minamalists
How to cut your bills
Over 50 tips saving money, cutting bills, and spending time on your true passions
Much, much, more!
This has led to the rapid rise of a new age of living: living simply. The minimalist focuses more on time and presence then on objects. Happiness, helping others, and self-fulfillment are at the top of minimalists’ priorities. They realize that happiness does not come from consumption, but that true happiness comes from within. Spending time creating memorable moments is a much better experience then spending time on a new object.
This Book Will Discuss:
The benefits of minimalism
How to practice minimalism
How to organize your home and your life
How to remove your ego from purchasing decisions
The habits of highly effective minamalists
How to cut your bills
Over 50 tips saving money, cutting bills, and spending time on your true passions
Much, much, more!
This has led to the rapid rise of a new age of living: living simply. The minimalist focuses more on time and presence then on objects. Happiness, helping others, and self-fulfillment are at the top of minimalists’ priorities. They realize that happiness does not come from consumption, but that true happiness comes from within. Spending time creating memorable moments is a much better experience then spending time on a new object.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
335 people are currently reading
1262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
May 2, 2015
I could barely finish the book. It was so basic and repetitive. Nearly everything in the book I had known about before.
February 27, 2016
Brian Night presents a practical book on developing a state of Living with Less. Night posits that in order to find happiness we need to reduce the amount of objects and possessions in our life. To do this one must focus on creating meaningful moments without the use of gadgets. He suggests we reduce our electronic toys so as to spend quality time with each other. He suggests that instead of living a life wherein we get our nutrition from fast food establishments we should cook our own meals. This has a two-fold benefit. One is to save money and the other is to live a healthier lifestyle. These are just a couple of recommendations made by Night. The information provided by Night is not earth shattering. In fact, I have read these recommendations in other sources. What I did like about this book was the fact that the author used a very straightforward approach in delivery his message. I gave this book four stars because of the writing style. It would have been so easy for Night to come off as preaching and with this writing style the opposite occurs. You get a simple explanation of ways to de-clutter or minimize your lifestyle.
January 20, 2019
This book is a must read and is written in a very direct manner which most people might dislike. But the essence of the book is to keep things organized and minimal in every aspect.
Brian teaches things like hacks to save space, eliminate things which do not have significance in our lives and goes into specifics of kitchen, living room, office utilities. I hardly think it's useful for Gujaratis like me but some strategies of making purchases after a while of deciding through which we'll filter useless things was useful for me.
In today's world of consumerism, seeking pleasure through buying things has become a huge norm and in such times, such books are a must! Environment is being compromised in consuming and production which maximizes economic factors. It's a super short read too, dig in!
Brian teaches things like hacks to save space, eliminate things which do not have significance in our lives and goes into specifics of kitchen, living room, office utilities. I hardly think it's useful for Gujaratis like me but some strategies of making purchases after a while of deciding through which we'll filter useless things was useful for me.
In today's world of consumerism, seeking pleasure through buying things has become a huge norm and in such times, such books are a must! Environment is being compromised in consuming and production which maximizes economic factors. It's a super short read too, dig in!
February 17, 2014
Better books on the subject
This book was ok but there are better books available. one I s the minimalist. That book is much more drastic but more in line with v th e movement.
This book was ok but there are better books available. one I s the minimalist. That book is much more drastic but more in line with v th e movement.
March 10, 2024
I don't entirely remember how this ebook found its way onto my device, but it promised to be a quick read so I wanted to give it a shot.
Here's the deal, folks -- minimalism is for people who can afford to re-purchase things if they need them.
I absolutely agree that we live in an age of unchecked consumerism which often tries and fails to fill a hole in our lives, leaving us the same amount of miserable, only now with a bag of discounted clothes in the closet or a juicer on the kitchen counter.
However, the author seems to have no concept of any economic class outside of the comparably wealthy and bored.
Here are some of my highlighted quotes which will hopefully show what I'm talking about, sorted into fun categories.
1. SAVE MONEY BY HAVING MONEY TO INVEST INTO THIS MONEY-SAVING HACK
Homesteading and growing your own food can be great ways of creating a new hobby and saving money
Absolutely agreed. Are we perhaps considering that people may need time to invest into this sort of thing? Space, perhaps, to grow their own food? Money for buying seeds or seedlings, soil, supplies? Naahhh.
Oh, there's also talk of organic mulch here.
