The 3 Biggest Myths About Minimalism 

The first step to minimalism is being satisfied with what you already have.

Myth #4 - Minimalism doesn't apply to biceps

Minimalism started with my closet and spread to change my entire life.

I think for me minimalism is really just about taking control of your life. Sometimes I feel like I own so much stuff that I almost get stressed thinking about it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think it's helps with mental clarity as much as it does physically.

As someone who’s been a minimalist since 2011, the idea of minimalism changes as you grow. It started with getting rid of many things to clear my depressed mind but now it’s become truly about intention and purpose with everyone (that’s right even the people in your life) and everything that’s a part of my life.

What did one minimalist say to another minimalist? Nothing

*Minimalism is essentially being intentional with what you purchase and hold on to; after that, it’s deeply personal, and everyone practices it differently.*

The real struggle is to draw a line between necessities and thins you really need.

There are myths and legends about minimalism because you need to be a wizard. How do you think he made all of his things disappear??

1:00 Myth 1 - Minimalism is a destination 3:30 Myth 2 - Minimalism & Decluttering are the same thing 5:36 Myth 3 - You need to get rid of all your stuff

The biggest part about minimalism is that it shows you how much you distract yourself all the time and how you do not need all of that to be happy. That is truly transformative!

I definitely used to think minimalism was 100 percent about tearing out everything so that you’re sitting in a tiny empty room, but now I know that it’s all about intention. Thanks for opening my eyes to it!

This guy seems to know a lot about minimalism he should make a documentary or something.

I began decluttering my bedroom 4 days ago. I've watched your videos for years, but I never decided to begin the process of becoming a minimalist since last week. I felt overwhelmed because of the quarentine, and I had many stress and depression episodes that made me take the decission to clear my mind by becoming a minimalist. So far I feel it's really working. Your videos have been really helpful. Thank you.

My opinion: minimalism is a process, not a state of being. The latter produces arbitrary rules and dogma but a process allows your to change with your circumstances and goals.

Minimalism started with my work desk, I'm not a very focused person and I get distracted very easily. That's why keeping my desk minimal helped me a lot. Also, put your phone behind you out of your site so It doesn't catch your attention while you work, read... Thanks, Matt!

Me: “i want to be a minimalist” Also me: “oOo PrEttY RoCkS”

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” -Leonardo da Vinci

I love how minimalism isn't just how you live, but also how you edit. Im so tired of such a focus on transitions and plugins. Your editing style is just so simplistic but beautiful. Thanks Matt for another amazing video!

Minimalism IS the journey, not destination. It starts off with a declutter but turns into more.. why do I own this? Why did I feel I need this? Why am I copying everyone else and getting stuck in ‘the system’. The personal growth really is amazing and it truely opened my mind and eyes to the world around us. People own a house full of stuff but feel bored, fed up. If u select the right things to spark joy or assist your life. Then home feels much more positive x

Why are there so many bot comments. Not the minimalist way.

I enjoy you documentary on Netflix Matt, keep inspiring, Cheers from Jakarta Indonesia

This is the only channel where it makes me happy to see advertisers supporting him. I know for so long he stayed away from him and i am ok to sit for an extra minute threw an ad to know that he can make RU-vid a full time job. Love you Matt!

I really liked when you said "we think the key to happiness.... is collecting all the right trophies." That is so spot on.

minimalism is distinguishing between your needs and your wants.

I’m in my early 20s so I’m still grappling with finding out who I am, what I like and experimenting with my style & life so I often feel like I have to pursue this minimalist capsule wardrobe-like closet and clean neutral aesthetic because it’s the easiest to have less things but I’m re-learning the purpose of minimalism (to have intentionality & continuously strive towards meaning in parts of your life). Always inspired after seeing your videos and my ideas about life have changed thanks to you Matt!

