Do you remember back when you were a teenager and you were just starting your own life out? I remember it perfectly well…

I loved cars back then (as I did most of my childhood) so the number one priority on my list was to replace my 1988 Nissan Pathfinder (it was the early 2000s).

So I did. I got a 5 year car payment along with a slightly used 2001 Ford Explorer. I’m sure you have done the same thing at some point in your life…

I’ve always wondered where I’d be today if I’d been a simple teen back then. How about you?

photo credit daniel rodriguez

Simple versus Material Teenager

Here, let’s make this fun…

Material Mike

• Drives a 2010 Mustang and pays about $400/mo for the privilege
• Works 30 hours per week at a retail store
• Takes 3 classes at University

Simple Mark

• Drives a paid off 1998 Toyota Celica and pays $70/mo for insurance
• Works 10-15 hours per week providing computer training, one of his passions
• Takes 4 classes at University

Mark’s instantly got more free time to spend interacting with other people, to put towards his own future career, and to think about his life.

One day Mark is reading and he decides that he can build an entire business out of teaching others how to use all kinds of computer software which he is already involved in and passionate about. So he decides he’ll offer more classes and goes up to 20-25 hours per week of working.

He still keeps his car, only he starts saving all of that extra money for his future.

5 Years Later

Material Mike…

• Upgrades to a newer Mustang and now pays $500/mo in car payments
• He’s working 40-50 hours to pay for all his stuff
• He’s not sure why he’s working at a rental car agency
• He’s got a passion for basketball but never thought he could make anything out of it and hasn’t played in the last 2 years

Simple Mark…

• Still has his paid off Celica (it’s visited the mechanic a few times but still no car payment)
• Is working 30 hours per week and has built a $30,000 savings account

If you’re like Mark you have freedom. You can pick what you want to do in life, even if that means a new career because if you’re Mark, you can live off of your $30,000 savings for years.

Giving you more than enough time to change careers, take a break, travel, or anything else – including helping out loved ones. After all, Mark’s happy with his life and career.

If you’re Mike, and I’m sure you have acted like him before (I have) you have a lot of work to do!

If you enjoyed subscribe and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

You already know that you’ll have more time and money after you get rid of some of your stuff. Whether it’s just some extra clothes, a car, or a move to a smaller house – you’ll benefit in so many ways.

Life focus
Cleaning up the clutter also clears up distractions and increases focus on whatever your goals are. Heck, you might even reignite the fire to an old passion.

More money
- Selling your unwanted stuff
- Canceling unnecessary services
- Moving to a smaller house
- Not buying new items as often

Less stress
When you stop prioritizing material possessions you’ll find yourself no longer worrying about your bills and savings account. At least not as much.

Some of my friends have replaced the usage of their cars with bicycles and public transportation to save upwards of $8,000 a year. This has transformed their lives!

More energy
Decluttering creates extra time and money which means more of your energy directed at the most important things, like your family and personal life.

When I sold my car that carried a $300 monthly payment it felt like an incredible weight off my shoulders.

Opportunity
Simplifying prepares you for opportunities that you otherwise would be forced to pass up on. Like moving to an exciting location or saving up enough money to start your own business.

What do you want to do? What are you dreams? Where do you want to live? Share with us in the comments below.

Less stuff means easier adaptability and more possible options.

What can you do now?

The easiest way is to commit to clearing up one thing in your life every day, even if it’s just a t-shirt. Do whatever you’re comfortable at first. This will get you in the rhythm of practicing this almost daily, but just find what works for you. As long as you do it, it doesn’t matter how.

You should start small and later you’ll be planning how to lower your expenses by hundreds of dollars a month and figuring out how much sooner you can start building your dream tiny house, start an exciting career, or just enjoy more time with your family.

I had the urge to write a post on attracting more simplicity to your life through some of the experiences that I have had over the last few years.  So here is some quick and helpful tips.

• Learn to want less by appreciating what you already have. Think of how awesome the things that you already have.  You can take it further by giving away things that you don’t want, use, or need anymore.

• See the beauty, fun, and excitement in things that are often overlooked. The beach, mountains, nature, walks, and talking with friends are some ideas.  Appreciate the incredible fact of life–your body and all of its inner workings–you know, those things that used to amaze you when you were a child.

• Part with some of your extra stuff. My favorite way of doing this is taking a picture of that which I’m giving away or selling.  I usually do this on Sundays and try to choose 1 to 5 items then I’ll either post them on eBay, Craigslist, give them to friends, or drop them off at the local thrift shop.

• Take up meditation or silent prayer. My advice is to not expect anything out of it.  All you have to do is sit or lay down, listen to your breathing patterns, notice your thoughts, and then put a stop to the thoughts and focus on silence.

“The more we try to catch hold of the present moment the more elusive it
becomes. It is like trying to clutch water in ones hands. The harder we
grip, the more it slips through our fingers.”
~Alan Watts

Enjoy your day,

Alex