9 Ways to Challenge Consumerism

[@JoshuaBecker]

Hey guys! Just wanted to let you know that my new book, Things That Matter, is finally here. I put my heart into it, and I can’t wait to share it with you. You can pick up a copy at www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/676394/things-that-matter-by-joshua-becker/

[@lauriemcmillan2643]

"Your life is too unique to live like everyone else." Amen to that!

[@elizabethlangley5643]

Mindless shopping has become a weekend hobby for so many people, it saddens me. It took me a long time (I'm 63) to realise I don't need so much "stuff"

[@gailtester8749]

I did a January shopping ban and it was such an eye-opener. I stopped myself a half a dozen times from impulsively buying on Amazon. My triggers were KZbinrs showing me their capsule wardrobes and the perfect item to own. The shopping ban revealed that to me also. It's been so successful I'm going for February!

[@anewchapter8142]

Good for you Gail. :)

[@lk1869]

Same! I broke down and bought a yoga mat in the 27th. I needed one for my Pilates. I kept a calendar to track my progress. It feels good when you see your progress.

[@MaisyDaisyTyler]

We don't realise the power of you tubers on consumerism, it's massive!

[@tanguerafeliz5096]

I'm doing a no buy 2021 challenge (exceptions being groceries, car servicing, co-pays etc). I want to give away, donate, sell instead.

[@LightLivingEst80]

Now do it in December. I'm waging war on consumerism.

[@jvyeknom]

This channel is like going to the gym for my minimalism. It just makes me stronger. 💪

[@sharminjahan9037]

Exact words from my mind

[@Myworldmymind908]

Agreed wholeheartedly

[@sauljase5801]

you all probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the login password. I would love any tips you can give me!

[@Myworldmymind908]

@@sauljase5801 is there a reset option ?

[@andersconner4174]

@Saul Jase instablaster =)

[@sarahthatcher123]

"Mindless consumption always leads to excess consumption "....WOW! Now that is a great quote!

[@Stormyweld05]

I'm very stressed and angry around mess and clutter and I always have been. It almost definitely goes back to when I was a kid and my mum would collect any furniture that was going free. She would line it wall-to-wall: sofas, cabinets, Welsh dressers etc. This was made worse by the fact that she wasn't much of a cleaner; things would get so dusty but they'd only get cleaned when people were visiting. I used to be so embarrassed when friends came over, especially when many of them had (what I perceived to be) lovely homes. I would come home from school and spend my times dusting and refluffing the carpet with a wire brush. I also moved all the furniture and rearranged everything while mum was at work. She used to collect miniatures and ornaments (the latter being a HUGE dislike of mine!) and there would be so much to clean and put back. We also had balding carpets where they were so old/used and didn't line up with the edges of the walls; they were either too short or were curling up and over the skirting boards. Strangely, you would have thought that I'd grow up wanting lots of nice things, but it's not like that. All I want is happiness, health and safety with the people I love most, with nice but FEWER things. Your videos are giving me the tools to achieve that. I've been following you for one day and already I've put aside all the stuff in my kitchen that I'm going to sell, donate and throw out. My Vitamix and juicer have been put away in the pantry; my plates, bowls, cups and pots/pans have been reduced and I can honestly say that my head feels clearer. Even my 7 year-old son has been clearing out his toy box to the point where it's almost empty, with no prompting from me, I must add. I cannot wait to start on the rest of the house. We're currently remodelling since moving in last year and your videos have literally been inspirational for me. Thank you SO much.

[@icingcake]

Good for you!

[@annaalm18]

I recently made a huge step in letting go the attachment to many of my belongings. This is such a freeing feeling! e.g. I suddenly do not need my collection of vintage irons any more, actually I feel that every single thing that I don't use or love is a burden to my life. I am in my mid fourties so it took me quite a while to realize some of those connections...;) and your videos are always a great inspiration and help on my path, although I don't agree with everything you say (e.g.I like to have duplicates of some things); so thank you, Joshua

[@chomperthefirst533]

That is so great Anna! I am working through this myself, and it helps to hear this. ‘Attachment’ is an interesting word, connotations of a heavy chain or anchor come to mind. Now you ARE freer, as less is actually holding you back! ‘Holding you back’ ie imprisoning you... Aren’t I heady today! Lol!

[@annaalm18]

​@@chomperthefirst533 Very heady, indeed :DDD but seriously, thank you for your words, I love the image of the heavy chain - this really hit me:) it's so damn true. And what a relief, now:))

[@nancywarren863]

I think your channel is one of the best and rightfully called a minimalist channel. So many others with “minimal” in the title show how they declutter; nothing more. Joshua Fields Millburn said (I am paraphrasing) ‘decluttering is a tool, not a lifestyle.’ He also reminded me that owning a hammer doesn’t make me a carpenter any more than decluttering makes one a minimalist. Thank you for my minimalist (not decluttering ) tutorial.

