Get Back on the Minimalist Bandwagon

It’s easy to fall off the minimalist bandwagon. One minute you’re decluttering like a pro, and the next you’re knee-deep in Amazon packages and thinking, “just one more” trinket from Target. 

Whatever the reason, it’s easy to feel defeated when you backslide. But don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. In fact, it’s practically a rite of passage for minimalists. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let’s get you back on track!

11 Minimalist Journey Recovery Tips

No one is a ‘perfect’ minimalist. My own minimalist journey has been full of ups and downs. I’ve gone months without buying anything (other than the absolute essentials), but I also spent $700 on clothing last month.

The most important thing to remember when you feel like you’ve lost sight of your minimalist goals is to regain control. Don’t let one slip up snowball into dozens of meaningless purchases.

Here are 11 recovery tips to help you regain control over your minimalist journey.

1. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

The first thing to do when you backslide is to give yourself a break. It’s easy to get caught up in the “all or nothing” mindset, but the truth is that minimalism is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay to make mistakes and slip up, as long as you learn from them and get back on track. So, don’t be too hard on yourself and remember that you’re human.

2. Reflect on Why You Backslid

It’s important to take some time to reflect on why you backslid and what triggered your return to non-minimalist behavior. If your slip up was in the form of a meaningless purchase, think about why you made that purchase. Were you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Did you feel like you were missing out on something? Understanding the root cause of your backslide can help you avoid similar pitfalls in the future.

3. Find a Minimalist Role Model

Sometimes, it helps to have someone to look up to and inspire you to keep going. Whether it’s a friend, a celebrity, or someone you follow on social media, find someone who is living a minimalist lifestyle that you admire and use them as a role model to keep you motivated. Click here to discover 10 of my favorite minimalist bloggers who have kept me motivated over the years.

Remember that the people you follow on social media may have been the cause of your backslide. So, take a look at the influencers you follow online. Do they inspire you to be a better version of yourself or do they make you feel like you aren’t good enough? Are they selling you an expensive lifestyle or are they encouraging you to live with less? The influencers you follow can make a huge difference in your spending habits so make sure you follow ones that align with your goals.

4. Get Rid of the Clutter

The best way to get back on track is to tackle the clutter head-on. Start by going through all your possessions and getting rid of anything that you don’t need or use. This might include clothes that no longer fit, gadgets you never use, or random knick-knacks that are just taking up space. Not only will decluttering help you get back on track, but it will also make you feel more organized and in control.

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals

It can be overwhelming to try to declutter everything at once, so it’s important to set small, achievable goals. Maybe you start by decluttering one room per week, or you focus on getting rid of a certain number of items per day. Whatever your goals are, make sure they are realistic so you don’t set yourself up for failure.

Not sure what goals to set? Click here!

6. Surround Yourself With Supportive People

It’s important to have a supportive network of people who encourage and motivate you to stay on track with your minimalist journey. Whether it’s friends, family, or a minimalist community online, having people who understand and support your goals can make a big difference.

If you can, find yourself a minimalist buddy. Ask your friends and family if they’re interested in the minimalist lifestyle. If so, It’s always easier to stay on track when you have someone to hold you accountable. Find a friend who is also interested in minimalism and commit to supporting each other on your journeys.

7. Celebrate Your Successes

It’s important to celebrate your successes and milestones along the way, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s getting rid of a certain number of items, or simply feeling more organized and in control, it’s important to take a moment to appreciate your progress and give yourself a pat on the back.

8. Always Share New Purchases With Someone You Trust

Share any future purchases you make with someone you trust. Impulsive shopping is an addiction. Like any addiction, it is important to have trusted people in your life involved in your journey to quit. Sharing the purchases you make with someone can help keep you accountable.

When I decided that I wanted to take control of my spending and stop shopping impulsively, I would share all of the purchases I made with my partner. It was embarrassing initially and definitely shed light on my problem, but over time, the spending subsided and it was thanks to his support.

9. Remember the Benefits of Minimalism

When you’re feeling tempted to backslide, it can be helpful to remind yourself of all the benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle. Maybe it’s having more time and energy, or simply feeling more organized and in control. Whatever your reasons are, keep them at the forefront of your mind to stay motivated.

10. Find Joy in the Process

Minimalism isn’t just about getting rid of stuff; it’s about finding joy in the things you choose to keep and the space you create for yourself. So take time to appreciate the little things and the progress you’re making, and remember that minimalism is supposed to be a positive and fulfilling experience.

11. Practice Gratitude

When you’re feeling tempted to buy something new or hold onto something that you no longer need, try practicing gratitude. Think about all of the things that you already have and how grateful you are for them. This can help you let go of the desire to accumulate more and appreciate what you already have.

In Conclusion

Minimalism can be a challenging journey, especially if you’re trying to simplify your life after years of accumulating possessions. It’s easy to get overwhelmed or lose motivation along the way. But don’t worry, it’s possible to get back on track and continue on your minimalist journey.

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About the Author: Barefoot Minimalists is a blog packed with tips, ideas, guides and suggestions for everyday people who want to live a more natural life with less. Whether you are just starting your minimalist journey or learning to sustain it, this blog is for you!