Overcoming Overconsumption 

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/

I live in an "empty" apartment and it is absolutely AWESOME knowing that when I come home from work there is nothing to clean. I have a desk and a bed and a tv with a few nightstands....very soothing and relaxing!!!!

This is gonna sound weird, but owning less makes me feel like I own more. Its bc I know what I have and where it is.

It absolutely amazes me how many people own garages and don't have room for their cars

Whenever I find myself wanting an item that I don't need, I stop and ask myself, if it would make me happier or my life easier. The answer is usually no.

I have been living this way for more than 30 years, and it's been a great and calm way to go.

Can you do a house tour? Would like to see what minimalism looks like for your home. Great advice as always.

This just touched me in another level. Is not even minimalism anymore, is more like be present and intentional about your actions, in this case consumerism. Thank you 🙏🏼

So true about being happier with less “things”. I am no spring chicken - not yet at retirement, but I am increasingly finding that I want less stuff in my life. The mess causes me undue stress and for the past three or four years I have been religiously getting rid of things. BUT I found myself still buying things. For me, one of the worst things to come along was the internet. It is too easy to click a button and buy. Most everything I buy is online. I think about the times when I was most happy in my life, and found that I was happiest when I was in college. Yes, I was struggling like many students did back then, so did not have a lot of fun money to buy things. And I didn’t even think back then that I was missing out on anything. I had no desire to own lots of “stuff”. I had a part time job and on my payday, I allowed myself the fun of heading down to the local bookstore and purchasing a book or two. Or maybe going out to the bars with friends and enjoying their company. That was my only extravagance. I need to go back to that mindset: less stuff, less stress, less worry.

We had unexpected visitors a few days ago, And we didn't have to pretend NOT BEING HOME, because we were too ashamed of our messy house to let anyone in. Like we always did in the past. It was not only nice to let them in, but, my guest could help me make tea and coffee. Every drawer and cupboard was neat as a pin. My table was company ready. Floor was still shiny even though I had not cleaned in 2 days. Your videos have changed our life. Thank you.

It has surprised me that since getting rid of things and beginning to simplify my life and home, I am more content with the things that I have (though much is outdated) and I am much less tempted by the ad emails to even my favorite stores. Sales don’t entice me because I see it as unnecessary stuff and unnecessary money spent (even if discounted). Thank you for your videos and for informing and encouraging me towards minimalism!

My thought process is every piece of item I take home or buy is another extra thing I have to manage.

My Mom found a quote years ago, so I don’t know who said it, but it was this: “Gratitude is the latitude of your attitude.”

During my journey of decluttering, I've discovered I can and do enjoy things I see but do not have a longing to possess those things. My goal wasn't to minimize, but simply to FIND the things I own. In the process, I eliminated many possessions I realized I didn't want and rediscovered my treasures buried in boxes. Now I'm a minimalist and it is WONDERFUL!

I love how you talk about subscribing and sharing your videos after your video is finished not at the beginning

So far for the last 4 weeks I have only purchased groceries and I took 22 bags full of stuff and one fish tank to the thrift store. I already feel the calmness!!! Working on my craft and tool room now. 😱😵😲 I am so glad I didn't start there, I already have 2 bags and I've only worked on one wall.

Simplification and minimalism = less stress

28 years in our last home, as we packed, donated, and threw out before moving, all I could think was “conspicuous consumption”. We are starting our journey towards minimalism, realizing that we still own too much stuff! And it doesn’t make us happy. Thx, Joshua, for sharing all your excellent tips to get us there. Reading your book now!

What a beautiful mind setting. Especially about helping others with money. God bless you and your family.

One of your best videos by far, Joshua! Keep it up! And I always tell myself that owning less is good but wanting less is even better! Thank you! 😁👌✔️🙏

Somehow missing Black Friday last November has not affected me like I thought it would. LOL

I have been decluttering for the last year and have my 30-yr-old daughter decluttering her apt as well ( plus the things she left at home). I am so ashamed and disgusted at the amount of stuff I have....so is my daughter. She started collecting odds and ends in high school so that when she moved out she would have all that she needed. Well, that's a bottomless pit because not everything had a place in new apt...not enough wall space for decor, not enough display cabinets for knick-knacks, etc. I believe this is teaching her a lesson at a young age.

We want a HOUSE TOUR! who is with me?

I love this concept so much and am working on getting rid of more and more stuff! Two questions I ask myself daily: If wanting to buy something i ask myself, "Do I really need this?" (90% of the time the answer is no) and "What can I get rid of today?" If we get rid of one object every day for a year, we have 365 less objects in our lives.

