My co-worker has a shopping addiction. Just listening to her talk every day about all the useless junk she buys or wants to buy is exhausting. It's really helped me to be more aware of my own consumerism and my desire to buy only things that prove real value to me.
I have a friend like that too. And when the item they want is unattainable, they make up a wish list. When they have the money, they get everything on the list. Even worse, they try to get me to buy what they think I need.
I used to be that person! Now I’m the opposite because of minimalism it’s crazy how much ive changed. It’s nice to not have “stuff” laying around anymore. Now I barely spend anything and when I do it’s on essentials like food and not even clothes now. It’s fab! X
I can see this in two ways :) One, it drives me crazy to when other people talk about being a quote “maximalist” to intentionally bash minimalism and Persue stuff that will be useless not long after. But I also see room in myself to improve. I’ve been a minimalist for 2 years and still feel tempted to eat out, to buy stuff, or get excited by an Amazon package or a new outfit, and honestly I know I’ll look at this later as “but it’s all more stuff, and more money wasted.... and aaaaaah!!!” Its the culture we live in. I’m an Extreme Minimalist... 250 items or less (visual reasons of mention, numbers don’t matter)... and a lot of the time I’m like, oh yeah, I don’t do that anymore, thank goodness... and sometimes I still have trouble reminding myself at times I Don’t Need This!!! It’s a never ending push back from Advertising and peer pressure. Even us extreme minimalists try to renew letting go on a regular basis
Yessss I have a close friend of mine who shops shops shops for uneeded wanted items lol I just cannot believe how much money she spends instead of thinking twice the money she could of saved ughhh she calls it therapy shopping. Nope not for me I rather be at the beach enjoying some gorgeous sun and reading a book 📚 lol
Decluttering is something else to me, it brings me so much joy and relaxation to get rid of unnecessary items, once you do your area feels so much more open!
That's actually one reason I like your channel because you're not pushing products or selling merch like so many others. I get why they do it to support their work, but it can really sour their message. I'd much rather spend my money on good works than on stuff, and am happy to contribute to this girls' school. Having spent several years working in rural Nicaragua I know how important this is. "One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution."- Malala Yousafzai
Thanks for the support for them! Really appreciate it I do do ads occasionally but I try to keep them to a minimum because I really hate when other people do them
@@GabeBult So your asking for money for computers during a pandemic when people have lost jobs? That isn't very minimalist. Many people can't even pay bills during this time.
@@thinkingitthrough9442 I think Gabe's point is that buying/owning less stuff means you might have more to give to those less fortunate if you so choose, and it is integral to minimalism www.theminimalists.com/giving/ Charity is always voluntary and it doesn't have to be money, it can also be time or possessions you don't need. If you can help others than do it, if not then don't sweat it. Nobody's forcing you.
@@johnl6371 I checked them out. Thx. I'd like to send something after things lighten up more with the pandemic. Churches are now open 100% in some places and that should also help. Churches should be doing all they can to help people. They have the tithes and beyond & are rolling in it. And as leadership requires more, they are the examples of being Christ like and being a light to the world. Churches who are stuck up & reject people than come to us for help? I'd rather help the homeless than a Church with these qualities.
I really struggle with impulse buys. I work at a retail opportunity store so I never felt the guilt from buying items as it went to those in needs but cutting that down has made me so much less stressed
There is a balance to everything. I used to be a frugal minimalist until I saw some close friends and family become religious about it and start looking down and condemning those who had a nice house and materialistic life while in actuality they were envying them. My cousin had a baby so I bought her an electronic music box and her 1st words were wow this is so materialistic. So yeah, being a minimalists doesn't immunize one from being judgemental.
This may be one of my favorite videos! It made me realize just how much I’ve been stressed because my home is not perfectly curated like those pictures in magazines and advertisements!! I finally saw watching this just how much I’ve wanted people to see me as a wonderful homemaker. I finally realize the depth to which I’ve felt I don’t measure up because my home isn’t as modern and curated like those of some of my peers and friends. This is my home. I like the way it’s decorated mostly. I need to get rid of the clutter, which I’m doing, and move on!!! Thanks so much, Gabe. This has been something of an epiphany, seeing how much I’ve worried about how my house appears to others. 😢
*"Everything in life is easier when you don't concern yourself with what other people are doing."* The chances of you seeing this comment is pretty low, but if you did, *I hope you have an amazing day.* 🖤
Getting rid of things that I mindlessly bought online has possibly been the most therapeutic, head clearing activity that I’ve ever done for myself. I could agree more with this! 🙌 🙌
Yeah I've really got into the habit now of really thinking about what I am buying and if I am going to use it in the long run. If it's a sudden impulse desire I don't buy it as there is nothing worse with money then spending it and then regretting it.