Matt is one of the few youtubers I can thank for keeping no ads on his videos even if they reach way part the 10:00 minute mark. So thank you Matt

i’ve been a minimalist since 2017. i remember being in a coffee shop and just thinking “i want to be a minimalist.” i did some research and when i got back to my dorm i made an announcement that i was giving away all my clothes (besides 7 outfits- a couple tops and two bottoms). within 10 minutes they were all gone. my floor in my building raided my room and everything was gone. after that i began to declutter my life and my circle of friends. i am very grateful. i discovered your channel after i became a minimalist and i am so grateful. in 2018 i transferred schools and was studying in the US, where people are not so into minimalism. it was more about more more more and having things and not simply being. when i transferred to the scholl in the us i bought more things i never used. minimalism is more of a mindset and can be different at different points in ones life. i am grateful for your channel and this small community that makes me feel sane! thank you matt

MYTHS: 1. Minimalism is a destination 1:00 2. Minimalism & decluttering are the same thing 3:32 3. You need to get rid of all your stuff 5:39 TRUTHS: 1. "Love people and use things, because the opposite never works" 2. Biceps don't count

You and a few others inspired me to start going minimal in a lot of areas in my life, not a minimalist myself, but this is a great start I feel to help gain more clarity

Because of Matt and minimalism, I've been wearing black t-shirts since 2019. My wardrobe has never been so simple and meaningful. People around me even started noticing and I became known as the person who always wears black haha! From my experience, minimalist fashion stands out just as much as the most flamboyant apparel!

I started my journey into minimalism about 2 years ago. I got rid of boxes upon boxes of useless stuff. I cut down only to the things that I used, and the few things that provided happiness for me. As a beginning filmmaker and musician, gear is a difficult thing for me. I use a lot in my workflow, and cutting that part of my workflow away makes me wish I had that part back. At least now, I can say that everything I own is something that I use. My laptop, my desktop, my camera, my gear. I started a journey into minimalism and found myself loving it and discovering the things that truly make me happy.

I discovered minimalism two years ago (I'm 17 rn) and it really changed my life. So thanks to you and Hueguh flr changing my life lol

Financial minimalism is the most important if you ask me

I adore the way you talk to the camara like you're having a conversation. Thanks for being so unique, I always enjoy your videos. Virtual hug!

To me, minimalism is all about being intentional about the things you do and the stuff you buy. It doesn't necessarily mean you can't have a lot of stuff. I really like cooking, so I have a lot of cooking equipment. I like books, so I have stacks of books all throughout my house.

This makes me think people can have their own meaning of minimalism, based on their focus and goals.... Saludos! 🇨🇴🇨🇴🇨🇴

I’m so so interested in minimalism, so thank you for debunking these myths. Absolutely love your videos, keep up the good work!! :)

It annoys me so much when I see people tell others that they’re not minimalists or that they’re not doing it right because they have too many things. Thanks for pointing out that it looks different for everyone!

Hey Matt, I am writing this knowing you will likely never see it but I wanted to thank you. Your message and thoughts are always so clear and helpful. I can not begin to describe what an inspiration you have been to me, I myself am a minimalist and have recently started creating videos too (on a different youtube account - not this one don't look for me yet they are still super cringe lol) and I can't tell how many messages I get with the tone of "that's not minimalist". I appreciate you creating something that pushes back on the "in the box" version of the lifestyle and ideology. Thank you for being an inspiration and thoughtful creator on this platform. Thank you for inspiring me to make the leap in to something I have wanted to do for along time (making YT videos), and thank you for making minimalism cool enough to have people go from thinking Im crazy.. to thinking Im part of a new movement. Much love!

The amount of people you’ve gotten into minimalism, that have stuck with it, is insane.

i love being early! thanks for inspiring us all to be patient with ourselves in our youtube and minimalism journeys, Matt!

I remember turning to minimalism 10 years ago as well when Leo Babauta hit the internet & was swept by the idea. I started my own jurney and blogged about it, it hit the interest in Poland at the time so I was featured in newspaper and invited to the discussion pannels... and it became to much for me. I was not looking for becoming recognized or making a business out of it, so I dropped blogging and dropped the minimalism path as it became synonymous with this expectations of me I was not willing or aware to fulfill. Now, when there's many more people actually making writing about minimalism their job, I feel more comfortable on returning on this path and your way of talking about it makes it much easier for me. So, in the elaborate way - thank you on getting me hyped back about minimalism :-)

Matt! Your videos are really helpful to me and I have found it so practical. I also love that you are honest about your process, that things aren't perfect all the time, and that it is a process. I had this room that I have had to turn into my office and it has finally become useable. I have given away many things that I have had with this intention to use, but it never happened. It was always a "one day , i'll xyz." I thought about selling stuff, but even that was part of my narrative and so I've had stuff for years that I was waiting to sell. I am literally still in the process of learning but I think your videos have been really helpful for me. Thanks for the content! Now, even thought I'm cutting back on things and being grateful for what I have...I find myself looking at your new simple habits course...and that notebook....

