It's time to slow down. 

Don’t get me wrong I’m going to continue to work my ass off but I will be implementing some strict boundaries moving forward like “No Work Saturdays”. These kinds of rules are necessary because (fortunately) I love what I do & if I didn’t set them I’d take things too far. It’s easy to let “just this one weekend” turn into "every weekend". This might not be the message you need to hear right now. You might be in the same place I was a year ago and you need to continue to put in long hours. But don’t forget to pump the breaks from time to time, especially when you’ve managed to make a full-time living. Thanks for watching! Let me know if the comments some rules that have worked to help you keep your sanity while pursuing your passions :)

Matt, watching your channel blow up these past few months really gives me hope for RU-vid as a platform. You are one of the best examples I've come across that you can avoid clickbait, avoid chasing trends, avoid daily vlogging, and still succeed on this platform. The fact that you are promoting a healthy work-life balance while doing this makes it even cooler. Keep inspiring creators. I hope to make it on your podcast one day.

"If you let yourself become your own worst boss..." - That hit me hard. Great video.

If only RU-vid was full of someone like this...

Look man, I'm 28, I have a communications degree, pursuing an MBA, first time stay at home mom for about a year by now, and semi starting to create my own channel about adulthood, sustainable parenting, finances (and kitty cats). You are BY FAR one of my favorite RU-vidrs ever made, and even tho my family doesn't even own a house, I'm still supporting you on patreon, the reason why I do it is because FOR ME, you already made it dude. You already added so much value to my life and philosophies that, even if you stop doing videos, or decide to slow it down, your content will transcend time and space in this world. Your mind is brilliant and one of a kind. Take a break if you need to. everybody does, but always focusing on the life-changing output that you've created, for good, for others. Loves from Houston.

*Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.*

Burnouts destroy careers all the time. So does procrastination. You know what doesn't destroy careers? The right balance between both.

Your jokes make me smile loudly

No, Matt i want my 8 minute videos every week or am unsubscribing :D just kidding bro, take your time we will allways wait for you.

Holy cow, very inspiring. I think something also has to be said that you're improving and that you've grown as a speaker in front of camera and as a storyteller. Good for you for not burning the candle at both ends. Keep it up

Dude! Yes!! I watched your first video and kept going because I like to see the journey of the entire process.You've inspired to create an extension to my channel. I really like the fact that you're being open, man. I'm a father of two 6-month old twin girls and I'm all in. I have a full-time job, but I'm treating this as if I don't. It can get tough because of, well, the girls haha. Also, I'm married to my best friend who's in total support. I'm jumping into 2019, all in, but still working on the balance of everything, figuring out the best way to create and not feel stretched. It's not easy, but I'm willing to work on the long-term goal. I really dig what you're saying about slowing down. Work smarter not harder. Love this stuff. Keep crushin' it!

Can I just say how much I appreciate the fact that you don’t put ads in your videos. Thanks for promoting the importance of exploring new things while striving for a healthy balance.

OMG I love your sense of humor. It gets me every. single. time.

I actually needed to hear that its ok to slow down and focus on things that matter as well. Thanks! I've been getting close to burning out and working over 60+ hours a week on mediocre content wondering what to make next and how I'll have time to make it... guess I better take a breath and slow down :)

the humor is getting better and better every video. hilarious these little jokes 😂

I remember when you had 50k subscribers in like August or something. It's exciting to see your channel grow because your content is going to change a lot of opinions and habits regarding consumerism and materialism. Can't wait for it all :)

The dislike is from Sonic the hedgehog

It's been so awesome watching your channel grow. I'm not even a "minimalist" and yet I find myself so inspired by your discipline, work ethic, and mindset. Keep hustling!

I'm in a similar situation to yours. I'm an engineer and a content creator right now. I'm going to move in another country and leave my job in 2 weeks and I have enough money to live without any problem for 2 years. I want to make videos in my life and that's something that I choose, that I want to do, I Will not let it become a duty. Great video.