I saw this vid come up on my feed. I was headi g to the store to look for a pretty platter and a bowl to put food in for my daughters baby shower. If it wasnt for this vid coming on and I saw the title, I may have bought the items. I told myself "NO" you don't need that! I have stuff at bome I can use without purchasing more crap! Thanks Joshua that was a timely reminder!

Inspired by your channel ,sharing a poem I wrote If you are a minimalist, You can enjoy the sun and mist. If you dont own a car you look for things beyond and far. A minimalist has less to worry, And no big luggage to carry, You have more time and freedom, You are not like a piece of chewing gum!!! A minimalist has just enough 3 cars 3 houses!!!!puff!!puff!! A minimalist has time for music He/she can. Choose and pick! What to do and when to do! He is not like an animal in a zoo!! Freedom is what he enjoys, No anger ,worry in his voice! For he enjoys life's basic needs Not burdened by property and sale deeds!! SO........Materials in excess is not a sure sign of success

Unfortunately, it's not always possible to avoid marketing messages. So I made a "want to buy" list in my planner. Advertisements want us to act on urge to buy the "new shiny thing" - so this list tricks my brain as it is an immediate action, but instead of spending money, I write the item down. When I re-read the list after a while (even the next day!), most of the things on the list get crossed out as unnecessary purchases. However, if the (expensive) item doesn't get crosses out for a while or gets migrated to the next month's list (a few times), I actually consider buying it. I saved a lot of money this way.

I have been skipping advertising for years by not watching broadcast tv and minimizing radio commercials just because I hate them. It really works in that you want less!

Thanks Joshua for all the info you provide in your videos. Hope you post videos every week and that your channel grow which i know it will. Im loving all this about minimalism. Im starting little by little and now i dont have the urgue to go to buy stuff i dont need. Thanks again

#4- A friend whose wife is in Doctors Without Borders spent a few months in Lesotho Africa. These people had nothing and were happier than the vast majority of Americans. He learned a whole new perspective on the meaning of "First world problems" when they got back and a few days later his power went out for a few hours. He was freaked out and his wife reminded him of where they had just been and suddenly he realized that having no internet for 2 or 3 hours is less than meaningless in the grand scheme of the world. He tells the story far better than I can and it really changed his life in a super positive way.

1 of the best minimalist minds out there!!!! 😄

When I realised how much time I consume on online shopping and unnecessary temptations, I became more productive in my professional and personal aspects. Thank you for the motivation though. I need to be reminded of how good it is to be a minimalist. ❤️

I don't watch TV, much more to own one. Some individuals laughed at me because I don't own one. I said with a staright face: what's the point when I don't use it? Only one person spoke up in agreement.

Just added this to my favorites list to watch over and over again. Your message is a great reminder that what is important is NOT materialistic!

Very well done. I love the point about noticing how happy some people and cultures are with far less than we have and have access to. The internet and America cannot hear this message enough. I'll be sure to share this.

Thanks for the reminders! I live in a home with overconsumers and only 2 of the 5 of us have adopted the minimalist mindset and are transforming. Needless to say, there are many tense situations over “stuff” and shopping habits.

Love your videos, Joshua. Even though I’ve practiced minimalism for a long time, they serve as great reminders.

Your presentation has improved greatly! I can tell :)

I have seen many videos on minimalism but never felt so convinced!! After seeing your videos I got rid of lot of stuff, which was otherwise very difficult to give away. Thank you for the wonderful and inspiring videos. Keep up the good work ☺

Great job you´re doing, Mr Becker! We in Europe (Czech Rep) love watching you too. Sooo motivating. We always look forward to another.

Those news were life changing! Buying stuff doesn't improve life, it's due to Marketing. We don't need more kitchen tools or to switch the sofas. We have everything so just live with what we have is so calming. Consumerism is making us miserable on the long term.

I’ve been meaning for months to unsubscribe from the sales emails. When you said this I literally went and did it now. Those really do influence me to want new and more things. Thanks so much!

Minimalism has changed my life and I know I still have a ways to go. Like you said its a constant journey. Thank you for all you say and do to encourage

This is the first video I've seen on your channel, and it caused me to subscribe. You have a very concise, direct way of speaking that I appreciate -- you get right to the point, and you make a lot of good ones. I've been into voluntary simplicity for 20+ years, and although it has gotten more natural with time, I still need reminders and support, because the culture and our human brains are so wired for "more/better." ... One quick example. I recently decided to stay put rather than undertake an expensive move. The philosophy of simplicity was a big part of that decision. I'm feeling very grateful for what I have here, and I'm relieved not to be pining for something "better."

