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Stop “using” AI. Start collaborating with it. Our latest research from Atlassian’s Teamwork Lab shows that when it comes to getting the most out of working with AI, mindset matters far more than adoption – and is key to maturity. Advancing past adoption Much existing research focuses on AI adoption rates, or how often someone uses AI. We take a different approach to instead look at how people work with AI. Our data clearly shows that employee mindset is the key to AI maturity. In other words, adoption matters far less than attitude when it comes to optimizing AI capabilities and improving work quality within an organization. Our data reveals two primary groups of people who engage with AI at work: one group sees it as a tool, while the other treats it like a team of expert advisors. People in the second group don’t just use AI to automate repetitive tasks, they experiment with AI to bring their ideas to life. Unsurprisingly, we see that the quality of their work is much higher than that of simple AI users. Some people think of AI as a way to do the work they don’t want to do. Top performers think of it as a way to do the work they’ve always wanted to do. In our survey of roughly 5,000 knowledge workers from Australia, US, India, Germany, and France, we see that people who most effectively collaborate with AI start with a question. These individuals define a specific task or challenge, set a clear goal, and then partner with AI to brainstorm solutions, explore ideas, and deliver better work. The results are clear: the future of work is human-AI collaboration. Our data proves that the most strategic AI collaborators: Leverage AI to get 2x the ROI on their efforts Save 105 minutes daily – equal to an extra workday each week Are 1.5x more likely to reinvest time saved into learning new skills Are 1.8x more likely to be viewed as innovative teammates So, what’s preventing your team and company from reaping the benefits of human-AI collaboration? See the key findings from our inaugural AI Collaboration Report and learn how to move your people from AI users to AI collaborators. The AI Collaboration Index: from simple user to strategic collaborator For our AI Collaboration Report survey, we asked participants to report how they think about and work with AI. We then grouped participants into two main categories: Simple AI users (those in Stages 1 and 2) think of AI as an automated tool. They use AI only to get tasks they could likely do themselves done faster and more easily. Think: personal assistant. Simple usage examples (Stage 1 and 2): You wrote an email, and you use AI to make it more concise and effective. You use AI to search for information within your company. Strategic AI collaborators (those in Stages 3 and 4) approach AI as a creative partner or an entire team with a range of specialized skills. Strategic collaboration examples (Stage 3 and 4): Anu Bharadwaj, President of Atlassian, collaborates with the Customer 360 agent to quickly pull customer data into a page and then spars with the agent to surface insights. AI agents like Customer 360 act as specialized teammates by informing strategy: Annie Dean, Global Head of Team Anywhere, Atlassian, leverages AI to speed up and improve real-time idea generation: If you’re stuck on an idea and your favorite sparring partner is tied up in a meeting, you can open a conversation with AI to bounce ideas back and forth, get feedback in real time, and treat the exchange like a true conversation. For the first time, technology speaks our language – and that’s a huge unlock. Annie Dean, Global Head of Team Anywhere, Atlassian Note: Respondents who identified AI as “useless in the workplace” (Stage 0) were not included in these analyses, as they did not actively use AI in their workflow. The most strategic AI collaborators see 2x the ROI of simple users From the PlaybookBuild your team’s confidence in AI with the AI Innovation Day Play, a focused day of learning and doing with AI. Run the Play We asked people to estimate the amount of time that AI saves them on a daily basis. Simple AI users (specifically, those in Stage 1) save 53 minutes per day thanks to AI, while the most strategic AI collaborators (those in Stage 4) save a whopping 105 minutes per day. That’s equal to over 20% of the average workday, or an entire extra workday each week. Translating our results to dollars: enterprise organizations that partner with AI for enhanced decision-making can achieve an ROI of $129.4 million annually, compared to just $65.1 million when AI is used for task-specific purposes. That’s an opportunity cost of $64.3M. Nearly all of Stage 4 AI collaborators (94%) agree that the time they spend learning to work with AI pays off, compared to just 59% of Stage 1 AI users. By moving employees beyond basic AI usage to strategic collaboration, companies can capitalize on AI’s full potential and drive significant ROI. But shifting your AI mindset is not just about time savings – it’s much bigger than that. AI collaboration can give companies an additional competitive edge by promoting continuous improvement, elevating work quality, and fueling meaningful innovation. Strategic AI collaborators reinvest time saved to level up – simple AI users don’t There are not only big differences in how much time simple AI users and strategic AI collaborators save, but in what they do with that time. Simple AI users save 53 minutes per day thanks to AI, and tend to spend that extra time on administrative tasks. In contrast, strategic collaborators take the 105 minutes per day that they save to dive more deeply into their work: they are most likely to keep learning new skills and generating new ideas. Our data shows that those in Stage 4 are most likely to report that AI has increased their motivation and excitement about work. These collaborators are energized by the innovation and possibilities of AI, and continue to discover new ways it can help them become more creative and productive. If simple AI users adopt a collaborative approach, they may become more motivated and keep uncovering new ways to leverage AI. As an added benefit, feeling energized at work is linked to higher job satisfaction and lower levels of burnout. Human-AI collaboration seems to be a self-perpetuating cycle: strategic ways of working with AI lead to higher payoffs, which encourage further exploration and experimentation and have a snowball effect on organization-wide innovation. Strategic AI collaborators get higher-quality results We see the greatest unlock when workers start to view AI as part of the team. This is when the quality of their work jumps up. Simple AI users get things done fast, but their work quality doesn’t seem to change. As someone becomes a more strategic AI collaborator (Stages 3 and 4), not only do they get work done faster, but the quality of their work also improves drastically. Roughly half of Stage 1 simple AI users (54%) agreed that “The quality of my work has improved over the past month.” In contrast, a large majority (85%) of strategic AI collaborators (Stage 3 and 4) agreed that “The quality of my work has improved over the last month.” But how exactly does strategic collaboration improve work quality? When simple users have AI compile data from various sources, they stop there. They fail to ask AI to help with analysis or takeaways. In contrast, a Stage 3 collaborator will continue to work with AI to build hypotheses, ask questions, analyze findings, and pull insights. A Stage 4 collaborator takes it one step further. They ask AI to outline the pros and cons of different decisions, surface case studies from similar contexts, and list potential unintended consequences. Teams that tap into AI’s deep knowledge base can produce higher quality and more impactful work, driving strategic outcomes that solve a larger business problem. Our research shows Strategic AI collaborators are 1.8x more likely than simple AI users to be seen as innovative teammates. Their AI experimentation not only enhances their own work but inspires team-wide creativity and problem-solving. Teams that collaborate with AI can see exponential gains in both performance and output, setting their organizations apart from the competition. Leaders should highlight instances where a strategic collaborator partnered with AI to improve the quality of their work, and have that employee share exactly how they integrated AI into their workflow with the larger team. This provides actionable insights and best practices for others to replicate, and raises the standard across the organization. Strategic AI adoption varies across functions Different functions leverage AI in different ways, with some clear missed opportunities. Less than half of even the most strategic AI collaborators in IT currently turn to AI for higher-level work, like developing long-term plans, optimizing resource allocation, and building and testing new solutions. And of all marketers, only 31% say AI helps them create insights from complex data. As marketing is becoming increasingly quantitative, this stands out as an overlooked area for collaboration. Another example: the most strategic AI collaborators in management and strategy roles are, unsurprisingly, also the most likely to turn to AI for help creating insights from complex information or data. Among these employees, 67% report leveraging AI for this task. In contrast, less than a third of Stage 4 employees in education and training do the same. By encouraging cross-functional knowledge sharing, leaders have an opportunity to improve AI collaboration within specific functions. While the details of how teams work with AI may be craft-specific, simply hearing that another function is leveraging AI in a certain area (e.g., translating data into insights) can unlock new forms of experimentation and set the stage for a crowd-sourced culture of AI collaboration ideas. Leadership attitude towards AI matters – a lot Whether they know it or not, leaders set the tone for AI collaboration at work. In an environment of fear and anxiety around AI, workers will use it minimally and may hesitate to spend the time to learn more innovative methods of collaboration. Think, ”If I use it, I’m cheating … so I’ll keep it basic” or “If I take time away to figure out how to use AI, I’ll get behind on my work. So I’ll just keep working like I always have.” If leadership embraces experimentation and motivates employees to try and learn AI without fear of failure – or productivity loss – workers develop their strategic AI collaborator muscle more readily. Those who agree with the statement “Leadership encourages me to experiment with AI” save 55% more time a day than those who don’t (84 minutes vs. 55 minutes). We also see that those with leadership support are 2.5x more likely to be strategic AI collaborators. But support alone isn’t enough. Leaders must make their own AI collaboration journey visible. If you’re a leader, a powerful way to move your people beyond AI “usage” is to give them examples of how AI helps you augment your work. Start team meetings off by sharing what agent you or your team recently leveraged and offer best practices for prompting it. Consider creating a platform (this could be a Slack channel or company-wide newsletter) with other leaders to do the same. Taking these steps will not only offer employees insight into how to better work with AI, but will also set a norm of human-AI collaboration. When leaders foster a culture of experimentation and learning, employees are more likely to become strategic AI collaborators, resulting in greater time savings and higher-quality outcomes. Without leadership support, workers may stay stuck in outdated workflows (and in Stage 0-2), missing out on AI’s ability to drive efficiency and innovation. Embracing AI at the leadership level is key to unlocking its transformative benefits across the organization. How teams can become strategic AI collaborators Having leadership support is just half the equation; developing a culture of AI collaboration is a team effort. Here are a couple of practical steps to get you started: Foster AI experimentation by encouraging everyone to embed AI into their daily work. Don’t just attend an hour-long training session. Instead, encourage your team members to take a more hands-on approach to learning by setting weekly challenges for the group like, “Try two new AI agents this week. Here are some agents we’ve been working with…” or “Ask AI four questions this week.” Host cross-functional learning sessions focused on AI collaboration. Consider adding a segment to team-wide meetings in which different people highlight how they’re leveraging AI to improve their work. Make this a rotating role. If each person knows in advance they’ll be asked to share their AI collaboration best practices, they’ll be more likely to establish and adopt better ways of working with AI. Looking ahead Based on the findings detailed above, we predict: Burnout will decrease by 25%, driven by a 50% burnout drop among Stage 4 AI collaborators. AI leads to time savings across the board, but people in Stage 4 also report that AI increases their motivation and excitement about work. These trends should reduce work-related overwhelm, leading to noticeable improvements in employee wellbeing. The AI ROI gap will double. Strategic AI collaborators see 2x the ROI of simple users, but as they continue to experiment and develop new ways to collaborate with AI, we expect they’ll see 4x the ROI by 2026. In 2025, individuals with strong people management skills will get 75% more value from AI agents – even if they aren’t in leadership roles. The skills that make great people leaders – providing context about the problem, assembling the right team of experts, and delegating work – are the same skills needed to successfully use AI as a creative partner and team of expert advisors. Our findings show that strategic AI collaborators see higher ROI, work quality, and motivation. The implications are clear: the most successful teams will be those who advance beyond simple AI usage. It’s time for us to reset how we work with AI – from treating it as a basic tool to partnering with it as a collaborative teammate. Subscribe to Work LifeGet stories like this in your inbox Subscribe Dismiss Subscribe to Inside Atlassian Email Address Sign up Thank you for subscribing. The post AI Collaboration Report: “Using” AI is not enough – here’s what your organization is missing appeared first on Work Life by Atlassian. View the full article

