Not buying something is your future self-letting go in advance! awesome quote!!

My husband added an ad blocker to our home wifi router. It blocks the ads on Roku, kid’s apps, tacky sidebar junk, and probably other things I never miss. It’s wonderful. 🙌🏻

You guys are a marketer's nightmare... and I love it! Thanks for your wisdom!

Answering the Apple question... Yes, I was an Apple Store Specialist got almost 6 years and we all have talked many “old ladies” out of a $2000+ iMac to just getting an iPad cus all they wanted to do was see and talk to their grand children on Facebook! It’s apart of all the same questions we would ask everyone to get to the perfect solution. A lot of times my solution for a customer would be to actually NOT buy the “new thing” 😎 Also you guys are awesome! Found you through Rachel Cruze... I’m now a minimalist enthusiast 😆

Ryans point is 100% true : We have to find other habits to replace compulsive consumption , most of it happens when we are bored .

I've recently started letting go of MANY things. I'm fully redecorating and minimalizing my bedroom. I think in a matter of a few days, I got rid of 75% of my "organized hoarder" collection for donation. I collect dolls, figurines and such from stuff I'm a fan of but I realize now it caused me nothing but stress. I can be a fan of something and not have to buy little figurines and crap of the merch. I can watch the shows digitally, I don't even need a freaking DVD of it unless it's super hard to find online. I will have two tall display cases on either side of my new bed (with a built in dresser underneath said bed) and that is all I am keeping of my collection because they make me smile looking at them and not have stuff stored away in boxes - plus they are items I've all artistically customized so I have more pride in them. I'm currently in the process of selling things on Kijiji and I could kick my own ass from the amount of stress I've caused myself getting all of this stuff. It really makes me think twice about buying any merch of anything ever again. The plus side however, is that the money from the items I sell can go towards my minimalist furniture and complete bedroom makeover. I already feel so much weight off my back it's INSANE. Being happier with less stuff really is so true.

I love the term "the joy of missing out". My circle of friends got their brand new trucks and i sincerely happy for them but me and my husband are happier for not having one especially brand new because we dont want another monthly payment. :-) we are contented what we have right now. :-)

Please talk about compulsive overeating and minimalism in meals. Thanks guys

When I feel the urge to buy something I watch you guys! 🤭. I also like how these guys listen to each other and carry on a mature conversation. The years of great friendship and respect for one another shows. 👍🏻

I know this is (2) yrs old....this podcast here.. yet I have just discovered ya'lls podcast. 7:21 Joshua.... describing the beauty of a new keyboard as "aerodynamic" Oh my gosh. that is definitely real and relatable! My smile for the day. I love your all's content, humor, and wisdom in the minimalist mindset. I appreciate you all and the advice and real-life examples that you illustrate. I was born in '71 and I was first introduced to the word, "minimalism," after viewing the 2016 Netflix documentary in which you all appeared. Four yrs later and my husband and I have adopted so many of these habits. It just keeps getting better. Thank you for using your talents in this area to bless others, like myself! If someone asks you, "What do ya'll do?" You could possibly answer, "We give the best of ourselves to others by honestly sharing what we have learned so that you might become your best self as well."

I leave my wallet at home & just carry ID during my work week.

I find it really helpful to keep concentrating on what I am GAINING by not buying! I am sort of choosing to "buy" the better choice. For instance I am "buying" myself shelf space, time not spent caring for a new item, the satisfaction of being more imaginative with what I already have, a general sense of satisfaction otherwise, maybe, known as smugness! Lol! These swaps get more and more second nature and more and more satisfying! This is my first comment! I have only just discovered you two as someone recommended you to me! Here's some love for you both coming from the UK. You are just what the world needs! ✌️💕🌻

Compulsion is a real thing. I really like Ryan's serious take on how he has personally experienced this. I really want to be more minimalist, but I find instead that I go through cycles of shopping and purging. I get rid of a bunch of stuff, then reward myself for my achievements... by buying more stuff. It's a really tough struggle with my own issues, insecurities and expectations. Telling myself that I "need" this thing or that thing in order to live a happy and comfortable life without really pausing to consider how honest that thought really is. To combat that, I sometimes find that I put off a decision for AGES while I deeply consider the pros and cons and it just stresses me out more. That's when I usually snap and purchase something impulsively just to feel like I did something.

Once Jacqueline defines what the word "enough" means, physically and mentally, she will eventually stop her compulsive shopping. She feels she doesn't have enough of whatever she is seeking! Jacqueline, try using your products you have, journal, do not spend and meditate about what you currently have for one month and compare your inner thoughts to a month later and define if you have enough! Also, seek where the compulsiveness is coming from, possible approval seeking, unconscious insecurities and lack of self-compassion. These were my compulsive shopping inner thoughts.