I'm going on a binge right now of your content, and I've gotta say - you are inspiring me so much. Not just with the useful concepts, but your style with storytelling and film. Thanks, Matt.

I feel like this is speaking directly to me

That's actually so true sometimes when I feel exhausted from working or studying I take a short break to do something for myself like going out to get some coffee or watching my fav series etc ... thank you for sharing this with us we need to remember this sometimes .

Yeah the first 6 months of RU-vid for me there was little to no growth. Then all of sudden it exploded in a month. Just goes to show persistence is the number 1 key to success.

May sound cheesy, but your videos blew up for me at the perfect time. I got done working at a job at a successful start-up after almost 7 years and I’m taking an ample amount of time to look at my current life, think about what I want to do now, and make many new connections while reforging the good habits I had before moving to Los Angeles. The looks into your process and activities got me to reconcile all the scary and frustrating changes that came with moving out here to this endless city; the candor in your videos alleviates a big chunk of my doubts about making a living in this place. Looking forward to the future.

Exactly what I needed to hear at this moment. I successfully finished high school this spring and since then I was lucky enough to be doing what I love the most: composing film music. And fortunately I'm in the point when I don't have to care about money anymore, but still, I don't do anything else but producing new music. And at the same time now, I feel like I haven't even stopped for a second. It's really good to give yourself a break, not because I would want the break, but because me and my body literally needs the break. :) Awesome video man! Love ya.

This video was much needed. I've currently felt the same "all out sprint" balancing my personal training clients, online clients, side video editing work, and college exams. Hard to get everything done to the standards I set so slowing it down sometimes is important. Keep up the great videos Matt!

I relate to this sooo much. The digital burn out is real. Still figuring out the line between my work and personal life.

I've been watching for almost a year now, video quality and content gets better and better every time. I fucking love this channel, keep it up bro.

Hi Matt, You're definitely right. I'm not a RU-vid creator, i'm an electrician who runs his own little business in the UK and I think this relevant to any discipline. I gave up working weekends and the only thing I noticed was that I became more efficient. I certainly didn't earn any less. Work/Life boundaries are necessary. Everyone gets the blinkers on when it comes to "grind and hustle" and believe they have to do it. Take a more measured approach and I bet people will be surprised by the results. You've really inspired me with such a good approach to minimalism. Keep up the great work! Thanks mate.

By the way being a fresh new channel with only 36 subscribers is always nice to hear these things from bigger channels. It motivates to work your ass off.

Really enjoyed listening to your story man! So proud of you! I remember when you had 110k. Hard work is paying off bro:] Keep it up

Hey Matt I don't have much to say but I want you to know that over the past two months watching your videos has made me to see the world from another perspective and focus in things that are important to me. I wasn't able to see this and after watching a few of your videos now I'm starting to work in something I like which I couldn't before because my depression and anxiety. I've taken some minimalists perspectives onto my life and I'm starting to feel me again so thank you for that. Keep the good work, I don't miss a video and take all the naps you need to keep the videos this great!

The timing of this video couldn’t be better. Thank you so much Matt. This is the video I needed.

Thanks Matt, for reminding us how it's important to have days not meant for doing work, even when we're essentially working for ourselves. You deserve a much-needed rest. Take care!

Flawless 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 ... Thank you for this!!!

Thank you so much for making these videos. I've been burned out completely this entire semester abroad...and can't wait to go home to implement what I've learned from you. I'm so glad I could be here to see you grow man.

Wow! You have so many subs now! That’s incredible! Love the opening sequence on this vid. Good luck with the slow-cation!

Thank you for constantly being transparent in your journey. It's refreshing to see someone be so honest yet so authentic at the same time. It's defintiely time for a lot of us to slow down for sure.