If you are already a Prime member (you should be - it's another great value and you get free shipping), you have the option to access their video and television show library. While Amazon's selection isn’t quite as good as Hulu or Netflix, you should keep an eye on this service. Amazon has the capital and financial backing to become a major player in the streaming technology space. It wouldn't surprise us if Amazon becomes the market leader in streaming digital entertainment in the next few years.
I... okay. Unsubscribing from all these streaming services I surely have, only to sign up for Prime. Fuck, that's so minimalist of me.
2. YOUR LIFE WILL BE BETTER IF YOUR WALLS ARE WHITE
clean bathroom with white walls and minimalist decor can really improve the appearance of your house and is recommended by numerous real estate brokers if you are thinking about selling in the future
Please stop thinking of your house as your own and only consider it a commodity to be re-sold at a later, unknown date. Make sure the new owners get the sweet, sweet taste of minimalism via your impeccable white walls and overall aura of personal detachment.
If you are one to decorate your house, you may want to reevaluate this habit
Along the same lines, please keep your personal items entirely hypothetical. You may, if you wish, imagine a fun colorful object once in a while and rotate it in your mind's eye as a treat.
3. I AM IN FACT A MAN WHO HAS NEVER ONCE COOKED IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE
If you haven’t used an item to cook in the last two weeks, you may need to throw it out or donate it.
Aw man, there goes my cake tin. I may have a birthday coming up, but the poor bastard will have to bake their own cake as I haven't used the tin in two weeks. Bummer.
there is no reason to have multiple skillets in your kitchen
This one made me laugh out loud, it's presented with such authority.
Big families everywhere crying, tossing out perfectly usable skillets and saucepans. A family with four kids might want to make a rotating schedule here - two children get to eat the first round while the second's in progress after the Singular Family Skillet has been washed.
The rest may wait their turn, staring with hollow eyes as their younger siblings gobble down chicken and rice, entertaining thoughts of violence.
After all of the children have been fed, it is now presumably time for the third round which should feed the parents.
This will not be happening, however, as the father is out drinking and the mother claims that the pieces of iceberg lettuce plucked over the sink with shaking hands have filled her up quite nicely.
Kitchen appliances can take up valuable real estate and make your counter tops appear cluttered. Try to keep your appliances hidden in your cabinets either above or below your counter tops. You can carefully wrap the electric cords and hide them in your counters when you are finished. This will keep your items organized and will also keep your kitchen looking sleek and clean at the same time
carefully unplugging, wrapping and putting away my one electric kettle in a sterile, vast kitchen - it is time to do my 10 step skincare routine
A single father somewhere is crying over finding cabinet space for their family toaster when he knows it'll need to be pulled out again in the morning. It doesn't matter. He knows what must be done.
4. CONCLUSION PULLED OUT OF OWN ASS
After changing their lives, new minimalists often find that they immediately write a new novel or create a new painting.
Wow! Sure wish that were me. Speaking of, did you know some types of fish often find they can deadlift three times their own weight in water once it's been sufficiently filtered? Crazy!
(talking about leaving clothes on the floor) This not only ruins the appearance of your bathroom but it also ruins your clothes.
I sure would hate to see a dirty crumpled shirt on my bathroom floor, but I doubt it's going to be ruined by it. Is the author only wearing homespun silk? Invest in some sturdy shirts, my good man.
There should be no need to have a calendar anywhere in your house
Another laugh out loud winner - ADHD folks everywhere panicking, recycling their calendars, crying, immediately forgetting about their dentist appointment.
Many workers waste countless hours watching or replying to useless emails. This limits their productivity. Instead, try answering emails in the morning when you get to your office, after lunch, and before you head home. This allows you to streamline your email writing process and focus on what matters most.
Now this one's life-changing. I shall immediately start replying to work email only at 8 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm.
It's minimalism, boss! Get with it. Getting fired will only give me more time to dedicate to my homesteading and painting masterpieces.
Alright, I'm all out of sarcasm.
Tl;dr - Everything in moderation, even minimalism. Except for really rich folks, you should hide your second car in a cabinet, cables tightly wrapped. Your maid might trip otherwise.
Here's the deal, folks -- minimalism is for people who can afford to re-purchase things if they need them.
I absolutely agree that we live in an age of unchecked consumerism which often tries and fails to fill a hole in our lives, leaving us the same amount of miserable, only now with a bag of discounted clothes in the closet or a juicer on the kitchen counter.
