I was wrong about minimalism 

My new channel gabebult.hopp.to/Process

Was that the message of minimalism? I LOVE minimalism because I can't stand clutter and don't want excessive "things" weighing me down. I never took minimalism to mean that my goal was to be able to do *nothing* with my time. Of course that would lead to depression. We find happiness through contributing and serving.

What makes us truly happy is working towards a goal or goals. It's the journey that brings joy!

Gabe, Congratulations. We retired in our early 50’s, debt free, independent and now I’m 69, children raising their children, and so fortunate to be alive & in love with my husband for the last 48 years. I’ve never been busier through my days, by choice or more content when I wake up. My coffee, journal, bible and plan of the day take my first hour. It is so freeing to have the possibilities of anything we want for ourselves, our family & making others happy. We are still hustling with what we love to do and every March, in the spring, we set our yearly goals. They may change through the year. That’s the beauty of growing old and sharing life with the ones you love, family & friends. Taking time to live. Hugs

I think you're confusing two issues: minimalism and different phases of your life. As we age we change our world views a lot, and pretty much every decade brings new insights. For me, minimalism means a clutter-free home/mind etc and has absolutely nothing to do with money or the ability to do nothing. We all need something to live for and get excited about, and these things change with age.

I can totally relate. When the ultimate goal isn’t focused on this world, you’ve discovered the real meaning of life

There is never a finish line, life is a journey of goals and self improvement

My mother always said that we become completely different people between our 20s and our 30s. You are coming toward the end of this change. What you wanted as a younger man (less responsibility to others) is different, especially since becoming a husband and a parent. I think this has nothing to do with “minimalism”, but just a change in perspective. You’ve done really well for yourself and you are a hard worker. You’re doing a good job! Hugs!!

Sounds to me that you've achieved your goals and are now searching for a purpose. Congratulations! You have reached the point where you can choose to do what you want

There are so many sides to this coin. I’m 71 and retired. I became medically disabled and retired in January of 2011. I was married until July of 2022 when he decided he wanted to be single. He has a job he loves, makes good money and no one to think about/answer to. I’m in the same situation except social security isn’t good money. Most of us think we know what we want. But when we get it, we look around and ask “now what?”

I’ve watched for a long time and I’m so proud to hear you openly talk about your faith. God has blessed you with a platform to share your testimony. If you died tomorrow that’s the one video that actually needs to be uploaded! Love you brother. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and your journey!

Having a purpose while doing something you love.

I just retired at 54, and have the ability to pay more attention to my health, family, and finances. I have never been busier in my life. Next set of goals now after reaching that chapter. Love to hear you sharing your findings too, as it is helpful to hear from others on that path.

Totally agree. It’s not retirement to quit. You retire and do what you love. The purpose of freedom. Have fun. Work hard. Love existing and doing. Congrats and wish you the best

helping others. helping others makes me happy. it pays off in many ways. and the others is adventures gettin out of the comfort zone

Purpose is a huge part of the human experience. After my mom passed in 2021, it was a huge shakeup for me. I was angry and bitter, upset my kids’ grandma was taken from them, my mom was relentless in her love and care, and there’s so much more to this story, but it was just conversations with my wife, and reminders of God’s goodness and hope that realigned my values of how I want to spend the rest of my days on this side of eternity. Thanks for the content brother. I should create and stop being afraid of doing so…

The new American dream: create financial freedom, work 1-3 hours a day, discover deep internal depression.

Hey Gabe! Thanks for sharing and for creating. Same thing happen to me. I was stuck in a souless job, chasing checks and all of that. When my minimalist journey started I went from broke to millionaire. Depression, loneliness and sadness wer now in my life. But, I realize that without any chase and after reaching every goal in my life, the next step was to create. And this is how my new journey started as coach and creator. Life is like a video game, every time you finish a level there is another one. That's life, crafting into your best self, honing your skills and share it with the worl. All the best!

There is one thing that will leave you satisfied and fulfilled, and that's serving others selflessly.