Dear Matt DA'vella, Its been a while that I have been stalking you.( caught ;-). But few months ago. My life was miserable, I had no goals, I was depressed,procrastinating things,spending hours scrolling youtube videos. Than I found one of yours video. Since then.I forgot the count of times I have checked your videos. I feel alive, I deleted social medias, I have started meditating, waking up at 5, journalling,( not taking the showres🤓). But its all worth it. I didnt come here to thank you because the word is too trival.. However, Thank you❤😊 You are amazing flimmaker and storyteller. You changed my life❤

As a young man who is going through a stressful time in my life. Your vids so far have given me a sense of peace that your own health, mentally and physically, is more important than just working til your arms fall off. Not saying slacking by any means, but it gives me a chance to sit back, even if for a few moments, and be myself. Not to sweat the small stuff. Thank you for your amazing content, you my friend have gained a subscriber

First World Minimalistic Filmmakers Problem - Shirt matches backdrop and only has one color shirt 🤣

Your videos have been doing something to me in the sense that for the first time I'm truly willing to step back an evaluate my life as it is so that I can live it the way I envision it to be the best for me. And for that I'm grateful and thankful for your work and dedication. You're the kind of creator who truly helps people change their lives, and I'm included in that list. Thank you! And please, slow down. Slow down because it's a joy to watch your stuff whenever it comes out. 👊✌️

shit. i have never needed/related to something so much in my entire life. it's time.

Oh man, thanks for sharing this. I have been a RU-vid creator for last 4 years but since I finished school this year I started to feel much more stressed because suddenly...RU-vid is my full-time job. It's great to see such a situation from your perspective. Good luck! You are doing a great job.

Love this video man!! :)

As a videographer, I shall say I'm very impressed, but the wildest thing for me is how do you manage to quiet your mind so bad, that you're enjoying the minimal lifestyle, and detach from the fear of missing out, I think you meditate a lot. Very glad for you because you are really enjoying the small pleasures of life that most of us are missing out in the daily routine. Great content.

4:31 is my mood everyday but you deciding to slow down is good man we’ll be here.. also you’re almost to a 1M subs congratulations!🎉

I live in the middle of nowhere in the african bush where i only really get internet connection when i head to the local town maybe once a month. I LIVE for your videos (okay, I have it pretty good living surrounded by wild animals) but your videos are constant reminders that I am able to live with even less and also gentle reminders that my brain needs to get decluttered too. Unfortunately I amn't in the position to support you in more than positive words but I wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for your videos and sharing your way of thinking. Love from Africa.

Hoodie - minimalist solution 👍🏾

I stopped during work to rethink my whole life because your films are so inspiring

I put the hoody on and problem solved. There is a lot of wisdom there. Straight up.

I really appreciate how direct and to the point your videos are.

omg I made the same video last week. nothing but love for you man, focus on enjoying your life, then share it to us

Matt, I have loved LOVED your work so far, and I've grown super attached to your channel over the last few months--I have watched so many of your videos--but know that it is completely okay to take the time you need to get things done at a reasonable pace. Coming from someone who is a bit obsessed with your channel, know that it won't kill me or anyone else if you have a few more days between your video releases. And also thank you so much for everything! I love everything about your channel and love listening to your reflections on life!!! It's really provided me a lot of guidance!

Damn, this hit home.

As a content creator I can definitely relates to exactly what you are talking about here. I am not on RU-vid (yet) but I do have my own website and that comes along with managing multiple social media accounts for it like Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. I started my website this year in January so yeah it’s been a year and when you have to turn nothing into something especially because you want to turn it into your full time job, you have to hustle and put a lot of work into it everyday. You have to create content, design, create & manage an email list...the duties go on. Like you said it’s awesome because at the end of the day you’re working on something you are passionate about but you also realize that you can’t work like that forever because this type of lifestyle should allow for you to have the free time to do the things you have always wanted to do. Just like anything in life, you need to learn how to balance.

Listen. I don't know anything about documentaries or making films. But I can confirm that you have great taste and a polished style. And above all, you sure have a thinking head and lots of things to say. I'm sure you can go a long way.

Thanks for sharing your story. I stopped working Saturdays. Had to make it a day only for the family. It's easy to run 7 days a week but it sure is hard to intentionally stop. I found that many of my clients respected me for it and supported me being intentional with my kids / family time. It made for better business during the week.