I did the same thing with my nice dishes. I had them on display in a bakers rack. I added all of that to my regular plates and dishes and got rid of the Baker's rack and about 75% of stuff I didn't need. It saves me time with dusting and my dishes are being used. You guys are great! ❤️❤️❤️

I bought my laptop back in my uni days and now it has been about 10 years since I've used it. It still works quite well, except for the battery issues. It helped me working on my uni projects and now it helps me working on my business :) what a beautiful companionship with my 'robot!' You know what? sometimes old gadgets are felt like friends or even families. Be kind to your goods and somehow they are noticing your friendship (sounds bit weird but hope my message is well understood) Love this episode!

Reminds me of a scene from Silence of the Lambs. “Where does lust start? With our eyes.” Im finding myself unsubscribing to marketing emails and even ad-blockers since I found you guys. Love your work!

Fight Club really was my first impulse to become a minimalist. Great movie, even from a philosophical perspective.

I would say that for the first 25 years of marriage I bought items that I pictured other people admiring when they came to our home. It worked often enough to reinforce that little hit of pride I received each time. Unfortunately, by doing this, my house could never be what our family actually loved. And it could never be finished because I needed that “hit” again the next time those same people came to our house. So, something had to be drastically different to garner attention. It makes me physically sick to think of not only the waste of money and time, but that I didn’t allow myself or my family to just enjoy their home the way they liked it.

The things you own end up owning you,

You guys are ridiculously entertaining! And this actually happened to me!! I went to buy an iPad when the iPad Pro came out (2016?2015?), and the guy there asked me why I wanted the Pro, and I ended up getting the iPad Air instead, saving 300 quid...and it is still going strong!!

I don’t know what exactly her situation is or isn’t, but if it is a true compulsion, maybe even bordering on a shopping addiction, the root psychology needs to be addressed. For example, is someone feeling lonely- distanced from their family, or not having enough of a social support network, or living in a remote place. Or is someone not feeling fulfilled enough- whether it’s career or lack of, or wanting to have more purpose through volunteering for a cause, or even just needing a distracting but fulfilling hobby. Or is someone grieving a loss of something or someone in their life. If it is a true compulsion, she might already know all the reasons why she doesn’t want to shop- such would not be fixed w/ a mere bandaid.

I get exactly what Jacqueline was asking as I have the same issue. I have decluttered my house and am now in the “optimizing” phase. I just moved to the US from Europe and have now decided, after becoming acquainted with Home Goods (store) that my lamps, which were previously fine, no longer are and everything else too seems lacking! We bought a gorgeous, brand new house and now my “old” things don’t seem good enough and I want NEW! I “need” the good candles now, the fancy laundry basket, the Dyson vacuum. The pedestrian, “normal” stuff seems cheap to me now. I don’t want MORE, I want BETTER. That seems at odds with my desire for a more minimal life.

I too had a compulsive shopping addiction. I believe it came from a lack I had as a child. When I look at what things I bought, excessive clothes; I had little clothes as a child. I bought excess Halloween costumes and decorations because I loved Halloween as a child and never had but one bought costume; the print- on jumpsuit of vinyl with the plastic mask that cane in a box that they sold in the 70's grocery store. I always loved the houses that were decorated. These are emotional replacements.

There is one thing I did recently that has completely changed my outlook on shopping. I set up a budget. Now I find that I am challenged to stay within and under my budget. I really think now about what I buy. Maybe I can use what I already have!

Missing out...missing out on stuff. I’ve started whispering to myself that I’m a minimalist. I’m not ready to say it out loud yet but I’m most definitely enjoying the negative space, white space more and more. I’ve been paying attention to that sensation as I purge what needs purging and trying to stay in the intentional mindset. Some days are harder than others.

This is really true. I have been trying to practice minimalism, from the last few months and it is really hard because I grew up being materialistic. For me, as a child, happiness meant new 'things'. When I feel sad, I start shopping. You're right in saying that shopping is like a pacifier. It is. It's a habit really hard to get out of. It's hard to tame yourself to not feel compelled to buying. But I do feel that I have made a lot of progress in the last few months. I practice your exercise of getting rid of one thing in exchange for another thing, and I own more useful things. I am more aware of what I have. Earlier, I have come across episodes of my roommate stealing my things, and me realizing days later that I am not able to find it. I'm really happy to come across your channel, read about you, learn from you. You guys have made my life so much better.

In regards to FOMO and social media: When I left social media I had a friend say "See you in the real world!" It really put everything into perspective. Social media is a digital parallel universe, not the real world. I always feel energized and content after hanging out with friends in the real world as opposed to looking at their social media posts. Also, social media is full of ads 😛

ive been listening to the podcast all summer and its nice to know whos voice belongs to who haha

If you're still at the beginnings of minimalism a great habit to pick up is decluttering and cleaning instead of shopping. It's a win-win situation.

