Hi guys, I have recently tried to gain more focus in my life. I am sure a lot of us are trying to the same. There are many ways of course. I've found something that worked for me, maybe it will click for you as well.

Minimalism by Matt D'Avella

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ24N4O0bP7LGLBDvye7oCA

Matt describes how to live minimalistic live style, but in normal way. No bullshit around "you need only 1 fork and 1 knife". Just a description how it works for him with a lot of "why" and "how it could benefit you". No ads as well.

In recent days, I've gathered around 4 big boxes of shit to throw out (cables, some old electronic gadgets etc) and just kept everything that I truly use.

I realised that I do NOT need many of things I wanted to buy and having some basics, one for each, is more than enough.

  • I sold my xbox, because I was not using it anymore
  • Sold iPad as I was not using it enough, after 2 months without it I cannot say there was a time where I though "I miss my ipad"
  • Got rid of old stuff, like some e-cigarretes (I've quit smoking months ago...)
  • Old cables, some polaroid camera, bluetooth headphones that I replaced with AirPods: gave it all away
  • I am constantly looking around home for things that I can get rid of, the less the better
  • I had like 2 backpacks, 2 travel bags, but I only use one daily... waste of space.
  • You cannot even guess how much stuff you have that is pure trash, like literally some old newspapers in some cupboard
  • I live alone: why do I need 10 cups 20 forks and 10 plates? One cup, 2 plates should be enough. I've kept the rest, just put it hidden on top shelf. I will probably give away half of it in upcoming months once I realise how much I don't use at all.

I am still in the process of doing the same thing to my wardrobe. Getting there slowly...

Some list of items I cherish and consider worth keeping:

  • Bose SoundLink Mini - it's my portable speaker with great audio, but it is also a desktop speaker for my computer. It's great to take for a party outdoors, for skiing (in hotel to chill out to good music).
  • MacBook - my main computer; at home, where I work, it connects to 2 screens, so I have desktop experience (with great music), but when I need to travel, I have all my files with me
  • AirPods - on the go the best bluetooth speakers, tiny package, good battery
  • iPhone - my main phone, no need to describe what you do with it
  • Kindle - for reading books
  • 2 good pairs of pants
  • One good battery pack
  • One men satchel when I go out
  • One great backup when I travel
  • Clothes, duh

What I don't consider worth keeping?

  • 4 pairs of winter shoes... one is enough I think
  • iPad, XBox, eCiggarettes, basically old electronics I keep just "in case I may need it"
  • 3 backpacks, bags, satchels that I don't use anymore
  • 50 tshirts, where I use usually top 10

What I am still thinking about:

  • TV, not sure if it gives me value, but it's hard to consider getting rid of it
  • Some furniture, like lamps I don't use. This is harder as they are part of place I rent
  • Books: I read everything on Kindle, but I like how they look on the wall
  • Extra sheets: I have extra duvel etc in case I have guests. It doesn't hurt to have it in the wardrobe. I probably just need to match 1 duvel to 1 duvel cover, 1 pillow to 1 pillow case
  • Still have some stuff that was hard to get rid of, in a meaning: I am not sure if I use it. Still trying to find proper balance for everything

Because of all this focus, I started thinking more on what I want out of life and what I really need. I was a huge gadget guy before... new ipad, some cool headphones? I NEED THAT. Turns out that no, I don't need another thing.

It doesn't mean you need to follow my steps, just think about "What do I truly use and get value out of it?". This also allows you to focus more on good quality and not quantity.

For example: my old Timbuk2 backup is pretty used already, and I use it to travel, for daily commute and for everything basically. I also I have a crappy cabin luggage I wanted to replace. I immediately started looking for most value out of the least amount of money and items. New notebook backpack and new luggage? Thinking deeply about it, just a big enough backpack should replace both so I ordered Rush24 backpack... It's great quality, should last years, fits macbook, can fit as a cabin luggage and is big enough to replace luggage.

I am also getting rid of my nice car that I was leasing... I still will get some older car just to have it (I like to feel the freedom of car ownership, but I don't need any great one as I don't drive a lot).

I kept a lot of stuff, so no one of "the internet experts" would call it minimalism. But I throw out a lot of trash so I got that working for me which is nice ;)

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