I was busy editing my next video to upload and then I got the notification, I've never abandoned something so quick to come here.

I love this lifestyle thank you for introducing me to it. I now share my journey and tips on my own channel 🥰 3k plus strong 💪🏼

What I really like about minimalism is the clarity that comes with focus. By focusing on what matters to you, all the mental and physical clutter dissolves into the background. You become a lot more clear on what it is you want to achieve.

I feel like step 1.5 is realizing it is as easy and painless as the konmari method makes it out to be. It takes time and Matt proves that in a video of his where he talks about his drive stash.

Love your work man and...your biceps 😂

Myth #4: You get biceps when you're a minimalist

I found your videos this quarantine, when life couldn't be more complicated and I was feeling lost. You have helped me find new perspectives to my life, to my goals. Thank you, Matt.

A few years ago I started becoming conscious of how much I owned and how little of it was still useful to me. I didn't have a name for it, but the feeling of intentionality with my possessions was there. You gave me a name for it, minimalism, and solidified the concept in my head, so thank you, Matt!

Thank you for those quality videos

*Is it going to fix everything? Or is it complete BS?* Well... It's somewhere in between... It's not BS and it's not going to fix everything. But it's a good place to start. :)

I love your content, your editing and your sense of humor. So professional and still having fun!

Thank you for sharing your minimalist journey and introducing me to this clutter free new world! I love it! Everyday we’re constantly reevaluating the material things we have and our lives in general.

I'm never first and never last, but when Matt uploads I click fast! 🖱

imo the first step to minimalism is understanding the value of everything be satisfied with what you have

Love your videos Matt! Every time I watch em, you always inspire me to focus on myself and offer some practical advice to improve my life. Thank you 😊

I've started to practice minimalism and watching your videos do help, but also brings me joy and laughter so thank you :) just wanted you to know that you do have an impact !

The older you get the wiser you become. You realize how few things you need in your life and they are definitely not materials! A good health, a decent life, positive people around you

When you have the corrage to say to your self, I don’t need that, and declutering all that you don’t need. That’s minimalism

Matt, your documentary on Netflix changed my life. When I watched it years ago, there was a spark that caught me, and from that point on I started to begin such a beautiful journey. Asking myself new, difficult quuestions, decluttering, shifting my perspective on life, things, purchases. Today I can say i am a much happier me and for that I want to thank you because you & your work contributed a lot to it. Thanks for bein on this earth, it is so awesome that you exist!

Love your videos and your podcasts ❤️❤️❤️ You really have a great way of putting all my thoughts into words 😄 Very inspiring.

"I stumbled across minimalism in my parents basement" *pictures a hooded figure wearing white with an empty trash bag telling you to get rid of all your stuff*

Really great video. It shows your experience and self-journey with minimalism. I think everyone is on their own journeys and hence everybody defines even the same area in their own personalised way. Great maturity and peacefulness reflects in your video. Myself too started this journey of Minimalism in 2010 after finishing High school. Its been almost a decade now. I think there is so much calm and solace about following minimalism and pursuing only the essential things. It becomes part of your identity and translates to everything you do as you go along with it.

I have considered myself a minimalist for the last 5 or so years, but this year has been a totally new experience with it. Losing my job in the beginning of the year and finding myself poor for the first time in my life made me reexamine many things. I have accumulated a little more clothing than I need. Instead of donating it, like I would have a year ago, I have made a commitment to myself to not buy ANY clothes for a whole year. Minimalism is totally different when you are poor, but it's even more important.

Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like.

Me: This video made me want to clean my room *30 mins into cleaning* Me: I can't believe I still had these *Throws out everything*

The thing I love about minimalism is that it makes you question if you need the thing or if you want the thing, and if you want it WHY do you want it? Is that a good enough reason to buy it and let it take up space in your home? I'll never be a minimalist but I like the ideas it comes with and I really love watching other people declutter their homes on a Saturday before I start cleaning my flat. There must be some lizard brain thing that just really appreciates a dramatic before and after and yaknow what it's not the worst thing to lean into...