I’ve stopped using shopping as a pacifier as I now restrict my spendings but I’ve realised I’m now using online shopping browsing (I don’t buy stuff I just browse endlessly) and watching KZfaq as pacifiers. I know I should invest the time on work , exercise or educating myself but I am stuck in this limbo. It is hard to shake off pacifiers altogether

I think the welcoming of missing out is such a good tip. I will apply this to my future decisions, as I am struggling the same way Jacqueline was.

It is my third day of not spending. Small steps.

For about 6 months I unsubscribed from anything and everything I didn't need/want. Now, I never get ad email--just real mail. Tackle it daily as it comes in (otherwise it's super overwhelming). As I get an email that solicitation or undesirables I go to the bottom hit unsubscribe and in less than 10-15 sec I've eliminated a big distraction/temptation down the road. Super worth the 1-2 mins it initially takes.

I tell myself....that i never have money, so i never shop unless i really need it......its awesome because i dont need to ask for money to make till payday

Jim Morrison never owed anything but the clothes on his back. He certainly had it all though:)

Another advice is to avoid watching youtube videos about capsule wardrobes. I found myself thinking I needed a particular item just because I saw it on a video. Watching just one of these so you get the grip of what is a mindful wardrobe is enough, they all say the same thing anyway.

You guys are awesome, thank you, thank you! For inspiring me to live.

I feel what she means too I recently moved from California to Nevada I realized it was cheaper to just buy furniture once I moved out here then it was to rent a truck and bring stuff with we I have fallen under the impulse to buy furniture and utensils that I think I need but at the same time have been fine to function without

Really good stuff. I suggest she needs some skills for living an intentional life rather than a life on autopilot or default. What you give energy (words, thoughts and feelings) you get more of even if it is not what you want. People often spend their energy focused on the things in life they don't want and exactly what they don't want is what they get more of. Imagine a GPS focused on not being where you are instead of focusing on where you want to go. Instead of spending energy on what you don't want, spend your energy on what you do want along with designing and creating the life you do want and then be intentional about creating that life by keeping the GPS of your life focused on the life you want rather than the life you have or the life you don't want.

My grandmother always said "do you need it or do you want it?"....She was a bit of a hoarder 😜🙄

Pack the essentials in a back pack (clothes, toile tiers, etc). Take your passport and other important papers and go to a safer place. That is what we do here in México and it works. Your life is more important than any material thing. Believe me I know. Take care. 😉

Thank you guys I'd like to suggest another idea to ask yourself what is the emotion or the feeling that is hiding under the pulse to consume. It is never about the stuff it is never about the physical things it is always about something underneath the surface that is kind of pushing us to do those things that we know that are not good for our own well-being. By that I mean feelings emotions and other needs. Then you'll have to take the courage to take care of those feelings not being afraid of them because they are demonstrating something that needs healing or at least something that needs your attention inside of you and so instead of going for shopping you can look inside of you and ask yourself what can you do to feel more complete -or whatever- in your life. You can also expand your choices what are the thing that will make you feel happy or complete or satisfied in your life that does not have something to do with shopping. In above all remember that this is a life journey. Be prepared to be curious and become more aware of your feelings and feel compassion to yourself into your choices. Good luck

I have served Sonic tater tots on Wedgwood --- have it, love it, use it.

I don't know if I've consciously seen an ad and thought 'I need that' and gone and bought it.

FYI companies design advertisements so that when they are fast forwarded you still see the important information, e.g the brand, the item, the “positive” impact on the people in the commercial, you’ll notice it now I’ve said.

Love these guys. We are beginning our minimalist journey as a family. It’s very difficult when you are the only one who is really enthused about it. Any pointers?

I went to the apple store because my laptops battery needed service... $250 to repair it! The person helping me was so kind and told me not the spend the money.

The one who knows when enough is enough will always have enough.

I’ve watched this twice now and each time I’ve laughed at the part where Ryan mentions drinking from the tap - funny! Love The Minimalists. Long-time fan, first comment, best wishes.

I was told the same by the Apple store in Michigan - because I just write too on my laptop - so I think this may be an Apple ethos. 🙂

What helps me daily about not buying stuff I know I dont need, is to give the money to charity! Animals in shelters need more food that I need this new dress, so everytime I feel I'm going to buy something compulsively, I imagine to give the money to someone who really need it, this way of thinking helps so much. Thanks for this episode!

Love you guys.. Can you do a podcast about exercise, Gym membership..etc??

It helps to MUTE the advertisements. If you don't hear them it's easier to walk away from the TV - and not so annoying. Plus since the video part's still on, you can see when the ads are over and your program is back on.