I have a confession: I hate productivity. I don’t want to grind, and I’m not here to squeeze more out of every single minute. But wandering aimlessly between work, my constantly buzzing phone, and a house full of half-finished art projects wasn’t doing me any favors either. But this post isn’t about my dislike for The post The Pomodoro Method (Or how I learned to stop winging it and love productivity) appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

Election Day has come and gone, and I think it’s safe to say we’re all in need of regaining our balance. This period, marked by following the campaigns and debates and advocating for change, often leaves us feeling like we’re being pulled in a thousand directions. As we step back from this whirlwind, it’s essential The post Reflecting on Civic Duty: Regaining Balance After Election Day appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

I’m writing this post about eighteen hours before the first polls open on Election Day, and it feels tense out there. The New York Times, for example, just posted an article headlined: “How Americans Feel About the Election: Anxious and Scared.” Based on extensive interviews conducted over this past weekend, the Times concludes: “Americans across the political spectrum reported heading to the polls in battleground states with a sense that their nation was coming undone. While some expressed relief that the long election season was finally nearing an end, it was hard to escape the undercurrent of uneasiness about Election Day.” These results probably come as no surprise. The question then becomes what to do with this anxiety. The first step, of course, is to vote — and not just vote, but to approach your decision honestly and dispassionately. By the time you read this, you’ve likely already completed this step. But then what? Here I have a suggestion that I think could be healing for all points of the political spectrum: use the stress of this election to be the final push needed to step away from the exhausting digital chatter that’s been dominating your brain. Take a break from social media. Stop listening to news podcasts. Unsubscribe, at least for a while, from those political newsletters clogging your inbox with their hot takes and tired in-fighting. I suggest you switch to a slower pace of media consumption. Don’t laugh at this suggestion, because I’m actually serious: consider picking up the occasional old-fashioned printed newspaper (free from algorithmic optimization and click-bait curation) at your local coffee shop or library to check in, all at once, on anything major going on in the world. I think I might setup a Sunday-only paper subscription as my main source of news this winter. Equally important is how you redirect your newly liberated attention. Consider aiming it toward real community, with real people who actually live near you, to retrain your brain to stop thinking of the world as hopelessly fractured into vicious tribes. (If right now you’re scouring this post to seek evidence as to whether I’m friend or foe, then you’re already severely suffering from this malady. ) Consider reading books again. There’s a pleasure in the conquest of deep ideas that’s been lost as we thrashed in a digital sea of churning distraction. Spend more time in nature to discover that despite the apocalyptic tenor of the online world, its analog counterpart persists, and is beautiful. The Republic will still stand without our constant digital vigilance. But it’s unclear if our mental health can survive the status quo. ##### Two announcements to share… For the past twelve years, my longtime friend Joshua Fields Millburn, of The Minimalists fame, has been teaching a fantastic online course called How to Write Better. It’s open this week for a new session, so if you’re interested in improving your writing ability (which you should be), please check it out! If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to read my new book, Slow Productivity, check out this insightful new review from Real Clear Books that was published last week. The post After You Vote: Unplug appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

With the U.S. elections just a handful of days away, it’s too easy to get caught up in all things political. You might opt for a quick check on your favorite news site and then realize you spent an hour looking through the most recent poll results or watching town hall meetings. For some people, The post Balancing Work and Civic Duty: How to Stay Productive During Voting Season appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

World Mental Health Day was last week, and this year’s theme probably resonates with most of us. It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace. According to the World Health Organization, almost 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition each year. If you feel like your mental health has taken a The post Honoring World Mental Health Day: 6 Ways Time Management Supports Your Mental Health appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

Many predictions and concerns tumbled into the slipstream trailing ChatGPT’s dazzling, turbulent entrance onto the technology scene in late 2022. Few of these initial warnings felt more immediate than those of imminent disruptions to higher education. “Could the chatbot, which provides coherent, quirky, and conversational responses to simple language inquires, inspire more students to cheat?”, asked an NBC News article, published only a week after ChatGPT’s initial launch. Several months later, a professor in the Texas A&M system took this warning to heart and failed his entire class after convincing himself that every one of his students had used AI to write their final assignments. (It turns out that his method of detection—asking ChatGPT itself whether it produced the submissions—was unreliable. He later changed the grades.) “AI seems almost built for cheating,” explains Ethan Mollick, in his recent bestseller, Co-Intelligence. He predicted, in particular, that paper writing as a pedagogical tool might be on the way out, forcing institutions to adapt to other methods to teach composition: “In-school assignments on non-internet-enabled computers, combined with written exams, will ensure students learn basic writing skills.” It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost two years since we first started hearing these concerns about ChatGPT providing students the perfect cheating machine. As a professor and writer myself, these issues interest me, especially when it comes to academic compositions. So in my most recent article for The New Yorker, published earlier this month, and titled “What Kind of Writer is ChatGPT?,” I set out to understand how these tools are currently being put to work by students tackling writing assignments. My approach was to move beyond speculation and watch actual students use AI on actual assignments, with a particular focus on a graduate student I called Chris, who was using ChatGPT to write a significant anthropology paper. As I explain in the article, what I observed Chris doing was more complicated than you might have guessed: “He was not outsourcing his exam to ChatGPT; he rarely made use of the new text or revisions that the chatbot provided. He also didn’t seem to be streamlining or speeding up his writing process. If I had been Chris’s professor, I would have wanted him to disclose his use of the tool, but I don’t think I would have considered it cheating. So what was it?” I recommend that you read the full article to learn the full answer. But to preview what I discovered: students aren’t simply outsourcing their writing to tools like ChatGPT, but they’re also not using them in clearly harmless ways either. The reality is something different and new; less a method to speed up the task of writing and more an approach to reducing its cognitive burden. The bigger point to be made here, however, is about how we think about this new age of artificial intelligence in which we’ve been enveloped since late 2022. These tools are undeniably powerful. Accordingly, they will undeniably end up changing some things about our lives in major ways. But predicting these changes has proven exceedingly difficult. If you’re interested in these trends, spend less time listening to people explaining how the next version of some model is going to change everything all at once, and instead directly observe what people are doing with the versions of the technology they have access to right now. The stories are less flashy, but as you look deeper you’ll find interesting things going on. ##### In the latest episode of my podcast, Deep Questions, released earlier today, I take an unconventional look at the idea of discipline and how to improve it (listen | watch) Have you read my new book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment without Burnout? If not, here’s yet another reason to consider doing so: Goodreads just listed Slow Productivity as #1 on their recently released list of the “Most Popular Self Help Books of 2024.” The post The Perfect Cheating Machine? appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

