When I published this post, I noticed a book of the title "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" exists, written by Greg McKeown, although in the context of business operations. I guess the word really can be interpreted in many ways! I hope I have shed a new light to the principle that could be practiced in many contexts.

Introduction

For many years now I have subscribed to the mindset of essentialism, a way of living that more closely aligns with minimalism than consumerism, but stops short of the extreme philosophical practices surrounding minimalism which I know will certainly strip me of the joys in my life experiences.

I certainly did not coin this word. It all started when I came across a comedy where the comedian set the context that she subscribes to "minimalism" (this was back when it was a fad), but went on to fill her house with things because there's a reason for owning every single item in the house. Clearly, that was a sarcastic poke at minimalists, however, that planted the seed for my principles down the road.

How it began

In 2016, I was fortunate to secure a home and immediately got started with the IKEA and home warehouse trips. Each trip quickly drained my wallet by hundreds of dollars and my house quickly got filled with things: decors, matching crockeries and cutleries, gardening tools, bedding linens and pillows, plants... you name it, I bought them.

Nothing stings like running on a tight budget, and this coming from someone who is prudent with money and financially literate is like a dietitian who knowingly eats KFC daily because it's delicious. Many months down the road when the spending spree slowed, I reflected that most of the things I bought were never used, and will likely never be used for some time. Many things were bought or inherited because I needed to fill the spaces or just in case I need to use them, not because I would be using them.

This is when the comedic scene came flashing back. I felt like I was part of the problem that contributed to the landfills and the amount of rubbish we create in our civilisations. I knew I didn't need to be a minimalist but the least I could do is be more careful about what I bought. Subsequently, I self-imposed some rules to nudge myself in the right direction whenever a buying impulse comes around.

Coincidentally, that was also when China started banning rubbish imports from Australia. That gave me a lot of insights and food for thought on the stress we place on our mother earth. It strengthened my decision and grit to see this through for at least a year.

How I define it

I got started defining what is "essential" to me since there is no absolute definition and would mean different things to different people. In a way, I know I don't have to be a minimalist, but as long as I am aware of my purchasing rationale and how I play my part in helping with the rubbish situation, it gave me a sense of fulfillment and achievement.

My guidelines came down to this:

1. Do not buy an item if:

  1. already have one or more of them, or
  2. will not be using it at least twice a year, or
  3. functionality can be replaced by another item I have, or
  4. the item will be a once-off use but has someone you can borrow from, or
  5. does not invoke long-term joy or utility functions

2. Upgrades are OK as long as:

  1. the old one is spent or donated for further use
  2. the upgrade has features that are necessary for health or work
  3. the upgrade improves productivity and quality of life
  4. it does not overstretch my budget (can easily get 2x of it with cash)

The guideline is pretty straightforward in my point of view.

  • If you can reduce the use of it, don't buy it
  • If you have one already, reuse it
  • If you need to upgrade, recycle, or donate the old one after buying
  • If it's a new purchase, you better make sure it is essential or quoting Marie Kondo, it brings joy in a long-term use

Now, points after 1e are subjective and are usually the hardest decisions to make. As said earlier, the thought that goes through my buying habits is what counts. I typically go about ensuring I buy something that I will continue to use and cherish, and not just another item I buy because I have a temporary interest in that ends up getting used once a year.

That brings me to my next realisation: I don't mind buying a quality product, even if it means paying more for it. Quality products (note: not neccesarily "branded products") usually last longer and has better support for fixes and reuse plans.

How I fared

Fast-forward to 2022, essentialism is still very much a big part of my life. Sure, my guidelines have evolved slightly over time, but my desire to practice the principle never waned. Instead, it grew stronger over time to the point I feel compelled to help others understand why I am doing this, without forcing others to subscribe to the same mindset.

My life is a lot simpler and decluttered. Because of this principle, I usually think hard about what I can get for others and myself, preferring experiences over physical gifts. If I know someone close who is looking to get me a gift, I politely tell them about my essentialism principle, even though I understand the gifter comes from a kind intention which I appreciate very much. Though, I rarely reject gifts, unless I know the gift comes from someone very close to me and knows me very well.

There are many occasions when I wished I had something I wanted but did not pass my guidelines. However, the process gives me a lot of joy knowing that I played my part in the effort for sustainability, and knowing that when I do get something for myself, it gives me more happiness because they don't come easy. Sure, I can afford to upgrade my iPhone every year, but upgrading it 5 years after use gives me better satisfaction, with a bit more pocket money as a side benefit.

Conclusion

Over the years, I noticed a slight shift in the things I desire. I no longer see a need to have the latest and greatest, preferring assets that appreciate over time instead. I also tend to perform more thorough research before buying an item, placing a higher bar on quality. Granted, I come from a position of privilege because I can spend on quality products (usually), but more often than not, quality products are not the most expensive ones anyway. Even if they were, refer back to guideline 2d.

Lastly, I started prioritising experiences and services over goods and also preferring a smaller but sustainable home instead of a big house. I hope that by showing good examples to people in my life, I can convince others to pay more attention to what they buy and the benefits that bring to all of us.

Perhaps, I should start talking the walk!