You weren't wrong, you were just in a different season of your life. You'll be a different person now than you will be when you are 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70. There is a lot of research on how many of us when we reach the peak of our goal - go into a significant depression. NORMAL. I think it is wonderful that you are able to choose, that you can be available to your family so much more than the average working guy. Seize this learning moment, and see where it takes you. I have always loved Mondays! I am so glad you are moving out of the depression (lack of sleep has really complicated this for you and Meredith). I will be watching to see how you use this new insight to move yourself forward out of the sag time and resetting that always occurs after such a wonderful accomplishment - building a new family, and becoming financially free by age 30. I always learn something or get a new perspective, with each of your videos. Keep up your amazing work, Sir. Best wishes, Bult Family!

I have come to some similar conclusions. I’m more open to spending money on myself, playing video games, and “wasting time” with friends and family. What’s the point of having a bunch of money and living frugally if you don’t eventually enjoy yourself? I’ve also realized that humans are meant to work. No human likes living on a beach 24/7 with no schedule and no responsibilities. The beach has its place in life, but there needs to be a schedule, a routine, something that you’re working towards, aka goals.

I'm so glad you've gotten to this conclusion!!!

I get what you're saying but don't forget the true "definition" of Minimalism. Keeping only the things you use and love and getting rid of the rest. Saying that you don't want to be a Minimalist because you took it too far and got rid of something that you love doesn't mean you throw out the whole concept. I've been there too with stuff and you just have to step back and readjust what you're doing. You have control of that, not the concept of Minimalism itself.

I retired after 36 years as a teacher. I loved teaching, but could feel that I needed a change and since I didn't see an opportunity in education for me...I retired...then I realized, I like routine and I need purpose, so now I work part-time as a Children's Library Specialist at my local Library and I love it! It's less stressful, but still allows me to use my teaching skills. Life is about change and moving forward. I enjoy watching you move forward and encouraging us to do the same. Enjoy Today!😊

I just had another thought. Perhaps your minimalism journey is what you needed to clear the path for this next adventure. You have all the other aspects of your life organized and can give more attention to this now.

I asked myself before what would I do if I didn’t have to work and it’s pretty much the same thing I’m doing now. I’ve volunteer for an animal shelter, and I foster animals to Adoption. It makes me so happy and if I never had to work a day in my life again that’s what I would still do. I guess the point is still stay productive doing something that you love and once you figure that out you’ll always be excited to live your life.

I work in mental health Monday-Friday 9-5, and honestly I love it. I love my work. Every day feels like a good day even when there is crisis and challenge because I know I’m giving back to the community I’m in. I find when I worked from home I felt isolated, and I love the routine of a commute even tho the traffic sucks I listen to music or car pool. I think you’re exactly on the right track and you will do wonderful things. I recommend “things that matter” by Joshua Becker, it’s exactly what you’re saying

Love that you shared this. As I simplified my life, I started feeling bad that my life was finally easy while so many others were still struggling with finances or stress. But really it just came with new "stresses" like how to spend my time and money in a thoughtful, impactful, meaningful way. Excited to see where these questions take you and your family!

The human mind needs friction and hard things. Otherwise we become lethargic, depressed and cynical. Having something meanigful and reasonably challenging to do is important. That's why retirement is also a double-edged sword and dramatically accelerates decay for most people.

Argentinian here. Yeah, I got to the same conclusion about 5 years ago and working towards it. I dont want to retire I just want to lose the NEED to have a job. Bought some property to rent, opened my own business, working half time at my old job, I have 5 employees and started working to better my community. I can spend some money on me when I want and I have never been happier although doing all of this in Argentina is like playing in hard mode :)

Minimalism is a road that takes you where you need to go. But it's not the end goal. Thats what I have found. Minimalism helps you reach goal but it itself is not the goal. Believing you are helping people is very fulfilling. If you feel like you are just living for yourself it gets old pretty fast.

What a great and courageous video! Thank you!

I have found in my long life that doing for others changes your whole perspective on life, also think about what is said at someone's funeral, when their life is summed up. You never hear about their bank statements or portfolios, it's about family and how much they were loved, the impact that person had on other people's lives, and of course how much they loved God and what they did for Him, the eternal is all that matters.

Yeah, I think like you said, what is important is to work on your own terms and to do stuff that you actually want to do instead of doing stuff that you feel like you have to do.