You’re probably definitely not surprised to hear that we, as humans, are incredibly distractible. The average American picks up their phone 144 times each day. If you take away eight hours for sleeping, that’s approximately one pickup every seven minutes. Email, too, is out to distract us. We can’t forget the average 120 emails that The post 10 tips to maximize your time blocking efforts appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

“The whole of life is but a moment of time. It is our duty, therefore, to use it, not to misuse it.” —Plutarch “I could never become a minimalist.” This is a phrase I have heard countless times since starting this blog. Every time, two thoughts come to mind. First, I wonder what misconception they have about minimalism that would make it seem so difficult. But second, more importantly, I think to myself, “But you already are a minimalist—you just don’t know it yet.“ The truth is, we’re all minimizing something in our lives, whether we realize it or not. And once we understand that fact, everything about us begins to change. Every day, we make choices about where we spend our time, money, energy, and attention. By definition, these resources are limited. Even if we were the richest man or woman on earth, there is still only a finite amount of money and time available to us. It is impossible to do or have everything. All of life is a trade. Every minute of every day, we trade for something. And if we’re not minimizing our possessions, we’re minimizing something else. When I first embraced minimalism, I thought I was just motivated to declutter our home so I could spend more time with my kids. But I quickly realized minimalism was about more than that. Minimalism was about finding more intentionality with my resources. It wasn’t just about removing things from my home. It was about making better choices with my life. When we began to own less, we found more time for the things we love. More energy for pursuits that matter. More focus for what brings real meaning. More money for service and generosity. We even found more opportunity to focus on self-growth and personal development. When we began minimizing possessions, we began maximizing more important things. That is always the case! We are all trading something every day. We are spending money on something, we are spending time somewhere, we are focusing our energy and affections in a specific direction. And if we’re busy chasing and accumulating physical possessions we don’t need, we’re minimizing resources that could be spent elsewhere. But most of the time, we don’t even realize it. There is a direct correlation between the increase in our physical possessions and the decrease in our resources to be spent elsewhere. Make no mistake, everybody is living a version of minimalism. The question is, are we minimizing the right things? The post A Life-Changing Truth: We’re All Minimizing Something appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

My desire with each Weekend Reads is to provide you with articles and posts that encourage simplicity and minimalist living. Below, you will find links to blog posts and news stories that I hand-picked over the last couple weeks. I hope you find inspiration and practical help inside them. That is my goal on Becoming Minimalist: to intentionally promote simplicity in a world that needs to hear it. An Ode To Simple Living: A Summer Spent With My Grandparents | Strike Magazine by Hannah King. I know what you’re thinking: You lived with your grandparents as a 21-year-old college student for 3 months?! Yes. And I can confidently say it was one of my best decisions this summer. 14 Qualities That Define a Minimalist Person | The Minimalist Vegan by Michael Ofei. Minimalists are frequently viewed as emotionless, privileged, dull, clinical and extreme. Yet some of the most exciting and dynamic individuals in history practised minimalism. The Weight of Less: Redefining Minimalism Beyond Things | Manu Sharma. To truly understand minimalism, we must shift the focus from material things to a much deeper inquiry: why do we keep accumulating in the first place? Stop Trying to Keep Up with the Joneses—They’re Broke | Simple Money by Richard James. Trying to match the lifestyle of others can quickly become a financial disaster. Becoming Minimalist’s Joshua Becker: 3 Benefits of Minimalist Budgeting for Your Wardrobe | Yahoo by Ellie Diamond. What would it be like to slow down? To find stillness in your day, moments of rest and quietude? 10 Things You Should Stop Buying Today for a Simpler Life | No Sidebar by No Sidebar. By letting go of some specific buying habits, we can create more space—both physically and mentally—and focus on what truly matters. Recently Released Inspiring Videos 20 Simple Ways to Find a Moment of Peace | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Even when life is chaotic, we always have small opportunities to make peace and quiet a part of our lives. Here are some easy ways to find peace daily and slow life down. The Zeigarnik Effect: The Hidden Reason Your Mind Feels Cluttered | YouTube by Joshua Becker. We all feel scatterbrained from time to time, but if you’re feeling it lately more than usual, you may be overlooking this common culprit. The post Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads. appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

In 1973, an author named Alan Lakein published a book titled How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life. It wasn’t the first book about professional time management — my library contains a first edition of James McCay’s 1959 classic, The Management of Time — but it’s arguably the first book to talk about the topic in a recognizably modern way, with a focus on personalized tools like daily to-do lists. It went on to reportedly sell more than three million copies, and was even shouted out by Bill Clinton, who cites its influence on his early career in his autobiography. Revisiting Lakein’s advice today provides a glimpse into office life fifty years ago. And the encounter is shocking. One of Lakein’s more famous suggestions is to write down everything you need to do on a single task list. He then says to label each task with one of three priorities: “A” for things that are important and urgent, such as those with impending deadlines; “B” is for tasks that are important but not urgent, and can therefore be postponed if necessary; “C” is for things that are small, easy, and don’t require attention at the moment. You start by completing the A tasks, crossing them off your list as you go. Then you move on to the B category. If you finish the B tasks, you can tackle some of the C. Lakein notes that these task priorities might evolve. An important obligation with a distant deadline, for example, might start at B, but then, as the deadline approaches, upgrade to A. Lakein’s intention is to help you make sure that you make progress on the things that most require your attention. Part of what’s shocking about this system is its finitude. In 2024, can you imagine fitting everything you need to do on a single list? Your email inbox alone could likely contribute several hundred items at any given moment. Also notable is Lakein’s assumption of task stability; that your list would more or less stay the same as you carefully worked your way through it during a full workday. Modern work is instead defined by constant new demands — chats, questions, meeting invitations, requests to “jump on a call” — that require timely answers. Here’s the question that began to fester as I revisited these older ideas: is what we’re doing today any better? The fact that our modern workflows would swamp Lakein’s quaint system of simple lists and priorities is perhaps more an indictment of us than him. To have more work, arriving with much more urgency, than we can possibly get our arms around is not a good recipe for getting useful effort out of human brains. It is, however, a good recipe for burnout. A point I often make on my podcast, as well as in my new book, Slow Productivity, is that in my own work on these topics, I describe more complicated time management strategies with reluctance. My bigger wish is to help reform office work to the point that they’re no longer needed, and something like Lakein’s basic ABC system is more than enough. We’re not there yet, but in the meantime, it helps to realize where we are now isn’t working. ##### If you want to learn more about what’s (regrettably) required to manage your time in our current moment, check out the latest episode of my podcast, Deep Questions, where I tackle three advanced time techniques (listen | watch). If you haven’t yet read my latest book, Slow Productivity, you should! Some more encouragement: (1) it was recently named an official selection of The Next Big Idea Club [meaning it was chosen by a panel consisting of Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Dan Pink, and Susan Cain as one of the two best idea books of the season]; and (2) it was selected for the shortlist for SABEW’s Best Business Book of 2024 award. The post When Time Management Was Easy appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