Avoid marketing messages!!! This is what i need! Makes perfect sense. Merry Christmas! Greetings from the Philippines!

I love this so much! Realizing the benefits of owning less!

A simple, 'thank you.' Thank you for your message :-)

As always, your message is clear, concise and appreciated! And yes, we want a house tour! It will help us see your minimalism. And give us something to strive.

AMEN to that.....keep the videos coming Joshua 👍

Choice is the 'elephant in the room,' so to speak. We need to make choices for every aspect of our lives. Saying no versus yes to owning another thing means creating a new habit.

Joshua, thank you so much for your videos and all of the content you create. I love all your videos, please make more videos. You and your videos are a blessing and very delightful, they make me happy and help me to become a better person. BIG thank you!

I can totally relate. Working at removing items I no longer need and it feels really good! Reading your book, The Minimalist Home, excellent book!

Joshua, i think this is one of your best videos. I was on this road before and watching your videos has helped further. I helps to develop a certain mindset which brings greater peace. With the money I save I can donate to the great organizations who help other people. It's really all about helping others to be their best self and you sure do that!

Hi Joshua, thanks for sharing how to set the minimalist mindset. It is satisfying walking in the department store & walking out empty handed!!!

Thank you for expressing your views so clearly. I agree with them though I am not where I want to be yet. My journey to wanting & owning less began a few weeks ago and will probably be a lifelong process. Thanks for the encouragement and insights.

Yes, so true! Thanks from Romania! Great video! Hahaha, by the way: great voice, great hair!

Joshua, I think this is your best video, yet! Great job!!!

I love the wisdom in this video. Thank you!

Thank you from Washington state! Bravo Joshua!

I am learning to minimize. I feel more free than I ever have in my entire life at 52! Just as an example to the messages we receive, I saw a sign today that said, "May your heart and your closet be full"... brought a sense of sadness...and the reality that consumer messages are now targeting our happiness via way of buying things...this is a double edged sword...if we buy, we are happy...if we cannot afford or don't want to buy, we are not worthy...can we somehow decrease the value we place on ourselves via things? And look at the real beauty that we all have within us as individuals? We are wonderfully made and we are pure love!

I bought the a wooden wall hanging which says Choose Happy 3 years ago. I did that to really choose happiness in spite of all the sadness in my life. I was so happy to see the same words on your wall. I have listened to lot of teachers. But your philosophy about life and material processions is the more comforting and rewarding.

Completely agree with you...noticing the marketing messages all around us. That concept alone helped me buy far less items.

Tithing is my way of giving back. Cause 10% sometimes is quite the chunk!

Thanks Joshua. Always good advice. Always peacefull. Always wise. Thanks. Trying to follow 100%. Alejandro from Argentina

Some excellent points here that hit core issues, which is so much better for long lasting results than a mere list of "how to tips". Thanks much Joshua! Great delivery today too btw. :-)

I like your approach. Very sober minded, calm, without guilt trips, yet so impactful

Thank you very much for your videos. Too much stuff is also linked to anxiety as I have discovered. Decluttering is hard which is why I hire a professional organizer to help me do it. She takes all the worry and anxiety out of the process. I’m lucky I found a really good one.

Nearly every post on social media is designed to separate you from your money. - me Recognize Happiness in Others: looking at those who have less than you have! The statement about developing/poorer nations should be repeated. It's amazing how snowblind we are to how much we have and just want more and don't realize just HOW "BLESSED" we are to even be able to have the opportunity to get something. Many people don't have those kinds of choices. You don't need everything you see.

Thank you.... Kathy Perkins!

Wanting what you truly want. That's the key. :)

I am at the beginning of my journey but I had turned off ads and any source of sales etc. Thanks for all your great advise.

I made a list of things which I don't need/want/ wouldn't do ever in life. ( A list of 70 things to be precise)It took a deep analysis because we are so wired in this society and that owning stuff is just normal. If u don't have certain stuff and are not interested in certain 'things' , it is considered as abnormal. I am naturally a minimalist in the sense I have never been a hoarder and a compulsive buyer. Still, when I sat down to make my list, I could find endless things which needs to go away.Being a girl, I was never quite interested in some of the 'girly' stuff, and I got labelled as a tomboy. Then when I expressed my disinterest in using stuff like watches sunglasses, I got labelled as lazy and as someone who doesn't want to work to achieve success and wealth.( I don't see any relation between success and owning stuff) There is no end to desires and wants. Take what you need and live a life of giving. The society keeps labelling you . You do or you don't, you are always damned. Some of the things in my list were as follows, if it could help someone to rethink their wants and desires. Jwellery, make up, cosmetics, handbags and purses, hair accessories, perfumes and deos, watches, expensive shoes, photo frames, interior decor like frames artifacts, memos and souvenirs,unwanted furniture pieces, car, bike, unwanted crockery items and kitchen items, DVDs and CDs, commercial cleaning products, commercial toiletries and personal care products, fridge magnets, unwanted storage items in the house, coffee mugs, wall clocks, synthetic clothes, showpieces and soft toys for display at home, stationary items, over the counter drugs and medicines, knick knacks, unlimited amount of notebooks and journals and planners and diaries and calenders, hair styling products, belts and scarves, plastic items , potpourri and candles, and aroma oils and diffusers, wall papers, social media( Facebook, Insta, Twitter, snapchat, pinterest, Tumblr), travel luggage, artificial jewellery and accessories, rugs carpets and mats and cushions.