Matt, I found your channel in my recommendation a week ago and I just realized the documentary you made back in 2016 was the one my film teacher showed me 3 years ago. Your videos are really inspiring, keep up the good content!

This channel is a drug. As soon notification pops I can't help myself.

Literally, being a minimalist isn’t so difficult. Our requirements are more bigger than the basic principles that we need to continue and change our entire life day by day probably.

I was born into Minimalism. Being raised by parents who only bought what was really needed, that wanted a tidy, and organized home. My mother never really bought decor and liked the walls bare. She said it gave her anxiety if things were cluttered. My parents were also frugal with their money. I learned some very good values from my parents.

I've watched a lot of RU-vid videos on minimalism, but something about your approach and videos really made me see the benefit it would have on my life! I'm so happy I found your channel a few years back - it's been life changing!

Finally a grey hoodie

Happiness from money is always temporary.

Thank you Mett! Your channel is ray of light in my RU-vid routines. Thank's for a content.

I hit the Marie Kondo method years ago now. It was lifechanging, but not in the way you'd expect. My house is still messy, but the skill of picking up an object, examining how you feel about it, and deciding whether you want to keep it is a practice which matters everywhere. It helps you appreciate what you have, and it gives structure to ridding yourself of what you don't want. Practicing that skill improves life on a step by step, moment by moment basis.

Me: *Staring at those biceps and pecs* Matt: ...Squarespace. Me: Uh? What? Where am I? I'm sorry.

I aspire to be a minimalist but my mom and siblings don’t 😔.

hey just quickly wanted to say that i love your videos!! i watched your documentary about minimalism about four times before i even knew that you made it! i hope you get to reach more and more people everyday and be even more successful with your film making since you really deserve it! :)

Genuinely the best feeling opening up RU-vid alerts to see a Matt video. Amazing as always. Thanks heaps for your content :)

The first step to minimalism is using coasters when you put a drink on a table. Matt, do you respect wood?

Matt!! 🙏Thank you for inspiring my youtube and minimalism journey! I believe minimalism and mindfulness are partners in love that radiate joy to all aspects of our lives. I made my first minimalism video the other day. Any feedback would be appreciated! 🌿

Great video! Keep up the good work mat your video are seriously changing my life!

This is really interesting, as I have lately been trying to pay more attention to what I buy and bring into my home - but I would never have considered that to be minimalism. I do a bunch of sewing and crafting hobbies, so my craft room is never going to look like a "minimalist space". That said, I am trying to think more about the craft bits I do buy - ones that I can get multiple use out of or only buying a few select things.

lmao i just realized that the rock picture was in the background of this entire video (bottom left corner)

Bella raga, chi segue Matt D'Avella dall'Italia? Troppo bravo❤✌

I really love your video contents. I wish I could say it to u in person as to how much your videos impact my actions towards life. Thank u for enabling us to have a different perspective towards life.

Having come across your channel however long ago, is the reason minimalism clicked with me. A better way to live. Also, the backdrop looks soooo nice!

Stack of same T-shirt’s ✅ Pour over coffee✅ One pair jeans✅ Slim wallet✅ Guilty... 🙈

I am also a RU-vidr and why is that when I think of a video idea the next week Matt comes up with the a video related to that topic

There are so many things that we have but we dont use and wont use for a long time if it is not necessary again. I need to throw away so many things to declutter. To be in more minimalism. I will try this.

Hi Matt! Thank you so much for your videos. I'm moving into a new flat next month and will use this opportunity to declutter my stuff. The idea of minimalism really intrigues me although I'll be a decluttered person at first and try to become more conscious about my purchasing decisions.

I want to be a minimalist... How can I get to commit

Myth #4: You have to have huge biceps to be a minimalist💪

you and all of your videos about minimalism have changed my life in a huge way, thank you so much

fan here from the philippines, been watching your video for the whole quarantine days and thank you so much Ive learned a lot from u matt.

Remember: The Rock and biceps are the exceptions to minimalism.