One of the most life-changing benefits of owning fewer possessions is the gift of more time. No doubt many of you have already experienced that. When we own less, we spend less time cleaning, organizing, maintaining, repairing, replacing… even shopping for new things in the first place. Life becomes more manageable and less overwhelming at home (and in the world). In fact, the sheer amount of time saved by owning less surprises almost everybody who becomes minimalist. It’s impossible to realize how much of a burden our possessions have become until we begin to remove them. But, when you’re just starting out on the journey to become minimalist, it can feel like the opposite is true. It feels like you’re adding more things to do to an already busy schedule. When you’re working a full-time job, raising kids, managing a home, attending family commitments, AND partaking in a few hobbies, the thought of finding extra time to declutter feels impossible for many. Despite the obstacles, it is so worth the effort. It might take you a little bit longer to minimize than someone who has more free time, but here are 15 practical, decluttering tips to help you get started: 1. Start Small and Visual Your first step in the right direction doesn’t need to be a big one. So pick a starting area that has a noticeable impact but won’t take much time. A medicine chest, your nightstand, shelving in your living room, maybe a kitchen countertop are all great starting points. These are spaces we see frequently, and clearing them can create a quick visual win, fueling motivation to keep going. 2. Use “In-Between” Moments Decluttering doesn’t always require long stretches of time. Use spare moments—like while waiting for dinner to cook or during commercial breaks—to tidy a small drawer, a shelf, or your desk. Done consistently, these quick actions will add up. 3. Schedule Decluttering Time For larger projects, carve out specific time in your week, like a Saturday morning or an hour in the evening after the kids go to bed. If you live a busy life, you probably live by the calendar anyway. There are some projects that just require a period of time—so schedule them in and use your time efficiently when you do. This will be the hardest at first. But like I mentioned, you’ll be surprised how much time decluttering grants you back when it’s completed. After scheduling just a few of these sessions at the beginning, you’ll find it easier and easier. 4. Declutter As You Go Think of looking for items to declutter as an intentional part of your daily routine. For example, if you try on clothes and decide not to wear them because you don’t like the fit or color anymore, don’t toss them back into the closet—place them in a donation pile immediately. Same with toiletries or self-care products that you just can’t find the motivation to use. 5. Set Aside 10 Minutes Each Evening As part of your bedtime routine, plan on a 10-minute decluttering session somewhere on your way to bed. For example, start by spending 10 minutes in the living room where you watch TV. Or ten minutes in the bathroom where you get ready for bed. Or ten minutes decluttering an area in your bedroom. Ten minutes per day, consistently, will make a huge impact in just a week. 6. Focus on Frequently Used Areas In the earliest stages, focus on decluttering spaces that you interact with daily—like your kitchen or bedroom or closet. Decluttering these areas will make your day run more efficiently right at the beginning. 7. The “One-In-One-Out” Rule For every new item you bring into your home, remove one that’s no longer needed. If you have a lot of decluttering to do, use the “One-In-Two-Out” variation. This commonly-used trick will force you to make progress even when you don’t feel like it. 8. Adopt a “No-New-Purchases” Rule If you like the idea of “One-In-One-Out” Rule, go for it! But another decluttering tip for busy people is to temporarily commit not to buy anything until your current decluttering project is complete. There are many people who have changed their lives through a No-Spend Month or a No-Spend Year (this doesn’t usually apply to consumables like food). I’m not saying you need to do this as part of your decluttering. But deciding specifically not to buy anything new until your decluttering is done will make your decluttering both easier (less stuff coming in) and faster (because of the incentive to finish). 9. Declutter A Little Before You Sit Down I learned a life-changing concept several years: A do-it-before-you-sit-down approach to getting stuff done at home. You can read more of the practice here. But the principle is simply this: As soon you get home in the evening, before you sit down to relax, do at least a little bit of decluttering somewhere in your home. 10. Learn Helpful Questions to Ask When decluttering on a schedule, it’s important to focus on efficiency. So find those questions that help you make quick progress removing things from your home. You might want to try: Do I need this? Does this item help my home function better? Is this just a duplicate of something else? Why do I have it? What would I use if I didn’t own this? The question that works best for you might be different than the question that works for someone else. So try out a few. And zero in on the one that helps you make the best progress. 11. Donate on Your Commute Keep a donation box in your car. As you declutter, place unwanted items directly in the box. The next time you drive by a donation center—whether on your way to work or running errands—drop it off. This 1) saves you time; 2) keeps clutter from building up in your home; 3) and helps with the most important step of the decluttering process: actually removing the things from our possession. 12. Hire Help If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there’s no shame in hiring some help. Most people who hire decluttering help do so because 1) They don’t know how to do this on their own; or 2) They don’t have the time to do it themselves. I have personally trained over 50 professionals and individuals in my strategy and approach to own less. I recommend any one of them: Becker Method Certified Declutterers. Even having a friend or family member help can make the task feel lighter and faster. 13. Keep the Right Mindset Remind yourself that every minute spent decluttering pays off in the long run. For every minute you spend minimizing, you’re likely saving yourself an hour of future cleaning, organizing, or searching for misplaced items. Think of your decluttering time as an investment—and find motivation in that mindset. 14. Temporarily Cancel a Recurring Appointment Here’s the good news: There is a finish line to your decluttering journey. You may need to make an intentional change in your regular weekly or monthly schedule for now, but that change won’t last forever. Once you declutter your home, you’ll be able to add that appointment back in your life plus more if you want. 15. Involve the Whole Family Decluttering doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Involve your family members, especially if they contributed to the clutter. Set a timer for 20 minutes and see who can declutter the most in that time. Making it a family project can lighten the load and speed up the process. Of course, I’m not expecting you to use all 15 of these tips—you’ve got enough on your plate already! But finding just 2 or 3 that fit naturally into your busy lifestyle will help you make the progress you’re looking for. With each small step, you’ll notice the difference in your home and, more importantly, in your life. The post 15 Super Helpful Decluttering Tips for Busy People appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

So you want to declutter your home? Awesome! I highly recommend it. When you declutter your stuff, you find that your home improves because the environment feels more calm, visual noise is removed, things are easier to find, and you might even sleep better at night. And those are all really good things. I wish you all the best in your decluttering journey because it will change your life for the better! In fact, if you are looking for some practical ideas to get started, try these articles: The Simple Guide to a Clutter-Free Home Go Ahead. Start Decluttering with the Easiest Step. A Guide to Creating a Minimalist Home Decluttering is wonderful! But there’s something I want you to know: Decluttering is great. But reassessing the role of possessions in your life is even better. Let me explain what I mean. When we decide to declutter our homes, we’re usually focused on the immediate benefits: a cleaner room, less stuff around us, a home that’s easier to manage, greater efficiency in our day-to-day lives. But there are even greater benefits to be found! Because the process can change everything about us! When we reevaulate the entire role that possessions play in our lives and affections, we open ourselves to deeper and richer life-change. And that is where the greatest opportunity resides—not just in decluttering items from our home, but reevaluating our stuff entirely. When we first decided to become minimalist, I was drawn to the simple idea of “spending less time cleaning.” After a long Saturday cleaning out my garage, at the expense of spending time with my then 5-year-old son, I could see how fewer things in my garage would have made the chore easier. But the more stuff we got rid of, the more I began to question its origins. Why, for example, did I have a garage full of stuff in the first place? Why were our closets crammed full? Why were the kitchen cabinets overstocked? Why was the basement full of boxes and boxes of stuff? How come I could take three mini-van loads of clutter to our local donation center and still feel like I was only scratching the surface? Why did we buy SO MUCH stuff that we didn’t need? And, at the same time, be living paycheck-to-paycheck? If we were so stressed about money, why did we accumulate so much stuff we didn’t need? What was driving my thinking? What was motivating my decisions? And what was dictating my worldview to such an extent that we felt trapped but couldn’t find the escape? Yes, decluttering our stuff felt great. We eventually removed 60-70% of our things. But the real transformation came when we started to rethink the role that possessions played in our life. Suddenly, this process became about more than just owning fewer things; it was about re-evaluating how much importance I placed on those things in the first place. As you know, we live in a culture that constantly tells us we need more: bigger homes, fancier cars, trendier fashion, better toys, the latest technology. Marketers scream at us from every available screen and surface. And over time, their messaging changes us. They convince us—as much as we want to argue they don’t—that our lives will improve if we spend our money, time, and energy buying the products they produce. And without thoughtfulness and intentionality, they determine the lives that we live. They shape the society around us—and then they shape us as individuals. We can see this effect on our small purchases: clothes, gadgets, trinkets, toys, and decorations (just to name a few). But we can also see this effect in larger purchases: bigger homes, newer cars, and the latest technology. But every single purchase we make requires more of our life. And often, rather than improving our life, they distract us from the things that matter most. If we declutter our homes, but don’t wrestle with the beliefs and worldview that led to all that clutter in the first place, we’ll just fill our homes back up again. And in the process, waste more of our money, time, and energy. But when we reevaluate our possessions and shift our mindset, we discover the freedom that comes with wanting less. No longer do we feel the need to compete with others or keep up with societal expectations. Instead, we can focus our time and resources on what truly matters—whether it’s building relationships, pursuing meaningful work, focusing on spirituality, or reaching our life’s fullest potential. And that is where the real benefits are found! Decluttering is great, no doubt about it. But reassessing the role possessions play in your life is even better. The post Decluttering is Great. Reassessing Your Life is Even Better. appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