I have been following your channel for a few years and this is hands down the best video you’ve ever made!!!! ❤🎉😊

I give a lot of my time to others. Saturday's ....I'm like support Gabe's Channel that supports a ton of people❤

Yup we know, bud. I remember a moment when you were in the camera saying that minimalism was such a great productivity hack for you and you were able to get “so much done!” While the neon sign behind you flashed “Do Less.” We were like …. Wait for it. Glad you figured it out! 🎉❤

Humans are hard wired with our internal reward system to achieve. It’s part of our psychological evolutionary survival mechanisms. But it can also cause us to become overly focused on achieving and less concerned on other things that matter like relationships. I still love the idea of minimizing❤

Appreciate the humility! I think you're tapping in to the differences of minimalism and essentialism. One is about stuff, the other is time.

I'm so glad you mentioned Jesus! He is the true source of all happiness.

Gabe, I am so glad you seem to have found your "why". Minimalist living isn't a goal, but the way to reduce distractions and allow us the bandwidth to discover and pursue that "why". Whether Christian or not, we can all be of service to our families and communities. I just retired and it's an adjustment realizing I can choose what I want to be busy with. Looking forward to seeing more from you.

Weird video come up, I am 45 I hit most of my financial goals at this point and I've been feeling a little depressed lately. I don't usually get depressed, there must be something in the air right now.

So happy you had this realization at your age. For many of us, it took until midlife to start asking the really profound questions that lead to the aha moments you had.

I really like where you are going with this, Gabe.

Love the goal of more time in the word. The more I'm in the word the more I want. Good stuff!

I found one recipe that I thought is trustworthy. It's build from 4 elements: 1. Do hard things 2. Do your things 3. Do it for decades 4. Tell your story

This video is incredibly well timed. I've recently been struggling with some idealised version of life I was trying to build, versus living in a way that simply fits who I am and how I enjoy living. Thank you for articulating some of the mess that's been swirling around my subconscious

Thank you for this video. I love that you mentioned reading your Bible and focusing on Jesus at the end. That is where we can find our true purpose. I have been inspired by your journey and am so happy to learn that you are also a Christian. May God continue to bless you.

I’ve recently signed up to do more, but it’s all super committed. I work at Fidelity now, 12-8:30, making a difference. They’re paying for my bachelors in finance, so I’m also going to school part time. I joined a CrossFit gym and started singing for a band again. Those last two make me happy. I’m super busy and stressed, but happy. You’ll find it. You be you.

What I want, is to be proud of my work. I want to be able to show my friends and family what I do all day and share my passion and excitement with them. I know a lot of people say that caring about what others think about you is foolish, but it is what I live for.

This is why the idea that “retiring when I’m too old to enjoy it” is ridiculous. If ur doing meaningful work all ur life then retirement doesn’t really hit the same. I’m in healthcare. It can be grueling. Some days I’m sick of it but in all honesty I can’t imagine being completely retired from it. I don’t want to.

Forget About Setting Goals. Focus on This Instead. The purpose of setting goals is to win the game. The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. ~ James Clear

I went all in right before covid, fumbled around and it didnt work. Had to rethink my plan and now im here. One step at a time for me, glad to see your doing really great for yourself!

I have to say there were a lot of relatable moments in this video for me. Thank you for being candid about all of that. I’m Jewish, but having that time in the morning were you can pray, connect and read the Bible is really important for me too.

I was so confused because I listen to NF in the car and thought it was playing while I was playing your video lol great vid man

Helping others is the most fulfilling thing you can do in your life.

This is one of the bigger challenges of FIRE and retirement: What do you do when you finally reach your goal? One of the best pieces of advice I've received is spend a few years making your list of all the things you'd like to do. What is your next chapter goals? Write a book? Teach a class? Start a business? Learn how to build houses or repair cars? It will serve you well to put a good amount of effort into determining what it is you actually want to do. Otherwise you will fill the time with whatever comes along, and you are likely to feel unfulfilled.

Jesus! Yay! I’m working on that right now too! Spending more time in the word! Thanks for all your videos!

