Author Archives: Steven

Why I’m a Minimalist

23 September 2013

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Our culture of materialism is little more than corporate-sponsored slavery.

We’re caught in an endless cycle of earning money to spend money. And no matter how much we work, it’s never enough. We’re living paycheck to paycheck, are in debt and have no savings.

Yet, we’re still able to afford to buy shit we don’t need…

Embracing a minimalist lifestyle has allowed me to reject our culture of consumerism. I’m free to create the life I want for myself rather than the one being marketed to me on television. I can ignore the fleeting trends in fashion, the latest technologies and pop culture. By  ignoring our materialist culture, I’m free to chase after my dreams and live on my own terms. I can focus my attention, time and money on the things I value and that are a priority to me.

Minimalism appeals to different people in different ways. For some, it’s about style; the appearance of a room. Others find peace in the simplicity of less. For me, minimalism was the key that unlocked the door to my freedom.

This Article Won’t Change Your Life

12 March 2013

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This website won’t change your life. That self-help book on the nightstand next to your bed isn’t going to do it either. Not a single word you read has the power to make any difference in your life. That quote from Gandhi changes nothing.

This article isn’t going to change your life. It might be the most inspiring thing you’ve read all day but it isn’t going to do you a damn bit of good.

The truth I hope you’ll realize by the end of this article is that reading it hasn’t changed anything.

It hasn’t changed anything not because the knowledge contained in the words isn’t valuable, or that the lesson taught isn’t sound. But if you quit reading this article right now, you aren’t going to miss out on anything that is going to change your life.

If you’re trying to change your life, you’re at the wrong place doing the wrong thing. If you’re searching for some insight, the answers to your problems might be contained within the pages of a book or blog, but even if you do find the solution, it isn’t going to do you any good.

It isn’t going to solve anything.

Having the answer isn’t the solution. Gaining knowledge may make you wiser, but it doesn’t matter how smart you become. Despite all the information you consume, unless you incorporate that knowledge into your life, it’s served you no purpose.

You can only change your life by taking action; by making decisions and following through. You have to commit to more than the desire for change, but to change itself. Improving your life cannot be done without action. A book can’t act for you. The most inspiring quote you’ve ever read isn’t going to make anything different.

 “Action expresses priorities.” ~ Gandhi

No. That’s up to you.

If you want to change your life, quit reading this and change your life.

Doubting Your Purpose

11 March 2013

You’ve decided your life is going to be different.

Instead of a hollow, empty life like those of so many people, you want something more. Something better. You refuse to reduce yourself to another mindless cog in the machine. You have talent. You want to change the world and affect the lives of the people around you in a positive way. You want to be remembered for the wake of beauty you leave behind.

Most of the time you’re happy with your decision to shrug off the expectations for you to conform. You ignore the herd. Your work is important. What you’re doing matters. It’s your purpose. You’ve found meaning. You’ve chosen your path (or it’s chosen you) and you focus on the things that are important to you.

But even though you’re following your heart and you always put your values first, you still feel the pressure to fall in line; to follow the proven path of “success” that so many people before have taken.

Continue Reading at Pick the Brain…