Do one video every two weeks. It's better that way, for everyone.

As someone who works the 9 to 5 kind of job, I can relate to this struggle- especially since some weeks can feel more monotonous than others. My problem wasn't just dedication though, it was also in how work effected my personal life whenever I wasn't there. It's like I was constantly worrying about what I'd be doing the next day or even dwelling on things that weren't in my control. Thank you for this reminder, Matt!

This was awesome, Matt! Also, 04:30 you pretty much summed up my life

This just makes sense - for everything you stand for - minimalism and all. It's normal for you to slow down and put boundaries. I think this is totally healthy. Wish more people had more of this outlook.

great videoo! love you matt keep it up!

"When am I going to stop?" That's the problem. I think we never have enough. It's much more healthier to compare yourself with the past-you than the future-one. Instead of chase more and more, just stop and see what you've made. Always amazing videos ;)

It's rare to find cotent like yours on RU-vid. Your style and pacing is very subtle; you don't go for cheap jokes or do a cinematic trick just for the heck of it. I guess that comes from your overall philosophy as a minimalist and your experience in filmmaking (15 years!) You actually put thoughts behind every segments of your videos. None of your videos can be said to look cheap or superficial (unlike most RU-vid videos that just looks cool and have no delicate storytelling through framing and color) You're like an auteur. Furthermore, you don't monetize your best content. How crazy is that! I gotta say that it'd be a sad day if you stop making these videos, man. I think the world needs more people like you: going against the monetary incentives and focusing on the art of creating content. Through your video I could see someone whose main focus is to better their skills and tell a story using visuals effectively, and not trying to upsell anything (some people pretends to do the same but then their free content is really just really bad). It's like you're making all these videos and podcasts because you can't not make them. So yeah, don't quit man. Like I'll be sad lol

I think what's so special about your channel other than the talent and quality evident in each one is your intentionality. This video just popped up as a suggestion in my feed a couple days ago and then I got hooked on your channel in general because these are the types of videos I can get lost in and not feel like I wasted any time in the end because they legitimately challenge me to think differently and to make positive changes in my life. You have one more thankful subscriber!

Liked before the video even loaded. ✌

Thank you so much Matt! It's so good to see you release a video on this topic. I have recently been wrecked with taking on freelance work so this is a healthy reminder! I also remember watching your stuff around 50k subscribers. You've earned all the growth that you have made on this channel, great job!

Was watching Peter McKinnon but I got your notification so I had to watch your vid. Sorry Pete. :/

Im right now on the rest process after 10 years of non stoping working on music. I used to be a duo and my partner died of an accident. And still got caught up with work and people around me just pushing myself and i became my worst enemy. After getting help from family and professional, im right now resting and taking time with family and girlfriend to become in love with my music and life itself. Thanx for your videos bro. I might do a book about this whole journey and u inspire a lot to me. All the best

Matt, with all due respect to your distaste for the 9-5 jobs, I honestly think that you referring to it as a 'rat race' every now and then is not fair, and you are simply promoting the bad name some people have already given it. I for one, like my job. I like to sit in a cubicle from 9-5 and work my ass off on something, anything. That is my routine. I like routines. Routines are never the same thing as mundane, at least to me. Believe me when I say my 9-5 job keeps me interested and excited because I am working on something challenging every now and then (at least enough to keep my brain stimulated). Do I have other interests/passions apart from my job? Sure! And, I am happy doing my 9-5 job and coming back home to hone my other interests. There is nothing bad with a sitting-in-a-cubicle-job and it is not a rat race for everyone.

My dude. I’m here to say... You are incredible. Your passion for your craft, your calm yet fun spirit, it’s magnetic bro. I truly believe the best is ahead for you. Much love from Dallas TX!