Really interesting topic. Thanks for raising this Gabe. It seems that Minimalism and being financial free have got you to a great place where you have the freedom to choose what you want and what a blessing that is eh?! To me Minimalism gives more choice, more freedom, more clarity, more connectedness / mindfulness (to ourselves, others and our stuff etc...). Plus minimalism often gives relief from overwhelm and anxiety and can help us be more discerning and decisive. These things to me are things that money cannot buy and hence priceless and IMO will benefit most people that apply principles of Minimalism and simplifying. Congrats on being in a great mental space and knowing what gives you purpose, fulfillment and happiness 🙏😊

I think what you’re driving towards is sometimes called the doctrine of vocation - essentially it means living all aspects of your life, even in the mundane tasks, with the goal of loving God and serving our neighbor (which also includes our own family).

The book by Joshua Becker comes to mind, “Things that Matter”. God has a mighty work for you to do and I’m excited to see where he will take you on this road of life. God bless!

It is so good to see you looking alive and interested! I wish you well as you go forward.

Great video! Humans are built to have a purpose! ❤

Gabe, minimalism is not incompatible with what you are talking about. Living a highly simplified and financially responsible life is extremely liberating.

Brilliant as always 💚 My goal this year is to Simplify my life (my year started August 3). Change, Challenges and Adventure are a must in life. Thank you 🙏

What a good reminder to trust and enjoy the process ! Thank you, I feel like I really needed it 🥹 sorry i’m a little bit too emotional 🤭

When you stop growing, you stop living….and start dying on the vine. Hence, depression and unhappiness sets in.

Awesome video!!! reminds me of King Solomon as he was writing Ecclesiastes he had everything the world had to offer and he saw that it was all meaningless Relationship with Jesus matters most Keep up the awesome work

new goals new purpose No one is happy at the end of the journey. It's the journey and growth that is the juice of life. Mr Money Mustache retired in his 30s but he does heaps of meaningful work. He has a purpose that is bigger than earning money to survive.

Service to mankind is service to god " Swami Vivekenanda" Thanks for your Video!

Working toward something exciting and new. I think that journey is where you find peace and more so “happiness.”

Your BEST SOULFUL HONEST AND BEAUTIFUL video …. Love your content and inspiration….i have taken action based on your videos. Many thanks and keep at it…. Life that is 💕

I think when you ask yourself if money were no object, what would you do looks different in each decade of your life. If money were no Object’ I wouldn’t do less, I’d do more! I’d volunteer or work at a job that pays very little because I LIKE helping others. Doing less is a strange concept to me. Success to me is What you do, what you accomplish. How you meet your goals. But with a life being on screen a certain image takes place and as life changes so do priorities so that image might not match anymore. It’s brave to put your whole life on screen for the world to criticize but I won’t ever say it’s healthy. Minimalism is a great concept. But doing less for financial freedom, I kinda get why you got depressed. Thank you for sharing the honesty though.

Love this, Gabe! This is part of the reason I'm taking your RU-vid class. My husband and I are 56 and are at coast fire. Both kids off at college, with funding for that taken care of. Without the wolf at the door driving us, what now? I don't want to live just for myself. I'm also a Christian. My husband and I are both in this space of figuring out the "what now" after financial independence. I'm hoping I might be able to serve in some way through RU-vid????

Not to long ago my husband and I heard a different Christian perspective on retirement and that was to look at retirement as a way to do more: more for Gods kingdom, financial freedom to do something you’re passionate about or something you maybe could not have done to help others before. Not just view retirement as do nothing and stop working. We found that very Inspiring as we both would love to retire early and are seeking total financial freedom but it gives passion behind our purpose.

Now you've got it!! ❤

I’m 55, $70,000 in student loans, have a chronic illness and probably will never get out of debt, own a home or be where you are. Always remember that your dissatisfaction with your life is what others are praying for. I’m probably going to be homeless or close to it. Enjoy your life and find your peace and purpose.😢

My husband a d I recently lost our jobs when the owner of the business passed away. We had no savings. We were living paycheck to paycheck. It has been a struggle emotionally. We went on social security early. It is not enough money to get by on. We cut all non- essential spending. There is no extra money coming in at this time. It's are to find a decent job at 63.

This was very eye opening, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing this! It makes so much sense!

