In the year 2020, I wanted to accumulate huge wealth, build a multi-story mansion, settle abroad, buy exotic cars, gather Apple products, etc. Not because I wanted to live a luxurious life—I mean I did, and I still want to actually—but the main motive was to show people that I can have of all that. I wanted to show people my worth. I wanted people to be around me, like me, and look up to me.

Minimalism allowed me to see the truth. The truth that no matter how far you go, no matter how much you earn, your true self is what gets real appreciation. Aiming for that luxurious life is good, but when we try to mix our visions with acceptance and class, the end result is always a rat race.

Hear me out: I can attain all that to show off to everyone. People may admire me for once, they may get jealous for once, but soon they’ll forget. This will prompt me to gather more, to earn and spend more. You see? This becomes a rat race quite fast.

Once I self-analyzed, searched for my "Why’" and understood this concept, my whole vision changed. Now I know that a nice 1500 to 2000-square-foot place will be enough, I won’t need a multi-story villa or a penthouse. 

I have realized that rooting for luxury, money, and the ability to show-off won’t get me anywhere. Instead of losing twenty-four hours and earning $24,000, I choose having eight to ten hours to spare and earn $12,000. Instead of sitting on a chair or in a cabin in search of more money, I’d rather earn a bit less and travel. Half the salary and living on my own terms sounds much better to me than double the salary and a rat race.

That is what I have achieved from my twelve months of Minimalism. I won’t tell you that my views are right, but I do believe that minimalism will teach you how to respect your own true-self and wishes.

Embrace Minimalism. Embrace your true-self. Because the least you can do for yourself, in this consumerist world, is to hear what your real-self wants.