However, the author seems to have no concept of any economic class outside of the comparably wealthy and bored.
Here are some of my highlighted quotes which will hopefully show what I'm talking about, sorted into fun categories.
1. SAVE MONEY BY HAVING MONEY TO INVEST INTO THIS MONEY-SAVING HACK
Homesteading and growing your own food can be great ways of creating a new hobby and saving money
Absolutely agreed. Are we perhaps considering that people may need time to invest into this sort of thing? Space, perhaps, to grow their own food? Money for buying seeds or seedlings, soil, supplies? Naahhh.
Oh, there's also talk of organic mulch here.
If you are already a Prime member (you should be - it's another great value and you get free shipping), you have the option to access their video and television show library. While Amazon's selection isn’t quite as good as Hulu or Netflix, you should keep an eye on this service. Amazon has the capital and financial backing to become a major player in the streaming technology space. It wouldn't surprise us if Amazon becomes the market leader in streaming digital entertainment in the next few years.
I... okay. Unsubscribing from all these streaming services I surely have, only to sign up for Prime. Fuck, that's so minimalist of me.
2. YOUR LIFE WILL BE BETTER IF YOUR WALLS ARE WHITE
clean bathroom with white walls and minimalist decor can really improve the appearance of your house and is recommended by numerous real estate brokers if you are thinking about selling in the future
Please stop thinking of your house as your own and only consider it a commodity to be re-sold at a later, unknown date. Make sure the new owners get the sweet, sweet taste of minimalism via your impeccable white walls and overall aura of personal detachment.
If you are one to decorate your house, you may want to reevaluate this habit
Along the same lines, please keep your personal items entirely hypothetical. You may, if you wish, imagine a fun colorful object once in a while and rotate it in your mind's eye as a treat.
3. I AM IN FACT A MAN WHO HAS NEVER ONCE COOKED IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE
If you haven’t used an item to cook in the last two weeks, you may need to throw it out or donate it.
Aw man, there goes my cake tin. I may have a birthday coming up, but the poor bastard will have to bake their own cake as I haven't used the tin in two weeks. Bummer.
there is no reason to have multiple skillets in your kitchen
This one made me laugh out loud, it's presented with such authority.
Big families everywhere crying, tossing out perfectly usable skillets and saucepans. A family with four kids might want to make a rotating schedule here - two children get to eat the first round while the second's in progress after the Singular Family Skillet has been washed.
The rest may wait their turn, staring with hollow eyes as their younger siblings gobble down chicken and rice, entertaining thoughts of violence.
After all of the children have been fed, it is now presumably time for the third round which should feed the parents.
This will not be happening, however, as the father is out drinking and the mother claims that the pieces of iceberg lettuce plucked over the sink with shaking hands have filled her up quite nicely.
Kitchen appliances can take up valuable real estate and make your counter tops appear cluttered. Try to keep your appliances hidden in your cabinets either above or below your counter tops. You can carefully wrap the electric cords and hide them in your counters when you are finished. This will keep your items organized and will also keep your kitchen looking sleek and clean at the same time
carefully unplugging, wrapping and putting away my one electric kettle in a sterile, vast kitchen - it is time to do my 10 step skincare routine
A single father somewhere is crying over finding cabinet space for their family toaster when he knows it'll need to be pulled out again in the morning. It doesn't matter. He knows what must be done.
4. CONCLUSION PULLED OUT OF OWN ASS
After changing their lives, new minimalists often find that they immediately write a new novel or create a new painting.
Wow! Sure wish that were me. Speaking of, did you know some types of fish often find they can deadlift three times their own weight in water once it's been sufficiently filtered? Crazy!
(talking about leaving clothes on the floor) This not only ruins the appearance of your bathroom but it also ruins your clothes.
I sure would hate to see a dirty crumpled shirt on my bathroom floor, but I doubt it's going to be ruined by it. Is the author only wearing homespun silk? Invest in some sturdy shirts, my good man.
There should be no need to have a calendar anywhere in your house
Another laugh out loud winner - ADHD folks everywhere panicking, recycling their calendars, crying, immediately forgetting about their dentist appointment.
Many workers waste countless hours watching or replying to useless emails. This limits their productivity. Instead, try answering emails in the morning when you get to your office, after lunch, and before you head home. This allows you to streamline your email writing process and focus on what matters most.
