Many of us like to start fresh with the beginning of a new calendar year. We write resolutions and set intentions for how we’re going to be different in the new year. This often looks like jotting an assortment of healthy habits in no particular order on January 1st. Then we try to keep them up for as long as we can. And it’s common to drop most of them by the middle of the month. It can feel really demoralizing when this happens. But it’s not your fault. It’s just the system you’re using! Below, we’ll talk about how to shift your approach and actually meet your New Year’s goals this year. New Year’s Goals vs. Resolutions It might seem like I’m splitting hairs by differentiating goals and resolutions. But the process of setting goals is very…
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The downturn in mood around when Daylight Savings Time ends in early November is like clockwork for many of us. Suddenly, the sun rises after you wake and sets before you leave the office. The wind hurts your face. You seem to be perpetually sick. You feel cold even in your house. Your skin is dry. No one organizes get togethers after the holidays. And simple errands that require going outside feel impossible. There’s a term for this change in mood: seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). But is there a way to fight seasonal depression in winter? And beyond that, is it possible to even enjoy the season? I’ve read and watched a lot of content on this topic over the years, because I…
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Intentional living is something I write about a lot on this blog. Concepts like minimalism and essentialism feed into the same goal: a more purposeful life. As I’ve discussed before in my Enneagram series, I see personality typology as a powerful tool in creating an intentional life. Knowing your Myers Briggs personality type can help you understand what motivates you and what is fulfilling to you, personally. Generic advice about creating a meaningful life doesn’t work, because it’s a different journey for each personality type. In this post, we’ll focus on the personality type INFJ. If you’re not familiar with the Myers Briggs (MBTI) system, you can read the basics at Simply Psychology. It’s based on a theory of cognitive functions put forth by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung. To find your type, you…
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Christmastime is fraught for minimalists. In many countries, the winter holidays mean big spending. Every person is obligated to buy things for every friend, family member, and coworker in their lives. Lists go online about what to buy the person who already has everything. People exchange useless gadgets and ugly sweaters, which then become clutter. And often we receive gifts from our closest loved ones that make us wonder if they even know us at all. Certainly, where I am in the U.S., we’re indoctrinated as children through the Santa Claus myth to the idea that Christmas is all about giving and getting stuff. All of this is in stark contrast to minimalist values. So, you might ask, is it even possible to have a minimalist Christmas? And if so,…
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On this site, I share a lot of advice for decluttering your physical space. Tips for getting rid of things you’ve accumulated that you no longer have use for. The same principle goes for our minds. We can collect “psychic clutter” – old habits and beliefs that helped us thrive in childhood but currently hinder us. For more about the concept of psychic clutter, check out my Enneagram 1 post. This post focuses on the Enneagram 9. The Enneagram is a personality typology system that outlines 9 types, each defined by a core fear and core motivation. To learn more, check out this list of Enneagram books, which highlights the best options for beginners. You can also refer to online sources like the Enneagram Institute. Free online tests are available, but don’t take the result as gospel. Read about the top 3 types your answers…
