Maximal Ep. 438 | Streamlined (Patreon)

The Minimalists discuss the art of streamlining one’s life, letting go of difficult things, how the need for approval keeps people tethered to a lifestyle they don’t want, weaning off a clothing addiction, letting go of one’s obsession with food waste, the problem with most advice, applying minimalist principles to a terminal illness, Malabama’s new analog experiment, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

How can I get my husband to let go of just-in-case items? (3:52)

Does my need for approval influence my consumption decisions? (24:17)

What are “Thursday Konversations with T.K. Coleman”? (35:31)

Listener insight: “Sometimes I disagree with The Minimalists, but I still appreciate your perspective.” (38:27)

Is it possible to let go of my obsession with food waste? (37:06)

Do you have any advice for my failed relationship? (48:05)

Can I apply minimalist principles to my terminal illness? (58:57)

How do I let go of the need to fix other people’s problems? (1:08:55)

Do I have a problem if I’m obsessed with my wardrobe? (1:15:03)

How can I wean myself off of my clothing addiction? (1:31:50)

What is Malabama’s upcoming analog experiment? (1:45:11)

LINKS

Added Value: “Streamlined”

Book: 16 Rules for Living with Less

Book: The Bullet Journal Method

Book: So Good They Can’t Ignore You

Blog: Questions to Ask Before Purchasing

Essay: Why I’m Obsessed About My Wardrobe

Podcast: Advice Epidemic

Podcast: Do Fewer Things

Podcast: Emergency Items

Podcast: Fake Famous

Podcast: Graduation Day

Podcast: How to Love

Resource: Wallpapers

Subscribe: The Minimalists

MAXIMS

A streamlined life is a life that is improved through subtraction rather than addition.

Streamlining requires letting go of difficult things.

Every negative thought is a fantasy about a reality that does not exist.

Self-awareness is the ability to distinguish personal desires from societal echoes.

The only thing that keeps you tethered to a lifestyle you don’t want is your need for approval from others.

It’s difficult to understand the importance of oxygen until you’re deprived of it.

Unsolicited advice is the ego’s most dangerous weapon.

Not every relationship that ends is a “failed” relationship; not every long-term relationship is a “successful” relationship.

We try to fix other people’s problems because we’re afraid to clean up our own mess.

To fix someone is to rob them of the dignity of fixing themselves.

FOLLOW OUR TEAM

Joshua Fields Millburn

Ryan Nicodemus

T.K. Coleman

Malabama

Post-Production Peter