Fill your life with purpose, not stuff, and you will be happier for it

Beware the things you own, lest they end up owning you.

In this world where we are constantly enticed to want more, buy more, consume more, amass more, no wonder we are bereft of meaning and purpose.

A healthy dose of Minimalism can help you make room for life’s most important things—which actually aren’t things at all.

Of course, we all need some “material” things, but you will appreciate those things more when they have meaning and purpose. To that end, everything you own should serve a purpose, and that will bring you joy.

Remove those superfluous things, get them out of the way, so that you can focus on what’s truly important: health, relationships, passions, growth, and contribution.

I recommend you make a commitment to yourself. It will only take 21 days. 21 days to form a habit, 21 days to reflect on what truly makes you happy, 21 days to put into practice (1 step at a time) a process that will set you free, and 21 days to realise the benefits.

I have spent a lot of time thinking about what “being successful” would look like. Maybe you think status symbols like trophies on a shelf, job titles, and lots of big possessions will symbolise success. However, “stuff” will not fulfil you. Working 70 hours a week in soulless role, to afford a life of things, will leave you empty of joy, but instead filled with debt, anxiety, fear, stress, loneliness, guilt, overwhelm, paranoia, and depression.

I can assure you that a large home, six-figure salaries, new gadgets, luxury cars, and lives of opulence will not lead to happiness. If you believe that is your dream, then you may end up living a nightmare.

But you can take back control by focusing on what’s important, and focusing on finding your deeper meaning. Happiness can be achieved through living a meaningful life, filled with passion and freedom in which you can grow as an individual and contribute beyond yourself.

Growth and contribution: those are the bedrocks of happiness. Not stuff.

Think in terms of a simple equation. How much have you taken from the world Vs how much have you given back?