Now this one's life-changing. I shall immediately start replying to work email only at 8 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm.
It's minimalism, boss! Get with it. Getting fired will only give me more time to dedicate to my homesteading and painting masterpieces.
Alright, I'm all out of sarcasm.
Tl;dr - Everything in moderation, even minimalism. Except for really rich folks, you should hide your second car in a cabinet, cables tightly wrapped. Your maid might trip otherwise.
February 9, 2014
This was an interesting read. I read it to learn about minimalism - its not having nothing but having the right things. While the book isn't life changing on its own, it explains the ideas behind minimalism and how they for in different parts of your home.
I was occasionally confused how the author sometimes would say to avoid technology but then in the next section expose the benefits of Netflix and other streaming services.
I was surprised, too, that a few things I do fall under minimalism - having just one pencil and pen and having one place to keep them. My pens run out of ink before I lose them!
There are a lot of good practices I can gain from this book.
I was occasionally confused how the author sometimes would say to avoid technology but then in the next section expose the benefits of Netflix and other streaming services.
I was surprised, too, that a few things I do fall under minimalism - having just one pencil and pen and having one place to keep them. My pens run out of ink before I lose them!
There are a lot of good practices I can gain from this book.
August 1, 2015
Disappointing. Although it was advertised to have something for everyone on the minimalist pathway, it was clearly a book for beginners. It's saving grace was that it was short. Too many of the recommendations were still very much mainstream and minimalism requires a different mindset. The only reason I didn't give it just one star is that I think every author needs encouragement. But the style really didn't speak to me.
June 8, 2015
Another e-book I got for free on Amazon. It was ok.
March 12, 2014
There are better books on the subject that are available at a low cost. This was a real mixed bag. Recommend trying a different author, if you have an interest in the topic.
August 29, 2020
Ho hum. I read the entire book, which shows that it contained enough insight to keep me reading.
This book suffers from the same problems as many other self-help / alternative-lifestyle books: the author presents themselves as an expert, handing out pearls of wisdom to their disciples... I just don't but into it.
The book does have some worthwhile suggestions for adopting minimalism, and it has some worthwhile suggestions for reducing costs, but these two things are sometimes at odds. e.g.avoid advertising; but subscribe to groupon. Avoid paper; but always have a list.
Watch out for reductionist logic.
Take what adds value to your life, and discard the rest. It is the minimalist way.
This book suffers from the same problems as many other self-help / alternative-lifestyle books: the author presents themselves as an expert, handing out pearls of wisdom to their disciples... I just don't but into it.
The book does have some worthwhile suggestions for adopting minimalism, and it has some worthwhile suggestions for reducing costs, but these two things are sometimes at odds. e.g.avoid advertising; but subscribe to groupon. Avoid paper; but always have a list.
Watch out for reductionist logic.
Take what adds value to your life, and discard the rest. It is the minimalist way.
April 12, 2018
Good common sense info.
I have to say the lack of using than when appropriate drove me crazy. There were missing words and typos so I took a star off. Most of the information is common sense but reminders about how to live with less help keep me on track. If you have never tried to live with less or are just starting out in your grownup life, this book has some good ideas and suggestions.
I have to say the lack of using than when appropriate drove me crazy. There were missing words and typos so I took a star off. Most of the information is common sense but reminders about how to live with less help keep me on track. If you have never tried to live with less or are just starting out in your grownup life, this book has some good ideas and suggestions.
January 8, 2023
There is a lot of information in this book, but most of it is beginner level.
Some of it is contradictory. For example, the author talks about making everything in your life digital-scanning your documents, digital calendars, etc. and then tells you to cut back on your technology. Another silly thing was telling us to cut out cable, but adding all kinds of streaming services. Don't forget, we're cutting back on our technology, too.
Some of it is contradictory. For example, the author talks about making everything in your life digital-scanning your documents, digital calendars, etc. and then tells you to cut back on your technology. Another silly thing was telling us to cut out cable, but adding all kinds of streaming services. Don't forget, we're cutting back on our technology, too.
March 22, 2023
Poorly written, repetitive, and sometimes contradictory. Lots of common sense information presented in a harsh, judgmental way, e.g. "Many people consume and purchase products that make their lives easier due to general laziness" and "The pressure to keep up with our friends and relatives is usually what causes most of our stress." If anyone can recommend a better book on minimalism, please let me know!
