Minimalist Resolution Update 4 April 2011

Minimalist Resolution Update 4 April 2011 This will be my last update this year for my minimalist new year’s resolution. I will write a final update once the year has ended. For those of you just tuning in, at the beginning of the year I resolved to purchase nothing for one year (other than consumables like food and hygiene products). Why is this my last update? There are a few reasons: I’m bored writing about it, so it’s time to move on. You probably don’t want twelve updates over the year telling you I didn’t buy anything (and I don’t want to waste your time or my time with something so banal). Most importantly, my internal decision-making pattern has completely changed. I no longer get that impulse to purchase things. Sure, there are still things I want, but I no longer buy stuff on a whim (I noticed this after the first two months, and by the end of 90 days my pattern had completely changed). I will continue to pursue this resolution for the remaining two-thirds of the year, and Ill write a recap in January 2012. Lessons Learned Ive learned quite a bit over the past four months: I am not my stuff. I do not need to purchase new stuff to make me happy. I have enough. I dont have less; I have more. It’s much easier than you think: it’s easy to say no. My time is better spent creating rather than consuming. I am not a consumer. Less stuff equals less worrying and less stress. Less purchases equals less need for income. Less need for income equals being able to leave a soul-crushing job. I already have everything I need. Even though I didnt purchase anything, I was able to donate the majority of my clothes this month and I still have plenty left. Read my final update, January 2012: Resolving to Learn from Failure.