@@atlflytguy i think what it is as well that annoys me having stuff is working out how to display it and where it will go in the home. Its just so much effort! I just want things that I can really use in a simple space and thats it. To ignore advertising and just be simple.
Impulse purchases were my biggest downfall. Easy fix (for me) was to delete the Amazon app off my phone. I love the idea of a once a month Amazon day. Great job on the bamboo balance walk. Impressive
I’ve become more and more minimal over the last three years enjoying throwing away furniture, trinkets, clothing and countless other junk items. It’s been such a freeing and stress relieving experience. Now I’m married and my wife has our apartment filled with everything under the sun haha I don’t think I’d ever be able to sway her over to my way of living but here’s hoping 🤞🏼
The visual is so peaceful and calm. 👍👌😌 My biggest struggle towards minimalism is still the idea of “Just in case I might use this again and Just in case it might fit again” 😫
Oh Dennis I’ve had those exact thoughts too. Like I should keep something so I can be prepared for any eventuality. Seems sensible. Very Boy Scout, but actually it’s a fear based thought. That we won’t be provided for unless we do it ourselves. In the meantime we have to spend our time and energy managing those unused items in our homes and those items aren’t fulfilling their potential like they might in someone else’s home. If it’s an item I’m only likely to use a free time a year I’d rather borrow or hire it or buy it second hand. which feels more community oriented and more sustainable. With the clothes that might fit me again, if it’s something I really love I’ll keep it, but if not I’ve had to remind myself that it’ll fit someone else right now so donate it as all it’s doing now is taking up valuable space, time and attention in my wardrobe. Plus when I lose weight I’ll probably want something more fashionable or a brand new item as a celebration for reaching my goal. Having a minimal wardrobe where every piece of clothing fits me at my current weight is a real game changer. It’s surprising how much impact it has opening a wardrobe with plenty of space in it for each item. Feels respectful of the money you’ve invested in your clothes. It’s very calming. Hope that helps.
My Problem exactly. My husband and i Started this "1 year Box" - a Lot of Things we think we might Need again (although in fact never do) Land in this Box and If we do not miss the Thing or use it in Like half a year/a year we throw it away or sell or spent it ... It helps a lot
me 2! especially items I find expensive. I still declutter and still keep these just in case. I already take this journey a slow one else I think I will drive myself crazy over decluttering rather enjoying the processes.
What been your biggest struggle in your journey towards minimalism? Update we have raised enough for 3 laptops so far!(the goal is 5) Thank you for everyone who has given so far!
Great content. As for me... after working from home for a year now, I have come to realize I really don't need all of these clothes. And I've gained weight since working from home. So I took about half of my wardrobe to a consignment shop to resell. At 60 I also decided to start downsizing.
Minimalism helped me with my shopping addiction. Now i add stuff to the cart, wait weeks or months, and re-evaluate. I almost always remove it instead of buying it. I'm learning to budget and meal plan as well. Minimalism taught me that everything i need is inside me, and I don't need to buy anything unless it improves my life enough.
What we give external value to, is usually a physical representation of what we mentally & emotionally value. Thoughtful video as always Gabe. I agree, remaining intentional with what (or who) we bring into our lives is absolutely key.
The pandemic has definitely helped me, the stores have been closed here for 3 months now and whenever I do think I need something I will think about it more before ordering it. Also unsubscribing to all newsletters about products and clothing help very much, now I dont buy stuff as result of an impuls :)
There is endless supply of material things out there and it will never be enough. We just have to find the right balance between real emotional happiness VS the happiness that Material possessions bring us.
Teaching virtual students (and face-to-face simultaneously) has me so burnt out on screens. Back aches, headaches (even with blue blockers), leg pain...
I'd be very happy to help as extra came in today. It's not much but it's something. I also support Pregnancy Centers. Babies are dying and we need to help them also.
@@GabeBult Absolutely! You're family is amazing. Seriously, anyone willing to care about children who have been left to fend for themselves in the streets deserve as much help as we can give. These children are left helpless and defenseless. It is usually the religious folks that are willing to be on the front lines willing to help the poor and widows. Thank you!
Decluttering was so important... (I`m not a full on minimalist) once you start thinking about "is this new item really important or am I gonna throw it away in a year, three years...?" ... that was a huge shift for me, had a real low buy year in 2020... Thanks for your videos, I really enjoy them and I like the sound of your voice :)
I`ve always been quite minimal with clothes. The past view years i`ve really noticed that the quality of womans clothing went a lot backwards and a lot of trendy (like a lot) pieces and that it`s hard to find good clothes. I don`t have this problem for my boyfriend and it pisses me off, because i feel something is wrong with me but it is the clothes! So i`m not going to feel bad about it anymore. What i am doing is really think about what i need to wear. This way you can have a tiny list of must haves, if you do like shopping once in a while you know what to look for. What can i say, i like clothes but what i like more is looking and feeling good. Men have it easier with the looking good part. I can make a perfect minimalist wardrobe for my bf, but as a woman you sometimes need different things or your body changes.