As soon as I heard NF playing, I switched to his song to hear what the full lyrics were, and then I sat here and thought, "Is he (Gabe) Christian?" In the dozen or so videos I've watched so far, I didn't know. But then at the end of this one you confirmed it and said you needed to give it higher priority (sorry, I don't remember your words exactly). I'm not going to suggest you start the preaching, but I do respect and appreciate your reference to God, the Bible, and your faith in a non-pushy, non-proselytizing manner.

You got it! Financial freedom is only a means to better fulfill your purpose imo! It is freedom to pursue fulfillment.Most people don’t pursue purpose and fulfillment they chase hedonism or what others tell them will make them happy. Being financially free just removes obstacles on your path and makes your purpose more enjoyable.

You are goal oriented, you weren’t wrong… you just need new goals!

Hi Gabe Your such a dish x Yes coffee always a good idea Hope you and your family enjoy your trip Take care Lots of love x

Truly encouraging thank you. Need more Bible in my life too and continuing to grow in grace as I seek to serve other!

Is not about doing less, is all about having a good balance between work and life and having the freedom to not work when you don't want to. I'm a photographer and I love taking photos and I hate the idea of retirement. I never want to stop. If I'm able, I'd probable be taking photos up until I die. Find your passion, like you said, something that excites you and find some balance between that and your life.

Thank you Gabe for everything... you've been always an inspiration to many... priorities in life change as time pass by and so our needs and wants... change is the only thing that's permanent ... we try to have a well balanced life and do things one day at a time... stay positive and enjoy every moment of life while time lasts :)... God bless you & all!!

I loved everything you shared, especially the part about devoting more time to Jesus. I look forward to the content that you speak of, and I do truly believe that making use of your time keeps you healthier, not so much staying busy but feeling every minute with some thing meaningful to you. Thank you.

In our 20s we are a product of what we’ve been told. In our thirties we start to be a product of our experience. In our 40s we are a product of our decisions..good and bad. In our 50s you take what we’ve been told, compare it with our own experiences and own our decisions so we find our own wisdom in life to share! People like you Gabe….have gone thru this process more quickly. That’s why you have a diversified audience. You’re clearly a thinker. I love watching thinkers who have gone thru this life process early in life because that’s where all the new perspectives are in this world! Thanks for all you do!❤

Sometimes you work so hard to get to the top of the mountain, but when you get there, you realize you’re on the wrong peak! 🤔

I love what you said about chasing excitement. I have worked full-time since age 18. When I have too much "downtime", I start to get anxious and depressed. I enjoy working toward goals and feel fulfilled when productive. I also wonder what I will do once I "reach my ultimate goals". Is it too lonely at the top? Finding balance between minimalism and overstimulation...I am trying to do a better job of planning at least 2 trips per year well in advance so that I have excitement of things to look forward to. This is a great discussion. Thank you for sharing the downside of minimalism and doing less. It is so true.

Serve others ,not yourself, when you reach the point when all you've ever wanted isn't enough. There's plenty of work in this world that needs to be done.

I'm 39 and work 2 days a week and spend alot of time reading and thinking about philosophy and Buddhism etc. Im a minimalist in the outside, material world so I can fucus on spirituality, plus working out physically. The further I drift from the material world, peer pressure and my ego, the clearer the world appears and happier I am.

I am still a bout 15 years from "retirement" age and a few years ago I started asking many of these same questions. Since then I have embarked on a journey to find my Ikigai, my purpose. I now understand that retirement is more about leaving behind the societal expectations that are placed upon us and learning to live the life we choose, whatever that may look like. Best of luck on your journey Gabe.

For a moment, I thought that this was a video about you turning into a maximalist in terms of owning stuff. Thank God that was not the case! Wishing you all the best!

Maybe the answer isn't doing less. Maybe it's doing what fulfills you. Maybe it's doing something that seems meaningful. Maybe it's about discovering daily what God made you for and doing that.

Glad to hear you share a little bit of your faith briefly. Just subbed and excited to hear more

Dude, you’re too “me” focussed. Be others focussed. Volunteer. Bet your mindset and joy will change.

Praise God for non passive Christians. Finally people.talking about money and not in a prosperity get rich quick or negative attitude towards wealth. May the Lord bring you wisdom and contentment in this new journey

The chase has been your happiness. Life is about the road, not the goal

I’m a Christian too and I’m also focusing on trying to do things for the glory of God and not just for the glory of myself