HELLO, fellow ENFP! The glossy, shiny world of…everything that sparkles and shines, and is lightweight and charges! My object A is definitely the next car…because they are always upgrading and innovating the thing that literally overall does the same thing. I’m guilty!

You don’t have to get rid of the thing you don’t buy 🤔I love that perspective. Also knowing his partner and I share the same first name was confusing

My Dad use to say, “You have the gimmes, the wants, the have to haves”

I embrace jomo. 🤗

Instagram is the new window shopping for me. I need to stop looking at what everyone is showing off.

the fine china anecdote brings me back to that Book written by Dominique Loreau ( The art of simplicity : how to live more with less) when she says that we should always choose quality over quantity, that's why we should use our fine China and get rid of the plastic plates, because each day is a special occasion....( and a way of showing ourselves respect by feeling "allowed" to use the best things we own each day! )

I love being able to see you guys! This was a great idea :)

I found myself scrolling online shops and I'm back in here to refrain myself by re listening to u guys again. 😑

loved this!

I look forward to seeing the meditation ,, its an addiction for sure,, my motto was always; when feeling sad buy a new top,, scheech ,, i have even embedded that on to my own daughters,,, crazy or what,, its always such a temptation to shop to try to feel better,,and make the ones you love feel better by buying them a gift,, eeeeeeek keep up your mission,,cheers

@the Minimalists I use a adblocker plus a app called stay focused to remove temptation to stay on platforms like Facebook and other time wasters. I have it set to 20 minutes during working hours. If you find it hard to reduce police it with apps.

Thats the thing, I need to find something to keep my head busy. Staying at home watching movies makes me upset, i feel like im wasting my time.

KZfaq premium is the best $12.99 I spend per month! So worth it!

I personally have a problem when it comes to books and comics. Every time I enter a bookshop I feel the urge to buy something, there's always something new or something interesting, it drives me crazy sometimes!!!

How do you lose your Airpods? You have no stuff to lose them in .

I find these videos the ultimate deterrent for making any new unnecessary purchases haha! I would also recomend practising yoga as a form of distraction and finding mental clarity. It's also an excellent form of exercise so you're killing multiple birds with a single stone - top minimal points as all you need is a mat and youtube. :D

Everything just makes sense now!!! Thank you!

Always the perfect words

Once you get out of the habit, you get used to it, start saving your money for something important, exercise, get involved in community project, only shop second hand, start cooking, and dont start Internet shopping 👍

I just canceled two orders after watching this episode. guess i'm learning how to let go that impulse lol

Nearest glass looks like a smiling face .....creepy

That woman’s phone call is 100% me.

how can I stop negative habitutes? How do I quit smoking?

Aggressive ads are bad in the gun and knife world. Phones are bad but this is another level. Look! This new model is shinier, holds more rounds, made of a rare metal, etc. And gets to the point where they’re splitting hairs. Who cares if this new bullet goes just a little faster? Guys will pay used car prices for a gun or knife. And they actually make spending too much a point of pride. And many guys will collect guns and never shoot them!

Love this guys!! 🙏👍

Anti-consumerism meditation, love it. 🙂

I have developed a compulsion on acquiring free stuff from Nextdoor and buy nothing Facebook groups to the point of sort of hoarding... can you guys address that please? Thanks:)

How I stopped shopping was to go on a shopping fast. Just tell yourself that it’s only for a month. And buy nothing except absolute necessities. At the end of 30 days I lost my desire to buy. I still shop. I can walk around stores all day and not buy anything. That was over 4 years ago. Make shopping looking. Go look at all the things that tempt u. If I want a lamp. Look at lamps look at the quality, look where it’s made. Take a picture of the best one u can find. Then go home and look at similar in line. If u still want it wait one month. At the end of the month u probably will be sick of thinking about the lamp and won’t want it. If u still want it get it. When i shop w friends I just look at stuff I like and compare the quality and country of origin and i rarely buy anything. Good luck.

I too leave my wallet at home, but do carry i.d. and then if the unfortunate happens, like someone tries to rob you, well there is nothing to take or lose, only guard my i.d card i do look at stores and their goods but have never been tempted to purchase anything, anyway i leave my cards at home!

How long is Josh's first question to Ryan?

How a Minimalist shop and prepare for a Hurricane ?

Ironically I had a wonderful 6 second ad before the start of this video. Thanks youtube.

They say to just "unwant" it now. :)

perfect common sense

I went thru my email and unsubscribed to all product emails. Get rid of Amazon on your phone.

My son likes to put his head under the faucet. Too lazy to grab a glass.

The Dude Abides

. . . am I gonna throw this thing?? 🤣🤣

I`m in total agreement only God is enough he makes us complete, stuff just doesn't cut it, I`m also on a journey to minimalism.