I feel like traveling to places like Colombia help me to be less materialistic as well. Seeing people living life with less consumerism really helps to detox this mentality. I've noticed specifically in Colombia that people tend to be happier with less and would rather spend their time and resources with family and friends than shopping and when they do go shopping it often becomes a social event. In general, I see they value more sharing of wealth than accumulating wealth.
No way! That’s exactly what my husband and I are doing this summer. He said to me “what do you want to do this summer? Take a vacation, Florida maybe?” And I’ve volunteered out of country in China before, and my husbands never left the country... and I had looked into volunteering again but didn’t think I’d be taken seriously. And what popped out of my mouth was... “I want to spend two weeks of my vacation this summer volunteering at an orphanage in Mexico. TCM.” And my husband said... ok... let’s do it... We have been passing out flyers, digitally, and handing some out to family and friends, and asking for donations to the orphanage. We are going to fill up our car with donations and take it down there. We put up a $400-$500 budget of our own money to contribute in toys, clothes, and hygiene supplies. Some sports stuff. And after a year of wanting to do it, I finally picked a child sponsorship abroad. For that little less fast food every month, I can pay a monthly subscription to help support a child abroad. And I picked one at the orphanage in Mexico so I get to meet my child. I haven’t even gone yet and my life has changed. It’s the kind of trip where you Don’t come home bragging about your souvenirs or what fancy restaurants or hotels you had... or what tourist site etc etc etc you filter up to post on social. It’s the kind of trip where you cry when you leave because of the heart change you experience, and those you served. A mission type experience is a moment to remember in your life that builds them and you in character... not brings up your social status.
I do believe in limiting screen time, but I also think there are other ways to limit marketing’s reach on you. I pay for YT premium.. I know it is an added cost per month, but I don’t watch TV or other subscription services and paying to remove ads saves me from seeing those ads. I still have to be aware of the content I watch as that can influence purchasing, but it works for me.
That's something I've always done over the last 18 years. I donate money to all kinds of causes and charities that I love. I don't attach to money because it can make you insane. I have always told myself, why do I need more money than I can spend? And why do I need to buy stuff that I'll eventually trash or sell for more money or donate? I focus on things I'll pass down to my children, memories from my travels and souvenirs, and also perishables. I had a fear for a long time that I would run out of money when I needed it the most so I fell into a slight hoarding, an overstocking habit with just in case stuff. I threw it all away.
Your channel has come a very long way, you're doing a good job. FYI... Most people do not hit the notification because the bell ringing all the time is annoying! PS... News flash, no need to keep up with the Joneses, they're broke and their house looks like a hoarder lives there!
I usually put things on Amazon into a list and don’t buy right away. Many sellers will offer discounts of 5 to 20 percent. Additionally, I find a very high percentage of things stay on the list for a few months and I go back and decide that I no longer want something enough to buy it.... so I just delete it from the list. There is some satisfaction in looking and finding good products..... then some satisfaction getting offers for lower price offers .... and finally some satisfaction in screening out the impulse buys of things not really needed.
I stress that I have too much stuff, it's a viscous cycle. I've been attempting to be simpler in as many areas of my life. I have to work on not putting too much pressure on myself but also not over praising myself. Finding a balance in this and many other areas is a fine line and difficult to maintain at times.
I am a fairly recent subscriber..so I am going back and looking at some of your old videos. You give a daily dose of good old-fashioned common sense. You are good. Thank you 💕
I have stuff...i love having my things in my life. Its what i built my memories around, its stuff that was handed down to me from my late nana, its memories when my kids were babies...its old report cards that make me chuckle.
Was that the Valle de Cócora in Colombia? I was there almost 4 years ago now and still remember how tranquil and refreshed I felt there. Thank you for sharing those videos!
@@GabeBultthe very tall wax palm trees are very typical of that region, so it probably was the Cócora valley. Beautiful place with beautiful memories :)
This year I didn’t want my household shopping because of the pandemic, so we donated our gift money and we did it again for my birthday. It felt awesome! I’ve always felt awkward around receiving gifts anyway. Now we feel great as we helped provide food for local families!
I adopted a cash-only lifestyle where all in-person purchases are made in cash, and have for over two years now. As part of my effort, I push hard to achieve the monthly goal of having a bank statement which only reflects three expenses: a monthly cash withdrawal, rent, and my phone bill. Now I don't buy clutter and have a very low tolerance for junk.
Don't know if you are on a mobile device or on a laptop or desktop computer but if on either of the latter. Why spend 11.99 per month when you can download 'AdblockforRU-vid' for free and see no more ads?
