The minimalists' framework

Frameworks are great tools and bring structure to a situation.  One helpful framework I came across in the Mimimalists book I read recently is the following five focus areas for life.  

1. Health
2. Relationships
3. Growth
4. Contribution
5. Passion

I'm still assimilating this. I need to assess where I stand in these areas.  Then comes the important step of making small improvements in each area, aiming to be in a better position every time.  Overall I like the idea of getting rid of the excesses to focus on what's really important in life.  

I used to think that minimalism was about getting rid of stuff but that seems to be only a part of it.  It actually is about making room for what is important.  It's about pausing to think about how something will add value before a purchase. About cultivating a conscious mind that doesn't run on autopilot.

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Default settings

'Be open to learn.' - this is something I've heard in the context of the career.  It is hard enough to apply it in the workplace - sometimes, work just leaves no time to pause and learn.  But we are more than our job title.  And I've never done a serious attempt to incorporate learning in the rest of my life. 

Just letting life run its course is the easy option.  Taking time to self reflect is making me see a lot of aspects I have to improve on -  relationships, health and hobbies to start with.  I've stuck to the default settings in these areas - but that way I've lost out on making progress, seeing growth and achieving  something. 

Now that I'm seeing this, it is overwhelming.  Righting the wrongs of the past many years is going to take a lot of work.  Acknowledging the gap is just the first step.  Now comes learning.

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Spring cleaning life

Now that I look up from my smartphone, I see clutter all around me.  There are books I've bought that I've never read.  Clothes I bought that don't quite fit.  Things I've saved up thinking vaguely I'd use them some day.  Snacks that are tossed after a few weeks in the cupboard.  Accessories that I don't really like much.  Gifts that I hope to re-circulate.  Appliances I had hoped would ease my life a little more.  Sentimental keepsakes which are of no use.   Things I've bought because they were a great deal even if I had no particular need for the item.  And so much more.

I read about minimalists who are thoughtful about what possessions they add on.  I know I won't be able to turn minimalist but I do wonder if there are some things I could learn from them.  I hear about Marie Kondo and her methods to deal with clutter.  These expert opinions may help me to understand and fix the problem of clutter both in my physical and digital world I hope.

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