Something told me that there might be a new video from Matt so i looked up his channel and here I am

That question in the beginning - "What would you do, if money wasn't an issue?" - is one of my favorite ones to ask people. Answers are really surprising some times. Other times you just get a shrug and an "I don't know".

im a perfectionist its really difficult to stop asking alot from myself

I love the message this video sends. So many of my former coworkers would bust their asses both in college and work but would never take time to slow down even though they definitely could at least a little. Whenever I tried to suggest them slowing down they just acted like I was lazy or privileged. Basically I'm glad someone agrees with me because I am so much happier now that I balance my life more

Thumbs up if you never clicked a video so fast

i read these important messages the other day on instagram @makedaisychains "keep going doesn't mean you're not allowed to pause and rest if you need it." and "productivity is not an indicator of health." and i really agree with you, sometimes to be able to do the things we love to do can feel more fun and more stressful simultaneously and that's what i didn't think when i decided to pursue my passion and no one told me so way back when i was 14 and starting to learn the idea of "pursuing your passion". i thought that it would be like a guarantee that and i can always be happy and productive once i can do what i love, but it turned out to be like a rollercoaster. i still haven't found a right way to keep me sane yet, but i hope you find your way to keep your sanity while pursuing your passion, Matt!

First comment!! Much love Matt D’avella!! You’re a huge inspiration 🙌🏼

Man, i get so much positivity from you, please dont stop podcasting... Thanks again.

If I won a million dollars I would just not work ): I have no idea what my dream is and I’m 28

I really like the approach you took on this one. I 100% agree that even for the great things we love doing we need to put boundaries. We all feel like once we get to do what we love and enjoy life will be perfect, but once you get there (not there yet for me), you have to look up for yourself and the people who are around you. Great video. I wish this one would get to the millions views. Super important stuff! Once again Matt, thank you!

First ... Always your fan.

Health and sanity is the reason I seek for videos like yours, thanks matt

Just put ads on your videos

Just wanna day that i love your work for being silent, deep, humorous, pastel, always inspiring, motivating and just peaceful. It seems so simple to get an impact to a soul in so many ways. Thank you for your great work and to make me think about live even more. Don’t wanna be a boot licker but in your case I have to😎

Can’t believe I’m the first You’re the best

THANK YOU. Thank you, Matt. A breath of fresh air.

Matt you've blown up not just because of the quality of your videos but your wisdom and beautiful mind.

Wow yeah. I relate so so so much. I am finally a full time musician and I get legitimately sad when I have to leave work! I’m so grateful but I am also grateful for this reminder to take a breather and enjoy the rest life has to offer

I swear being too busy is like a fashion statement for success. That whole "I'll sleep when I'm dead" crap caught on and people are messing with their health. Stay healthy Matt! ☺

Thank you, Matt. This is the right message at the right time especially with the new year around the corner.

We all need to slow down sometimes and put some time apart for our selves and our loved ones. I know you're talking about your career, but this was very helpful to me as well. Thanks for the reminder Matt!

Hey Matt this is André from Brazil, just wanted you to know that your work is very important and it's helping me a lot, and the best part is that it came in the very right time =) I'm feeling more inspired to run after my targets and also I'm trying to consume things more consciously. Thanks a lot

Matt, I watch you since the beginning. I'm so inspired and proud, man. You have a huge influence in my projects and way of thinking. If you come to Brazil someday, you have a friend! Don't stop following your heart. And that follower count will be bigger and bigger, because we all love people that follow their heart.

I saw your first vid and you had like 200k subs, now you have 700k in such a short period. It's so amazing to see that people recognized your message and your work. All the best 😎

I’m a new patron. Gotta say, it was so worth it. I learned so much about making videos! Thank you!

You're about to hit ONE MILLION SUBSCRIBERS!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!

You have been one of favorite creators I have seen in a while. I have been following you since you had less than 100k subs and it is awesome to see that you are nearing 750k subs. You are one of the few people I stop what I am doing to watch you videos and I almost always listen to your podcasts every week. I would love to see Todd Glass come on again in the future, keep up the great work!

100%!!! Last week I made a video on this same topic! Especially around the holiday season, it's time to slow down & soak up time with our loved ones :) So happy for your channel growth - you deserve it!