It’s really easy to fall into the thinking that organizing will solve the clutter in our homes. As a result, we buy storage bins, shelves, and labels, believing that if everything has a place, our space will feel more orderly and peaceful. But organizing is always, only a temporary solution. We can organize everything perfectly today—only to have to organize it again tomorrow. That is because organizing only treats the symptom, not the problem. No matter how well-organized our home might get, too many possessions still create stress, demand our attention, and consume our time. Physical possessions take up physical space in our home and mental space in our minds. Minimizing, on the other hand, is a permanent solution. Once an item has been removed from our home, the space is cleared forever. Instead of focusing on how to store everything, focus on owning less. After all, the fewer things we own, the less time we spend organizing, cleaning, and maintaining them. To give you an idea of what I mean, here are 10 common things you may feel tempted to organize—but would benefit more from minimizing instead. 1. Bathroom Toiletries Often, we accumulate lotions, shampoos, and beauty products faster than we use them. Sometimes we buy for ourselves, sometimes they are gifted us, sometimes we take them from the hotel room. Either way, organizing these items into bins or trays might seem like the solution, but owning fewer toiletries is even better. Use up what you have, and then be intentional about only buying what you need. A simplified bathroom routine will save you time, reduce clutter, and help you focus on the essentials. 2. Tupperware Most of us have far too many plastic containers crowding our cabinets. We stack them, try to keep the lids in one place, and still end up with mismatched pieces. Instead of trying to organize the chaos, minimize the number of containers you own. Keep only a few versatile sizes and discard the rest. Fewer containers not only free up space but also reduce the frustration of searching for a lid that fits. 3. Towels and Linens It’s easy to accumulate more towels, sheets, and blankets than we need. Organizing them in closets or baskets might keep them out of sight, but reducing your collection will make your home feel more spacious and manageable. Keep just a few high-quality sets, and you’ll save time and effort when it comes to laundry and storage. 4. Kitchen Gadgets Drawer organizers and dividers may help keep kitchen gadgets in order, but they don’t reduce the overwhelming number of tools we often accumulate. Consider which gadgets you actually use and minimize the rest. Owning fewer, multi-functional tools makes cooking more enjoyable and your kitchen easier to maintain. 5. Clothing Closet organizers and systems might create the illusion of order, but a cluttered wardrobe still leads to decision fatigue and frustration. Minimize your clothing by keeping only what you wear regularly and what makes you feel good. A simpler wardrobe will reduce the time you spend choosing outfits and give you more mental clarity each morning. 6. Shoes We often think a shoe rack or closet organizer will bring order to our growing shoe collection. But owning more shoes than we need creates clutter, even if it’s well-organized. Consider the pairs you actually wear regularly and donate the rest. A smaller, intentional shoe collection makes it easier to find what you need—and simplifies your decision-making every day. 7. Jewelry A jewelry box filled with tangled necklaces and unworn bracelets can feel like a mess waiting to be organized. But instead of spending time sorting and storing, minimize your collection. Keep only the pieces that you wear regularly and truly love. With fewer items, your jewelry will stay organized naturally, and you’ll find joy in wearing what you own. 8. Board Games Board games can provide hours of fun, but they also take up valuable space, especially when we keep ones we rarely play. Instead of organizing a shelf full of games, minimize your collection to just the ones you truly enjoy. You’ll make room for other meaningful activities and be more likely to play the games you love when they’re not buried under ones you don’t. 9. Books Many of us dream of organizing our bookshelves to display a well-curated collection. But books we don’t read or plan to read just take up space and collect dust. Minimize your bookshelf by keeping only the books that inspire or bring value to your life. Donate or sell the rest, and you’ll discover more freedom and clarity in your reading life. 10. Photos Many of us have boxes or hard drives full of old photos, thinking we’ll someday organize them into albums or neatly labeled folders. But instead of holding onto every single picture, minimize your collection by keeping only the ones that bring you joy or represent meaningful memories. Digitize what you can, and let go of duplicates or blurry shots. Fewer photos make it easier to appreciate and share your most cherished moments. In each of these areas, the key is recognizing that organizing, while helpful, is not the ultimate solution. Minimizing—owning fewer items that truly add value to our lives—will bring lasting peace and freedom. When we have less to manage, we can focus more on the things that matter most. The post 10 Things You Think You Need to Organize, But Should Minimize Instead appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

There is something powerful about the concept of “home” for us as humans. It is celebrated in movies (There’s no place like home) immortalized in music (Take Me Home, Country Roads), written about in literature, celebrated in magazines, and enviable in advertisements. Everywhere we turn, we’re reminded that home represents more than a physical space. It is the heart of where we are from and hopefully, the place where we feel safe, connected, and loved. But not only is home a place of emotion and nostalgia, psychologists tells us the impact goes beyond the physical space. It is a place where we feel rooted and connected. Research shows that our connection to home even impacts our well-being. People with a strong attachment to their home feel more secure, less stressed, and more content throughout their lives. The importance of home (and family) is one of the motivating factors behind Kim and I launching The Hope Effect now nearly ten years ago. Home provides stability and serves as the foundation upon which we build our identities and relationships—starting at a very young age. So helping move the world toward care for orphaned children that includes family is deeply important work and we’re proud to be part of it. But even apart from nonprofit work, as parents, this truth about the importance of home serves as both an opportunity and responsibility. The homes we create for our children are more than just physical shelter—it is the space within which, our children’s memories are made and identity is formed. And it is interesting to note, that very few of our most beloved memories from home are focused on the things that we owned. At least, that is the case for me. When I think of my childhood, I have fond memories. But very few relate to the physical possessions in our closets or garage. Instead, I remember being in the backyard, with my dad, working in the garden. And for some reason, he’s never wearing a shirt when I recall the memory. I think back fondly and can picture our family tradition of eating cereal for dinner on Sunday night. I remember playing with my friends in the backyard. And I remember playing games with my siblings around our kitchen table. These memories are both precious and priceless, and they had nothing to do with material possessions. In fact, I remember very few physical possessions from my childhood: my bike, a baseball glove, some G.I. Joe’s, and a baseball card collection show up vividly. But that’s about it. I don’t remember our couches, curtains, rugs, cookware, or the clothes from my closet. I don’t recall the items in our pantry, the pillows on our couch, or even the decorations that hung on the walls. They were there, in our home, certainly. But they do not form the foundation for my memories. I grew up in a lower Middle Class family in the middle of small town America. Maybe kids who had incredibly wealthy parents would tell a different story about remembering all the stuff around them. But something tells me—even in that environment—a child’s most cherished memories have little to do with physical possessions. The physical objects from our home growing up fade into the background. But the love, the laughter, relationships, and sense of belonging come to the forefront. These were the moments that shaped me and I recall them with fondness and joy. Our homes are where memories are made. And I know not everyone got to enjoy that type of home and family growing up, but it is something we can all strive to create for our own. As parents, the environment we create in our homes will become the backdrop for our children’s memories. The culture we create, the time we spend, the love we show, and the conversations we share. These are the moments that will shape their view of home and family for the rest of their lives. Too often, we fall into the trap of believing that a home needs to be filled with things to be complete. We think we need the latest gadgets, the trendiest furniture, the largest television, the upgraded countertops, or endless toys for our children. But when we reflect on our own childhoods, we realize that the most meaningful memories had nothing to do with material possessions. Even worse, sometimes we chase those things at the expense of what our kids needs most from us. The very physical possessions that fade into the back of our kids’ memories take up space in our homes and in our minds, requiring maintenance, organization, money, and time—time that could be spent building memories with our families. On the other hand, when we live intentionally, we make room for more connection, more love, more experiences, and richer memories that our kids can take with them forever. Our homes are the canvas upon which our children will paint their memories. Let’s fill them with all the right things. The post Home is Where Memories Are Made appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

