10 Things to Acquire More of as a Minimalist

Living a minimalist lifestyle centers around the concept of letting go.

As we journey into a life with less, we release possessions, commitments, and self-limiting beliefs. We edit our lives frequently by asking the question “Does this add value?” And soon, we notice life feels more meaningful and intentional. 

Minimalist living creates space in our lives. But with all this new-found space, the question soon becomes, “What do I fill it with?” 

Once letting go has become second nature, the idea of acquiring may seem contradictory.

But the intentional acquiring of more intangible things—not more tangible things—can help support your best self and facilitate your minimalist journey.

Here are 10 “things” to acquire more of as a minimalist:

1. External kindness

Plato said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” The truth is, we don’t know the battles that others face. People can look very put together on the outside (or on social media) and really be struggling on the inside. 

Acquiring external kindness may look like making excuses for people’s behavior that might bother you (e.g., My neighbor was short with me. She must be tired). Or it may mean not taking things personally because you realize most people have more going on in their lives than what the surface shows.

2. Internal kindness 

Studies show people who have increased levels of self-compassion have increased levels of performance and peace of mind. You’re more likely to follow through on a task if you’re patient and loving toward yourself when facing adversity. It may help to adopt a mantra such as one of these from author Erica Layne: “Present over perfect,” or “You’re doing the best you can with what you have, and it is enough.” 

Internal kindness increases by practicing radical self-love and self-care. This may look like placing boundaries on your time and focusing on what is important to you instead of trying to “do it all.” When you do say yes to a commitment, make sure you’re not saying no to yourself. 

3. Confidence

We’ve made it through 100% of our hardest days, which means we can make it through the next one too. Taking time in the morning to visualize yourself handling hard moments calmly and confidently helps you believe you can and act accordingly. 

David Nurse, author of Pivot & Go recommends watching a mental “highlight reel” of times you felt confident to help you remember you are still that person, and still have those abilities. Hard moments will come, every day, because that’s life. Working on developing confidence helps us journey resiliently through them. 

4. Gratitude

Author Jim Kwik said, “You do not have to wait for a greater life to be grateful.” He recommends asking yourself, “What if the only things I had tomorrow were the things I expressed gratitude for today?” When you focus on what you’re grateful for, you’ll soon have even more of it in your life.

When you’re content with who you are and what you have, life becomes a whole lot simpler. Contentment frees you from the snares of comparison and consumerism, shifting your focus from acquiring to enjoying. Counting all the things in life that you have that money can’t buy is a way to feel truly rich.

5. Grit

When we consistently choose to do hard things, our lives become easier. For example, if we choose to get up with our alarm instead of oversleeping, then we have time for a life-giving morning routine. If we tackle a small mess right away, then it doesn’t lead to a cluttered, stressful environment.

By consistently doing hard things, even when we don’t feel like it, we build up our ability to persevere during challenging times, to overcome adversity, and to live a more meaningful life.

6. Courage

With less stuff, we have more time for reflection, leading to heightened self-knowledge and self-awareness. But once you know yourself, it still takes courage to be yourself.

Let go of caring what others think and live in line with your truest self. We’re all made a certain way for a reason and the world needs us to show up authentically in it. When you live in line with your values and follow your inner guidance, you improve everything from your health to the lives of those around you.

7. Growth mindset

When we stay inside the limits of what feels comfortable and familiar, life can get too routine or even boring. Our brains are designed to grow, and they thrive on novelty. 

Work toward becoming your best self by trying something new every day, even if it scares you. Failure is one of the best ways to learn. Believe you can grow and meet your goals with small, incremental steps, comparing yourself only to who you were yesterday.

8. Generosity 

Contributing to something greater than ourselves and serving others bring us purpose. When you practice giving of what you have, you actually reinforce neural patterns in your brain that make you believe you have enough. 

This “abundance mentality” is powerful and is especially helpful in maintaining a life with less stuff.

9. Silence

Spending time in silence takes intentionality-—we live in a world surrounded with noise. If we react to every ding, like, and notification, then we’re training our brain to be distracted. Time in silence is needed to stop living on autopilot.

Taking time in silence to connect the dots of life events, whether good or bad, will help you understand their meaning. Through self-reflection, you learn to grow from your mistakes and learn to give yourself grace as you journey through life.

Time spent in quiet reflection has helped me realize how little I actually need to be happy. And that while basic possessions are needed, newer and bigger stuff doesn’t increase my joy.

10. Positive self-talk

We have 70,000 self-talk thoughts a day and 80% of them are negative. Practice observing your thoughts and countering them with truth statements when needed. Every thought produces a neurochemical reaction, meaning more truthful self-talk equals a more balanced brain. 

When you tell yourself the day will be a great one, your subconscious mind begins looking for ways to support that. You’ll find yourself more optimistic, more grateful, and more able to accomplish your goals. 

Could acquiring more of these intangibles support your journey toward your best self?

Absolutely.

Why not choose one that resonated with you and begin practicing more of it in your life today?

While minimalism may mean letting go of many tangible possessions, acquiring certain intangibles can only benefit our lives and, ultimately, the lives of others. 

***

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia practices what she preaches in her Kansas City apartment home with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, and 6-month-old son. You can also find her on Instagram.

***

I want to help you design a simple, intentional life! I’ve created a 30-day course that will guide and inspire you to declutter your home, heart, and schedule, and live focused on what matters. Learn more HERE.