Minimalism Redefined
Minimalism is all the buzz. Simplifying things at work and at home is a concept that has broad appeal, however, Minimalism, as defined by some others as the extreme paring down of one’s possession, living space and even carbon footprint, can feel overwhelming. Attracted by the idea, but paralyzed to know where to start or how to achieve the allusive goal of only owning a certain number of items, living in a tiny home, or drastically changing one’s habits and lifestyle, many people become paralyzed and decide to do nothing at all.
Minimalism redefined – We believe in “practical minimalism” – an approach to having the things you use, love and find valuable to your work and life, in an organized fashion so that you can find what you need when you need it, and have time for what matters most. Practical Minimalism can be achieved gradually, if that works and feels best to the person wishing to simplify their work or life. It can be done in a way that makes a difference to you and does not have to be defined in any particular way by others (who do not live your life).
Smead wants to know more
National office supply and organizing product company, Smead, recently interviewed Simply Placed Certified Professional Organizer and Productivity Consultant and Trainer Debbie Rosemont, to get her take on Minimalism. You can listen to her thoughts and ideas here:
To get our clients and readers started on their own very do-able journey towards Practical Minimalism, Simply Placed posed a 30 day challenge to our community. On the first day of the month, participants selected one item to release from their home or office. On the second day, they found two items that were no longer of value to them. On the third day, they identified three items, on so forth. Today is the 27th day of the challenge. Have you been playing along? You’ll find a few pictures, posts and comments from participants on our Facebook page (see posts from the month of April, 2017). For those who fully embraced the challenge, on the last day, April 30th, you will have donated, tossed or eliminated 465 or more pieces of clutter.
What now?
If you haven’t had a chance to start but would like to, it is never too late. Begin your own 30-Day Practical Minimalism Challenge any time of the year. Just print out a blank month-at-a-glance calendar, fill in the dates for the next 30 days, and make a big X in each date you identify and release the corresponding number of clutter. Does it bother you that you won’t be starting with “1”, and moving on in chronilogical order from there? Get over it! This is not about perfection, it is meant to be practical so you’ll actually execute and accomplish the results. If you start on April 29th and find 29 items the first day, 30 then next and then one the following, two the subsequent and so on, you will still get rid of 465 items over the course of a month’s time, without too much difficulty. Go for it!
Minimalism will mean something different to each individual. Some will choose to practice at home, some at work, and many people implement the concept both at work and home. You may want to start out slowly by being minimalistic with your office, your wardrobe, or one room of your home, and then working up to incorporating it in other areas of your life.
If Simply Placed can give you a jump start, or help you achieve your definition of minimalism practically, please let us know. We know you can do it, will love the benefits and would be honored to partner in your success. Minimalism; redefined.