Note: This is a guest post from Angela G. Horn of Mostly Mindful. What started as a design aesthetic has snowballed over the years into a lifestyle movement embraced by people worldwide. It’s easy to see why (or maybe I’m biased?) since minimalism offers a clear path to a more intentional, fulfilling, and sustainable way of life. The allure of “living with less” has permeated popular culture, from decluttered living spaces to capsule wardrobes. But, like any widespread trend, minimalism has evolved over time. In this article, I want to examine the different paths of minimalism—from the extreme to a more balanced, rational approach. I also believe it is important to explore how the lifestyle can positively impact our environment and, finally, how to implement minimalism in a way that works best for you. Three Types of Minimalism Nowadays, minimalism falls into three main categories: traditional minimalism, extreme minimalism, and rational minimalism. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, by understanding the nuances between the different styles, you can choose or craft one that best aligns with your values, needs, and environmental priorities. 1. Traditional Minimalism Traditional minimalism is the most well-known and widely adopted approach to living with less. It’s where Becoming Minimalist and many other blogs started and, in many cases, still reside. The focus here is on decluttering physical spaces, emphasizing essentials, reducing unnecessary consumption, and seeking quality over quantity. That’s a mouthful, but the benefits speak for themselves: Increased mental bandwidth Reduced stress from clutter More time and energy for loved ones Space for side hustles and other meaningful pursuits Improved finances (hello, debt-free living) On the downside, you might find letting go of certain things challenging. You may encounter pushback from friends and family members or struggle to balance owning less and still being comfortable. However, it’s all surmountable but worth noting nonetheless. 2. Extreme Minimalism Extreme minimalism takes it to the next level, pushing the boundaries of how little one can live with. Proponents of this approach typically pare down to the bare essentials (often fewer than 100 possessions). If they have a home base, it’ll most likely be devoid of furniture. For my partner and me, the move from traditional to extreme minimalism aligned with our desire to age well. At almost sixty, going furniture-free seemed like a natural and easy way to achieve that. And that’s just one advantage. This way of living also comes with several other benefits: Complete freedom from material possessions Moving home is a breeze (if you even have a fixed address) A much lower impact on the environment* *Assuming you’re not flying to a new destination every other month. The not-so-great side is that it can lead to social isolation (no furniture will do that!) or becoming obsessive about owning less stuff. A short nose around the internet and you’ll quickly see a competitive pattern emerge among extreme minimalists. 3. Rational Minimalism Rational minimalism is the Goldilocks of the three, striking a balance between the desire for simplicity and the practicalities of modern life. It emphasizes thoughtful curation of possessions, focusing on functionality and personal values. It’s a more flexible, you-do-you kind of lifestyle while still maintaining a “less is more” outlook. Unlike its extreme cousins, rational minimalism allows for some sentimental items and, gasp, some “just in case” possessions. It emphasizes mindful consumption rather than extreme reduction. As a result, it’s a more attainable lifestyle to adopt and maintain long-term, balancing minimalist principles with practical needs. Some of the benefits include: Reduces stress without sacrificing comfort Encourages mindful decision-making Promotes sustainability without extreme deprivation Allows for personal expression within a minimalist framework Ultimately, your approach to minimalism will depend on your circumstances, goals, and preferences. The key is to explore the different types, consider their pros and cons, and choose the one that aligns with your vision for a more intentional, fulfilling, and sustainable lifestyle. The Environmental Impact of Minimalism As we shift our focus to the broader implications of minimalism, it’s crucial to consider its impact on the planet. With environmental challenges on the rise, minimalism is more than a lifestyle choice. It’s also a powerful tool for reducing our ecological footprint. Embracing this way of living allows us to do our bit for Mother Earth. Resource Consumption and Minimalism The culture of overconsumption has led to the rapid depletion of natural resources. It’s time to break this cycle and embrace a more sustainable way of living. Minimizing our material possessions reduces the demand for new products, lowering the environmental strain. It doesn’t stop there. Minimalism also encourages us to be more mindful consumers, choosing quality over quantity and prioritizing experiences over things. This simple shift in mindset can do wonders for our planet’s well-being. Opting for a capsule wardrobe, for example, simplifies daily choices and significantly reduces the resources required for clothing production, including water, energy, and textiles. Waste Reduction Through Mindful Consumption One of minimalism’s most significant environmental benefits is its impact on waste reduction. This lifestyle’s mindful consumption naturally leads to less waste in several ways. First, minimalists purchase fewer items, which generates less packaging waste, a major contributor to landfills and ocean pollution. Secondly, focusing on quality and durability means that items last longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and the associated waste. Finally, minimalists are often more inclined to repair items than replace them. This extends product lifecycles and aligns with circular economy principles. Long-term Environmental Benefits of Adopting Minimalist Practices If more people embrace minimalism, it will yield decent environmental benefits in the long run. Minimalists often make more sustainable choices on a personal level, such as living in smaller, energy-efficient homes. On a larger scale, widespread minimalism has the potential to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Moving away from fast fashion, disposable goods, and unnecessary consumption could shift us towards a more sustainable economic model that values preserving resources. Aligning our habits with minimalist principles allows us to reduce our individual and collective environmental impact dramatically. Living with less affords us more time, freedom, and money, and it also offers a healthier planet for the future. Choosing Your Minimalist Path Consider now how you can embark on your minimalist journey. Remember, this is personal, and finding the right approach requires introspection and experimentation. Here’s how you can start: Reflecting on Personal Values and Lifestyle Needs Take time to consider what truly matters to you. What brings you joy? What are your long-term goals? Understanding your values will help determine which possessions and activities align with your vision of a fulfilling life. Assessing Current Habits and Areas for Improvement Evaluate your daily routines and living spaces. Identify areas where physical and mental clutter hinder your well-being or productivity. This will show you where a more minimalist approach could have the most significant impact. Tips for Gradually Incorporating Minimalist Practices 1. Start small: Declutter one area at a time, such as a drawer or a closet. This approach prevents overwhelming feelings and provides quick wins to motivate further progress. 2. Mindful consumption: Consider whether the item aligns with your values and is necessary. Prioritize quality over quantity to reduce long-term consumption. 3. Regular reassessment: Schedule periodic reviews of your possessions and habits. As your life evolves, so should your approach to minimalism. 4. Finding balance: Minimalism is about curating a life that works for you. Be flexible and adjust your practices as needed to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. Your Turn to Act Now that you’re familiar with the different minimalism styles, you can choose one that works for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Every small step towards minimalism is a step towards a more intentional, fulfilling, and sustainable lifestyle. With our mounting environmental challenges, living with less is one of the most impactful ways to reduce our ecological footprint and do our part for the planet. Let’s embrace less and create more—more freedom, more purpose, and a healthier planet for all. *** Angela lives in Cape Town. She enjoys spending her time drinking coffee and writing about her urban hippie adventures on Mostly Mindful. The post Choosing Your Minimalist Path appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us. The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration. For that reason, I hope you will make an effort this weekend to find a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy some of these hand-picked articles to encourage more simplicity in your life. My Teenaged Son Still Doesn’t Have a Smartphone. Here’s Why | The Globe and Mail by Katherine Martinko. This is the first in a series of columns on Digital Minimalism from Katherine Martinko. I recommend all of them. 10 Things Minimalists Say You Don’t Need to Be Happy | No Sidebar. In a world that constantly tells us more is better, it’s easy to believe that happiness is just one more purchase away. But minimalists offer a different perspective. The Junkification of American Life | The New York Times by David Brooks. We have access to wonderful things. But they require effort, so we settle for the junky things that provide the quick dopamine hits. *Due to NYT policies, this article may not be available in every geographic region. A Lesson in Letting Go | Rich in What Matters by Julia Ubbenga. Are you holding onto items from loved ones out of fear or guilt? My hope is that, if you answered yes, then this lesson in letting go can help you too. Minimalism and Social Media | Balance Through Simplicity by Antonia Colins. It’s an amazing source of information and inspiration but can also be a tough space to hang out in and can take up our time and energy. Recently Released Inspiring Videos 10 Unnecessary Possessions to Ditch for a Simpler Happier Life | YouTube by Joshua Becker. Most of the stuff we are told to buy and own doesn’t bring us meaning or happiness—it only distracts us from it. Whether you’re already interested in simple living, or just looking for a more peaceful life, here are ten things you can live without and still live a happy life How to Improve your Self Esteem | YouTube by Joshua Becker. When our self-esteem is healthy, it affects everything about us. Equally so, when our self-esteem is unhealthy, it affects everything about us. If you’ve ever struggled with low self esteem, I want you to know that you aren’t alone. Here are 6 tips to help. — Uncluttered. If you’re looking for help trying to minimize your possessions, my 12-week course will help you own less, live more, and discover the life you want. But this is the last weekend to sign-up. Registrations ends Sunday, September 15. The experience begins on Tuesday. The post Inspiring Simplicity. Weekend Reads. appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