I learn to purchase of things I need not want. It is awesome less stressful and anxious living.

What helps me is asking myself “is buying this item worth the space it takes up in my life”. Sometimes, it really is. Other times, I realize the act of buying will give me more happiness than the act of ownership. Sure it might take me longer to shop as I ponder each item that strikes my fancy. But I’m noticing the need to do it less because fewer things are jumping out at me , so I guess it’s working.

Great video! Thank you so much Joshua.

Another great video. It really helps me a lot in my transition to minimalism.

I am happy that I discovered you today.

So.great Joshua I'm. Finding it life changing so. Far I'm. A lil addicted to selling things in home now lol .having fun

Great advice! Thank you!

I need to remind myself of this on the daily.... thank you

There is also experiential overconsumption e.g., traveling the world constantly, or feeling the need to constantly go to concerts or do yoga in beautiful locations.

This was great! Keep up the good work!

Great information! Thank you.

I have watched 2 videos already. I have lots of dogs and space is really what i need, but my area is small. I have lots of things some i really don't touch. I want to start living a minimalist life. I will watch more of your videos. Happy to watch

Thanks, your teaching is really helpful

Very inspiring... Thank you so much Ptr. Joshua Ms. Salt here Filipino/Canadian

Reading your books and blog have changed my life over the past 2 years. Living with less and being intentional are life changing! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

More people need to watch this video, very interesting and informative.

Joshua, just found your channel and loving the inspiration so much! It finally jump started me to declutter my hallway that had sat there for months (not kidding!) 💕 I have made many attempts to declutter my space starting with Kon Mari a few years back. I even did a series on my channel on it but was not able to keep going. You have inspired me to to start again and I am determined this time to finish my whole house for good! And you have content on minimalism with kids... we have 4. Thank you so much!! 💕💕xo

This video needed a 300th comment. There you go Josh, great work!

So much of this rings true. I find all of your videos so logical and easy to fallow. I have started this journey in 2017. In the beginning it was easy to get rid of the obvious stuff I didn't need But only in the last month have I been getting rid of stuff that I "thought" I needed. It's been so eye opening and added so much calm to my life. My birthday is coming up soon and i am having a hard time figuring out what to ask for. I finally figured it out. I don't NEED anything so I'm just asking for money for a tattoo I'm getting with my mom and sister. It feels so good to know that I get to do something special with them and I don't have to add more stuff to my house, only to get rid of it later. Thank you for your videos. Please please please please keep them coming

My husband and I did a No purchase year for 6 months this year from Jan to June and it greatly improved our reflection on what we need. We are stronger! Reading your book helped us so much! The comparison stopped.

Such good thoughts, thanks!

It’s very helpful to watch these videos !

Many years ago I stopped buying Christmas gifts. I have a beautiful small tree that I use year after year. I am not a Scrooge, I simply made up my mind to enjoy the holiday without over spending, without creating debt, without the regret that used to appear in January. When I hear loved ones lamenting about holiday stress, I remind them that holiday stress is a choice. We don’t have to participate in the madness.

We did this in 2015. Everything we owned fit into our rv and a trailer. We moved into a decent sized home but didn’t keep buying to fill it. Now I can tell when we are accumulating too much. My stress goes up and I feel stuck and heavy. We are preparing for another purge before the end of the year. Keep what you love lose the rest. It’s funny now when I got to others homes who are lovely but packed with items. Makes me feel stuffed and hard to breathe

Super stuff, here. Thanks!

It’s so freeing and I’m happier in not wanting more and living with just enough. I’ve reduced being on social media and watching tv, instead focusing again on things I love. Thank you for helping me through my journey! Truly appreciate your work, Joshua 🤗🙏☀️

Really good talk (as always)!

You inspired me. Thank you ❤❤❤