Prioritize Experiences Like a Minimalist

Minimalists focus on freeing up time, energy, and money—not by depriving themselves, but by creating space for what really matters. And one of the simplest ways they do this is by choosing experiences over material things. It’s a mindset that helps life feel lighter, and it’s something I’ve been leaning into more and more.

For my birthday, instead of asking for gifts, I ask for moments—things like a home-cooked meal, a massage from my partner, or a handwritten card. Those personal experiences make the day feel special in a way that no store-bought item could. I can always buy myself the things I need, but the joy of a shared moment or a thoughtful gesture stays with me so much longer.

What if we all chose experiences—like sharing a meal with someone or hosting a game night—over more stuff? These moments don’t clutter our homes, but they fill our lives with connection and warmth. They’re the stories we tell and the memories we hold onto long after the day has passed. When I think about my favorite moments, they’re almost always tied to time spent with people I care about, not the things I’ve owned.

Minimalist philosophy reminds us that when we own less, we often gain more: more time to enjoy life instead of managing things, more energy for what really matters, and more financial peace because we’re not overspending. Life starts to feel less crowded, more spacious, and more meaningful.

ACTION: Take a moment to reflect on your favorite memories. Are they tied to things you owned, or experiences you shared? Let that guide your next choice—whether it’s planning a game night, inviting someone for dinner, or doing something meaningful with what you already have. Focus on creating moments you’ll treasure instead of accumulating more stuff.

POST

It’s Not Too Late

I’m 49 years old right now, and I’ve had the thought, “It’s too late for me.” What’s interesting is I’ve felt that way at so many points in my life—at 39, 33, 23, 17, and even earlier. Looking back, I...

Start Again Today

It’s almost the New Year—or maybe it’s not. The date doesn’t matter because a new year isn’t the only fresh start we get. My birthday feels like my personal New Year. The Jewish New Year comes in the...

Learning to Manage Setbacks

A couple of days ago, I had an appointment to remove the cast I’ve been wearing on my hand and arm for six weeks. I’ve been counting down the days for this thing to come off. With the cast on, I can’t...

Turning Struggles into Strength

What makes a story inspire us? What kinds of stories motivate us to keep going? It’s not usually the ones that go, “He was handed the company by his parents” or “She stumbled into success without...

Your Only Competition Is You

A few years ago, I signed up for a triathlon. It was labeled a sprint—a “quick race” by triathletes, with half a mile of swimming, 10 miles of biking, and 3 miles of running. For me, this...

Take What You Need

This morning, I discovered someone new to me. He’s well-known for his activism and thoughts about how humans think and operate. Today was my first time hearing his words. Listening to his interviews...