Those of you reading this blog, those interested in the pursuit of productivity and work-life balance, and all those nice things, probably have a lot of dreams. It’s something that binds us. We want to be better in more than one area of our lives. There’s our health, our social lives, our personal work—and the The post Mastering prioritization could change your life appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

I’m a big fan of minimalism. The benefits of owning only what you need to accomplish your greatest purposes are always better than the consequences of buying things you don’t need. I was introduced to minimalism by my neighbor 16 years ago, and my family of four was changed immediately. As a result, I write often about the benefits of minimalism. Here are just a few of those articles: 21 Life-Giving Benefits of Owning Less Minimalism vs. Consumerism: The Benefits of Choosing a Simple Life 12 Ways My Life Has Changed After 15 Years of Minimalism But every so often, I am challenged with a comment. The comment, on its premise, is incorrect and any deep-dive into my writing would show that. But still, it persists. 
The comment sounds something like this: Minimalism isn’t a magic solution for happiness, no matter how often you imply it is. And so I thought it might be helpful, once and for all, to make it clear that I do not believe minimalism is a magic solution for happiness. By overcoming the pursuit and accumulation of material possessions, we free up valuable resources in our life. By buying less, we have greater flexibility with our limited money. By owning less, we free up time for other things and remove the stress that comes from caring for more than we need. And by desiring less, we are able to direct our affections and passions elsewhere. But none of those changes automatically result in a better life. We are still required to be intentional with the lives that we live. If we replace the pursuit of physical possessions with the pursuit of something that is equally fading and stress-enhancing, we have only replaced one distraction with another and our change is in vain. For that reason, what we do after minimalism is just as important as our discovery of it. Again, I hope that is reflected in my writing: Dream Bigger Dreams Than Minimalism Why We Work 9 Ever-Present Distractions That Keep Us From Fully Living But let me be crystal-clear, minimalism will not solve every problem in your life. Here are just a few examples of the problems minimalism cannot solve: Minimalism will not heal a broken family relationship. Minimalism will not cure a chronic illness. Minimalism will not change an unhealthy marriage. Minimalism will not heal a broken heart. Minimalism will not overcome grief. Minimalism will not eliminate anxiety or depression. Minimalism will not erase past trauma or regrets. Minimalism will not change your boss. Minimalism will not resolve societal injustice or inequality. Minimalism will not show you the meaning of life. Minimalism will not show you the secret of happiness or contentment. There are LOTS of problems in life that minimalism cannot solve on its own. This list could even contain hundreds more. That being said, and this is important, what minimalism can do is free you up to more intentionally address each of those individual (and societal) problems that we encounter. Because once we remove the pursuit of physical possessions as the means to resolve our discontent, we are forced to dig deeper and work harder to find that solution. Let’s put to rest, once and for all, any insinuation that minimalism will solve all of our problems, both individually and as a society. We’ll need to look elsewhere for that. Minimalism merely frees us up to do it better! The post The Problems Minimalism Can’t Solve appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

Note: The following article was published in the September 01 issue of Simplify Magazine. We often consider our food diet as the primary determinant of our health. And there is a lot of truth to that. What we eat determines quite a bit the physical body we live our lives in. But our “diet” extends beyond just what we eat. Every day, we consume countless other things: the media we watch, the books we read, the conversations we engage in, the news we encounter, and even the thoughts we entertain. Just as the food we eat impacts our physical health, these other forms of consumption significantly influence our emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. And in a world overflowing with information and stimuli, being mindful of our consumption becomes ever more critical. The choices we make about what to consume shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and ultimately our lives. And by practicing mindful consumption, we not only curate the external influences in our minds but we can also align our daily actions with our deeper values and goals. Mindful consumption may be one of the most important endeavors we can partake in. Let’s explore how we can approach this concept with intentionality, making choices that lead us toward a more meaningful and fulfilling existence. The Nature of Consumption Just as our physical health is impacted by the nutrients (or lack thereof) in our food, our mental and emotional health is influenced by the quality and type of our mental inputs. But these effects are not always felt right away. The full negative impact of an unhealthy diet isn’t felt the first day, but over a lifetime the cumulative effect determines who we become. Consider this: if we constantly consume negative news, we may begin to feel anxious or pessimistic about the world. If we follow social media accounts that promote unrealistic standards, we might start to feel inadequate or dissatisfied with our lives. Conversely, if we choose uplifting books, positive podcasts, life-giving spirituality, or meaningful conversations, we can foster a sense of hope, inspiration, and motivation. Not always the first day, but eventually … and always. Our society, as you know, often equates consumption with identity—what we own, what we wear, and what we showcase on social media. However, our greatest fulfillment in life will never come from external accumulation, but from internal alignment. By choosing mindfully, we can focus on consuming what nourishes our soul and positively impacts our life trajectory rather than what merely fills our time or, even worse, takes us down a road where we don’t want to go. But here’s the thing: Living with intention takes hard work and effort. The Importance of Intentionality Mindful consumption requires us to make deliberate choices rather than simply drifting along with the current of societal norms and expectations. It requires us to show up in our own lives every day. It means taking a step back and evaluating what we allow into our lives, understanding that not all consumption is created equal. It requires us to boldly evaluate when others are choosing unwisely and make decisions for ourselves. The line at the fast-food drive-thru is longer than the checkout at the grocery store produce department, but one reaps long-term health, the other unhealth. To live intentionally, we must first recognize that our life has value and is worthy of being lived well. And this is not an easy step for everyone. More than that, we recognize that our life is a sum of our daily choices. Every day presents new opportunities to choose differently, to select what aligns with our values rather than what is convenient or popular. Every new day is also a responsibility, to choose intentionality over and over again. Because if we don’t choose intentionality every day, someone else will begin to steer the ship. The foundation of mindful consumption begins with self-awareness. We must know who we are, what we value, what we want to accomplish, and whether our lives are moving in that direction. Once we have a clear understanding of these elements, we can make choices that support our goals and aspirations. Practical Steps for Mindful Consumption Before we go any further, I’d like to offer a list of different areas of life where we can apply mindful consumption (and how to do that): 1. Curate your media diet. Just as we choose healthy foods, we can choose nourishing media. Seek out news sources that offer balanced perspectives. Follow social media accounts that inspire and uplift rather than provoke comparison and jealousy. Choose books, podcasts, and shows that align with your values and contribute to your growth. 2. Limit negative influences. Negative influences are pervasive and often subtle. They can be found in the conversations we have, the content we consume, and even the environments we frequent. Identify these influences in your life and take steps to limit their impact. This might mean unfollowing certain social media accounts, avoiding gossip, or spending less time in environments or with people that drain your energy. 3. Engage in positive self-talk. Not all things we consume come from the outside. The stories we tell ourselves are a crucial part of our mental diet. Practice positive self-talk by affirming your strengths, acknowledging your progress, and being compassionate with yourself. This shift in internal dialogue can dramatically impact your overall well-being. 4. Choose your companions wisely. The people we spend time with significantly influence our mindset and attitudes. Surround yourself with individuals who support your values, encourage your growth, and challenge you to be better. These relationships are essential for a fulfilling and meaningful life. 5. Simplify your digital space. Just as we declutter our physical spaces, we can simplify our digital lives. Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters, delete apps that distract rather than serve, and organize your digital files. This simplification reduces mental clutter and helps you focus on what’s truly important. 6. Be careful what television you consume. Entertainment is more than passive. As I learned in my college film appreciation class, every produced piece of content communicates messages to us—sometimes unintentionally, but usually intentionally. And not all television shows and movies are beneficial. Focus more on what is good and less on what takes you away from the person you want to be. 7. Set boundaries for screen time. Additionally, not just do we need to care about what we watch, but in our digital age, it’s easy to become consumed by screens. Set intentional boundaries for your screen time, whether it’s limiting time on social media, taking regular breaks from work emails, or designating screen-free times of day. This practice helps prevent burnout and promotes more meaningful offline interactions. 8. Prioritize quality over quantity. Whether it’s the content you consume or the possessions you own, prioritize quality over quantity. Choose items and experiences that truly add value to your life rather than accumulating more for the sake of it. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation for what you have. 9. Reflect regularly. Take time to reflect on your consumption habits regularly. Are they aligned with your values and goals? Are there areas where you can make changes? Reflection helps you stay intentional and make adjustments as needed. The Benefits of Mindful Consumption Embracing mindful consumption offers numerous benefits. It is not always easy to be intentional, but it is always worth the effort. It helps us feel more in control of our lives, reduces stress, and fosters a deeper connection with our true selves. By making intentional choices about what we consume, we can: Improve our mental clarity. We can think more clearly, make better decisions, and pursue our goals with greater intention. Improve our emotional well-being. It helps us maintain a positive outlook and resilience in the face of challenges. Strengthen our relationships. By choosing to engage with positive influences and supportive people, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Align with values. It allows us to live more authentically and purposefully, creating a life that reflects our true selves. Accomplish more with our lives. Ultimately, by becoming more intentional with the things we choose to consume, we live bigger lives of purpose and meaning. In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of more, more, more, mindful consumption offers a countercultural approach. It invites us to slow down, evaluate our choices, and prioritize what truly matters. By being intentional about what we consume—whether it’s food, media, relationships, or thoughts—we can cultivate a life of greater meaning and fulfillment. May we all find the courage to make intentional choices and the wisdom to consume mindfully. The quality of our lives depends on it. — Simplify Magazine is a quarterly, digital magazine that I started in 2017 to highlight experts and topics not frequently covered here on Becoming Minimalist. To date, we have edited and published 30 issues of the magazine—each covering a different theme. We just released the September 01, 2024 issue on the topic of Mindfulness. Since it’s founding, Simplify Magazine has offered lifetime subscriptions for a one-time payment of $20 (USD). You can join the community of over 250,000 readers right here. The post Mindful Consumption: Making Intentional Choices appeared first on Becoming Minimalist. View the full article

by Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, CPAE “Over-communicating is the glue that holds a high-performing team together and keeps them focused in the same direction. And, it circles back to clarity. Without good, consistent communication, you don’t have clarity.” ― Lee Ellis, leadership consultant, author, presenter, retired colonel, USAF. As managers, it’s drilled into us that we shouldn’t micromanage —that instead, we should hire well-qualified, intelligent self-starters, then give them their instructions and get out of the way. And while this strategy is generally sound, you’ll always find some exceptions that test the rule. In recent years, some business experts have begun backing off a bit from the approach outlined above, expounding on the virtues of overcommunication. In the past, we’ve been told not to overwhelm employees with information, and ideally to establish a single type of communication—whether face-to-face meeting, email, or phone — by which to convey our instructions. Overcommunicate subverts those concepts. But while it may seem intrusive, this doesn’t mean it it’s unnecessary. The business landscape has changed significantly in the past five years, largely in response to reality of COVID, the resulting lockdowns, and the concurrent rise of remote work. This may have forced changes in your direction, or may do so as you move forward. Therefore, consider overcommunication as an option, along with these five tips for wielding it. It need not be difficult or harsh. Applying overcommunication can prove as simple as a quick question: “How’s it going with the Kowalksy report?” Many manager already do this, so if you’re one of them, keep it up. Similarly, you can shoot someone an email occasionally just to check on a product’s status, or call as a follow-up to a meeting. Overcommunicate in times of crisis or change. When the future seems uncertain, keep in constant touch with your team. Make check-ins, updates, and follow-ups part of your regular tool-kit, providing consistent and clear communication to ensure everyone understands a project’s details and milestones. Make sure they know what you need of them, so you can keep team productivity on point. Under-communicating at such times, or even just communicating at normal levels, may make team members feel lost and confused. Overcommunicate to clarify messages from leadership. A single company-wide meeting won’t cut it, because even if your team members take copious notes, all the messages won’t get through to everyone. Reemphasize your organization’s mission, vision, goals, and priorities immediately after such a meeting, whenever someone new joins your team (even if it’s an in-company hire), and at regular intervals thereafter. Don’t flood them with such reminders, but do encourage your team to frequently reconsider your leadership’s messages. Overcommunicate with remote workers. The COVID and post-COVID eras have taught many employees they can work just fine remotely, which makes it doubly important they understand your directions. Overcommunication becomes a must, since (a) remote work may cause workers to lose their sense of acting as part of a team; and (b) Skype and Zoom notwithstanding, your team members can’t communicate with you face-to-face. Ask them to let you know if they’re confused, and follow up your instructions. Just don’t descend to the level of “infotoxication,” where overwhelm creates further confusion. Try multiple methods of communication. Here’s another point where the overcommunication focus breaks with tradition. Instead of sticking exclusively with one method of communicating information, orders, and directions to your team, mix it up a little. Again, after a meeting, you might send out emails clarifying the details of the new assignment. If you usually stick to email, follow up with calls, voice messages, or (if possible), face-to-face meetings with key team members. Steering Clear of Confusion Although the hands-off approach may be ideal, it doesn’t always reflect reality. Sometimes, you just have to talk too much for your directives to get through intact. Advertisers have practices this for at least a hundred years. It’s not as necessary in a newspaper, since newsprint is static, but think about it; how many times do radio and TV ads repeat their toll-free numbers? In their books, business opportunity gurus and marketers tend to repeat the same information at least twice, even three or four times. They realize you might miss it the first time around. Despite your careful charting of the course at the beginning of your trip, as with any voyage, you need to perform a reality check occasionally and then do whatever’s necessary to get back on course. Reality may have shifted in such a way that your original directions may not always apply, or your communication methods may have developed gaps that don’t let some things through. If this is true, it’s time to overcommunicate so your people understand everything you’re trying to tell them, in ways that help bridge any gaps. © 2024 Laura Stack. Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, CPAE is known as The Productivity Pro®. She is an award-winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, and noted authority on personal productivity. For 30+ years, she has given keynote speeches and workshops on increasing workplace productivity in high-stress environments. Stack has authored eight books, including the bestselling What to Do When There’s Too Much to Do. She is a past president of the National Speakers Association and a member of the exclusive Speaker Hall of Fame. To book Laura speak at an upcoming meeting or event, contact her at www.TheProductivityPro.com. View the full article

Want a comfortable and modern papasan chair for your home? They’re incredibly relaxing to sink into its soft cushion and watch a movie, study, or read a good book. These chairs are also ideal for various living spaces such as porches, kids’ rooms, living rooms, or dens. Some of them are also foldable, which is convenient for storage and transportation. In this review, I’ll list my favorite modern papasan chairs. View the full article

Thinking about buying a bungee cord chair for your home, backyard, or office? In this article, I’ll list my favorite chairs on the market for your needs. I’ll also talk about some important issues like whether these chairs are comfortable and safe for your back. View the full article

Every day, a large amount of time and effort is spent on measuring vibration levels in buildings, factories, and other equipment or structures. This is where an effective vibration meter becomes important. Thousands of machine designers, technicians, and engineers have become experts at measuring vibration levels and evaluating how objects are impacted by vibration. Here is my recommended list of the best vibration meters you should consider purchasing. View the full article

The right ergonomic setup for a teenager will go a long way to keeping them comfortable and focused on their studies. That’s why the right ergonomic study desk and a comfortable chair should be your number priority. So what home desk is right for your teenager? In this guide, I’ll mention things to consider like size, desk shape, storage, and more. I will also recommend and review my favorite desks available. View the full article