Every January, you set goals for the year. Big, small, anything you want to achieve for the year. New Year, New You.
If minimalism feels stressful, you’re doing it wrong. And if it feels like punishment, you’re definitely doing it wrong.
So this year, we’re starting differently. No bin bags. No pressure. No contemplating over sentimental mugs. We’ll start by setting the right intention.
Why We’re Not Decluttering Yet
Let’s be honest.
If you declutter without intention, you will:
- Donate half your wardrobe
- Feel very proud of yourself
- Then rebuy everything by March
Minimalism isn’t about getting rid of things. It’s about stopping the cycle of buying → regretting → decluttering → repeating. And that cycle starts in your head, not your closet.
The Question That Changes Everything
Before touching a single drawer, ask:
“How do I want to feel this year?”
Not:
- How productive
- How impressive
- How Instagrammable
How you want to feel living your actual life.
Examples:
- Calm (no more low-level stress for no reason)
- Spacious (mentally, emotionally, financially)
- Unrushed (we are done with fake urgency)
- In control (not control-freak, just not chaos)
Pick one or two. Start small.
The 10-Minute Intention Ritual
Step 1: Sit somewhere with decent light
Bed, couch, garden. Wherever you’re already sitting.
Step 2: Write this sentence
“This year, I want my life to feel ______.”
That’s it. No aesthetic pressure. No perfect goals.
Step 3: Ask yourself (gently)
- What currently ruins this feeling?
- What supports it?
No blaming. We’re observing, not attacking ourselves.
Step 4: Close the notebook
Congratulations. You are done. Go drink coffee. Or matcha.
How This One Intention Will Save You Money, Time & Sanity
Your chosen feeling becomes your new filter.
Before buying something:
- “Will this add calm or become clutter I’ll resent?”
Before saying yes:
- “Does this makes me happy, or am I just being polite again?”
Before committing:
- “Is future me going to resent me for this?”
Minimalism is simply decision-making that add values to your life.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need a dramatic glow-up. And you definitely don’t need a personality reset.
You just need:
- Fewer things screaming for your attention
- Fewer people to have access to your life
- Fewer commitments that don’t make you feel good
Quiet life, clear mind and strong boundaries.
Final Thought
Minimalism doesn’t start with throwing things away. It starts when you stop forcing your life to look like everyone else’s. Start soft. Start honest. Start with intention.