Nice video. I try especially not to buy. I want to be more fee of stuff but I find it waste to throw away my stuff&clothing that is not good enough for a second life. So I just wear out/use up what I still have in surplus
That’s why I decided I don’t want to contribute to a growing consumption problem. I still want to go into Digital Marketing but I want to create my own Environmental Blog. I know you don’t have to go to school for that but personally I am more likely to read from people with credentials.
Thank you for the interesting thoughts 👍When you said “dissociating from thing” could make us happier, I thought, maybe, peace doesn’t depend on the number of things but on the view and attitude towards your things and the things you don’t have. 🧘♀️I’ll think about that a little more. Have a great day 🍀
@@diamonds8001 I think a robbery is a traumatic experience which could change your thinking about the importance of possession, because, after all, our lives are easier with less things. Maybe we could be more creative with less things.
100% agree with this video and def IMPULSE buying, even more so with apps like Amazon! Oh, and my biggest Journey is probably Impulse buying but it's actually not that bad, I'm pretty good at putting thought into purchases. LOVE the LAPTOPS FOR KIDS!! KUDOS with walking backwards on that branch thingy! LOL
A couple of years ago I had to clear my late mum's house and whilst what she had was no where near excessive it did make me and my wife look at what we have in our house. We have cleared some things but I find myself looking at things and asking myself when did I last use it, do I really need it anymore and when I go to buy something I now think more about whether I really need the item or can I reuse something I already have. When I have cleared things our I felt refreshed. I plan to do more clearing out in the future. I remember seeing something about decluttering and the difficulty of getting rid of things, particularly where they have sentimental value. I came across a term that that I found helpful which is, 'give it a hug and let it go' - so I look at the item for a few minutes thinking back to the time it reminds me of, then I take a picture of it and clear it out.
Think about how much better off most people would be if they cut down their budget for buying possessions and reallocated most of that money to a gym membership, therapy, and travel expenses.
@@GabeBult yeah i think it's kind of sneaky if you think about it, like compagnies playing with how our brain work to make us purchase stuff we don't actually need. They invest millions in that it's crazy
Im here because i was watching arabic cartoon network and noticed there are no or very rare toy ads. Western cartoon network has at least 5 mins of toy ads after each episode. It blew my mind at how we are conditioned from babies to feel like we need stuff all the time. The Arabic ads were about food, general home supplies, autism awareness and charities (without begging like in the west). We need to break away from consumerism, its not normal
I understand you included clips of your Colombia trip probably just for the aesthetics, but wanted to remind new people watching this that you do not need to travel to exotic places like this or go super hippy to mitigate materialism. It too can be a form of extrinsic motivation/materialism. He’s kinda trying to sell a “lifestyle”. I see this too often in my home town Santa Cruz. People spending big money to not look like they spend money. It Ruined the surfing culture. Other than that great vid! Sub’d! And appreciate what u have rn!
I love your way of life and i just started my minimalism journey! Ive been struggling with impulse buys cuz heres just so many ads on instagram lol so the social medai fast was a good tip that i'll try.
Grab a box and keep it in a closet. Every time you open a cabinet and see something you don’t use, put it in the box. Donate when it’s full. Small steps!
On reason adds are so ubiquitous is that we expect every service to be free. Take news for example. We expect them to be free, so news outlets have alot of pressure to earn money selling adds.
I appreciate your approach to teaching. I've been quite unsure about investing in this current market and at the same time I feel it's the best time to get started on the market, heard some guy speaking of making over $300k from a $180k capital since the pandemic and I'm driven to ask what skillset and strategy can generate such profit.
I suggest you get in touch with a professional or a broker for guidance, most of the have been in the market long since the market crash of 2000, so it'd be easier for them to make better profit than others, I use a broker Karen Marla Merker and that's how I was able to generate a profit of $150,000 from April till now.
@@smalllondon7554 You are welcome, a lot of people actually seek the expertise of a professional but act like they did the research and achieved the success without any prior help
@@gaileickhoff116 I actually google searched your broker Karen and I found her resume very interesting, I'll be writing her an email when I'm done with breakfast. Thanks.
I am on RU-vid and consuming other media too much IMO, but hardly ever click on ads. And rarely see a commercial that makes me act. I hardly ever visit the promo section of my email account. So it is possible to be resist materialism in this ad infested world. I think religious teaching and my own parents have helped me be more frugal. But I do feel I should travel and enjoy life more... a little more.
Adblock everything, or at least try to do so. I can't do that on the youtube app on my phone (where I watch the most youtube videos) but everywhere else I have Adblock. Helps to not be so overwhelmed by ads all the time.
I’ve done no social for a year, but no TV for a week... that’ll be a REAL challenge 😭 I guess I should try it. No TV, RU-vid, or streaming. Oh my, just thinking about it...