December 10, 2017
This book is a collection of tips on how to break in to a minimalist life. It presents itself almost like a textbook, but it's much easier to read and far shorter. There's some very valuable budgeting and decluttering plans in here, and I think it's worth looking at if you're a beginner. I'm not, but still thought it was pretty good.
June 12, 2018
A basic map to Minimalism
I am not a minimalist but I am curious about the ways to become a minimalist. This book did offer some interesting ways to start a minimalist lifestyle however, it is not anything you can not think of on your own. I would recommend this book if you are looking into ways to start a minimalist lifestyle but most of the advice is common sense.
I am not a minimalist but I am curious about the ways to become a minimalist. This book did offer some interesting ways to start a minimalist lifestyle however, it is not anything you can not think of on your own. I would recommend this book if you are looking into ways to start a minimalist lifestyle but most of the advice is common sense.
January 23, 2019
Minimalist review
Mostly common sense, this book does give advice on creating a minimalist habit. From budgeting, to living space, to work space, to eating and entertainment, there are suggestions for making changes one step at a time, leading to cultivating an entirely minimalist life style. Practical tips to get started or you could just watch Marie Kondo.
Mostly common sense, this book does give advice on creating a minimalist habit. From budgeting, to living space, to work space, to eating and entertainment, there are suggestions for making changes one step at a time, leading to cultivating an entirely minimalist life style. Practical tips to get started or you could just watch Marie Kondo.
July 10, 2018
It was okay, had some useful tips in, however it was very repetitive and assumptive about his readers which personally I disliked. A good portion of the book wasn't applicable to me personally but still had some useful content.
August 8, 2019
Nothing new here
I've been practicing most of these tactics for decades. But don't consider myself minimalist. I guess I was hoping for something fresh or inspiring instead of the same old, same old.
I've been practicing most of these tactics for decades. But don't consider myself minimalist. I guess I was hoping for something fresh or inspiring instead of the same old, same old.
June 19, 2020
Preachy and overkill
You can tell a dude wrote this. You are being talked down to like you are a idiot the whole time. Marie Kondo did a better job and without being a donkey about it. Hard pass.
You can tell a dude wrote this. You are being talked down to like you are a idiot the whole time. Marie Kondo did a better job and without being a donkey about it. Hard pass.
October 14, 2020
Not helpful!
A regurgitation of many online lists . I didn't find anything new to think about or do. Further, the writing still is boring. A I was watching the percentage on my phone to see how much more I had to read.
A regurgitation of many online lists . I didn't find anything new to think about or do. Further, the writing still is boring. A I was watching the percentage on my phone to see how much more I had to read.
March 4, 2022
Good information
I think there are lots of practical and useful ideas in this book. It is somewhat dated, written in 2013. I recommend it to folks who are beginning look into minimalism.
I think there are lots of practical and useful ideas in this book. It is somewhat dated, written in 2013. I recommend it to folks who are beginning look into minimalism.
July 12, 2022
Great imformative little book.
This was a great little book with insightful ways to save money as well as to limit the
things you keep. It's not about going without, it's about getting only what you need and most importantly, setting a budget for everything.
This was a great little book with insightful ways to save money as well as to limit the
things you keep. It's not about going without, it's about getting only what you need and most importantly, setting a budget for everything.
June 29, 2017
A great list of ideas to minimalize your life!
October 13, 2017
Not news. Good tips though. Easy to read.
Not news. Good tips though. Easy to read. Thank you very much. And now I am writing more words to be done with this.
Not news. Good tips though. Easy to read. Thank you very much. And now I am writing more words to be done with this.
April 25, 2018
I’m not drinking wine from a box!
April 8, 2019
It was ok, I guess. I didn't really get anything from it that I didn't already know, and there were things in there that I didn't agree with. So, it was ok, but I won't read it again.
April 30, 2019
Good book But there is no much new things. I hope that it will help me for being minimalist.
May 16, 2019
The book has good suggestions but has repetitions galore.
January 2, 2020
A good book to go back to every so often.
July 28, 2020
Good information
I will read this book again.To much information to remember in just one reading.I know it will take time to change a lifetime of bad habits😂
I will read this book again.To much information to remember in just one reading.I know it will take time to change a lifetime of bad habits😂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews