Maximal Ep. 445 | Gratitude Clutter (Patreon)

The Minimalists talk about the fear of being too grateful, imposter syndrome, the problem with the pursuit of happiness, turning burdens into blessings, when over-planning causes clutter, balancing the future with the present, the true cost of clinging, letting go of sentimental items, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

Is it possible to be too grateful? (2:02)

What’s one thing that was once a burden that you are now grateful for? (29:08)

What new position are The Minimalists now hiring for? (43:10)

Listener tip: insights from a massive decluttering session. (48:32)

What should I do if I’m a natural planner, but my over-planning makes me anxious? (50:25)

How do I balance preparing for future needs while staying present? (1:02:28)

When is the cost of clinging more expensive than the cost of letting go? (1:10:15)

Should I let go of my storage container before opening it so I don’t risk holding on to its sentimental contents? (1:15:07)

Is this love song actually about fear? (1:22:47)

Obsolete object: letting go in the blink of an eye. (1:31:36)

What’s the difference between a problem and a situation? (1:37:28)

LINKS

Added Value: "Good Thing Going On"

Article: Inverting the Vex

Book: Everything That Remains

Book: Stumbling on Happiness

Film: Less is Now

Hiring: Studio & Events Intern

Podcast: Minimize Fat

Podcast: The Presence of Absence

Podcast: Useless Things

Tour: The Everything Tour

Song: “Beautiful Things”

Watch: The Science of Happiness: What Your Mother Didn’t Tell You

Watch: The Selling Deadline

Website: Colin Wright

MAXIMS

The pursuit of happiness is not the solution—it is the problem.

Minimalism is not the destination; it’s how you get there.

Forced gratitude limits one’s ability to appreciate the present moment.

Good things become bad things when they get in the way.

Every blessing is a reframed burden.

Gratitude is found in the palm of your hand once you loosen your grip.

Pain is a byproduct of clinging.

A cluttered home creates a cluttered mind, and a cluttered mind clutters the heart.

The future clutters the present moment whenever it blocks being.

The cost of letting go is less expensive than the cost of clinging.

Our memories are not in our things; our memories are inside us.

FOLLOW OUR TEAM

Joshua Fields Millburn

Ryan Nicodemus

T.K. Coleman

Malabama

Post-Production Peter