[@belengauto3801]

Thank you for your videos! I follow from Montevideo, Uruguay. The only thing I buy more these days are plants. With the quaranteen I became a huge fan of gardening. I live in a apartment and so don't have a garden but I truly enjoy taking care of my plants and see they are growing healthy and beautiful. But I became more aware of the rest of unnecessary purchases (clothes, bags, cosmetics, etc) and reduced them. Your videos certainly help me to do so. Gracias!

[@MaisyDaisyTyler]

I think I'm Realising emotions are a trigger for me as I'm feeling the 'need' to consume but this is a reminder to look at it deeper and figure out what's really going on

[@kimberlychodur3508]

I feel like that's my trigger too. I try to move money into my savings account, so I only have enough in my checking account to pay my bills, and a little bit leftover.

[@MY-kh9hx]

It’s great that you upload your videos every Friday night so viewers are reminded not to go mindless shopping during weekend (in your words, exchange their life for unnecessary possessions).

[@nvaranavage]

Whenever I get bogged down in purging items from my house, or when I'm organizing spaces, looking for items to get rid of, I play this guy's videos in the background.....it keeps me motivated to keep going especially when I get stuck.

[@ellenbunker-lopez4007]

I love that your channel is not just about minimalism but about adding meaning and purpose to our lives by putting our time and resources into blessing others. Thanks to your talks and these videos, I have come to understand how important Christ's teachings are about reaching out to the poor and those in need. Thank you! It has all helped me refine my purpose.

[@angelwings1]

I’m working on this right now. We bring in decent money, yet at the end of the month we’re struggling, I’m making a conservative effort to control my spending habits. I have spent some money this month, but I’m in control now. Im on my journey to minimalism (with a family of 5), and with it comes a sense of control. I’m keeping an eye on our bank account and discovering I don’t need to buy more stuff.

[@Mrshereforethemusic]

Nothing like listening to Joshua at the end of a day to reset your mind and intention for the day ahead. 💚

[@Nan-59]

Great video & I like that they’re short & sweet! Perfect 👌

[@JoshuaBecker]

Awesome, thank you!

[@clci5186]

He keeps them minimal. Lol. No seriously, very good information in a nice concise package. His voice is also very soothing and calming. Thank you .

[@elizabethtaylor6937]

Thank you for your videos 🙂 watching at 5.30am in Australia 🐨🇦🇺👋

[@lauriepowell3959]

Watching at 4:07 a.m. Atlanta, Ga. 🍑

[@annfarrell6479]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us, Joshua. Faith, family, friends....that’s the way to happiness and contentment.

[@valeriehowden471]

I have been getting rid of stashes in our home. Our daughter had several stashes of crayons, stickers etc which she doesn't like any more. Easily donated to her school and given to the younger students. They love it. My stashes are crafts and DIYs. Finally figured out my priority projects, donated extra stuff and banned shopping for new items until projects are completed. Definitely good for my wallet!

[@anaalves3658]

I have also banned myself from buying new sewing materials until I have used up what I already have, it's a very small amount but I want to keep it like that 😉

[@nicolajoannerolfe9463]

I have watched many of your videos but recently I haven't had time. It is so strange that when I do watch your words strike home and help keep me on the right path. Thank you for confirming that my choices are goog ones. Keep safe. 🇮🇹🇬🇧

[@phyllissamkooistra4558]

Although we live completely debt free and very simply in many ways I feel I have room for improvement in this area . We are self employed and earn a fairly decent income . I’ve kept track of every single purchase Ed have made over the last 16 months & quite honestly am a little appalled at how much we spend monthly so I am now challenging myself to a no spend 2021 with the aim to save 30,000$ towards a goal we have . Thank you for a most timely video !!!😊❤️😊

[@anaalves3658]

Good luck 🤞

[@annieheath986]

We are no longer the consumer being sold a product, we are the product being sold to the advertisers.

[@anewchapter8142]

So true!

[@ktee6370]

Indeed, and all the receipt scanning for money in return is giving the companies so much information about us as products.

[@desertrose00]

So that the advertisers can sell you a product. You are still the consumer being sold a product. Otherwise the advertisers couldn’t care less about you.

[@jasminealexia]

9 points in less than 7 minutes is why I came here! This did not disappoint! I am making an experiment to stop buying clothing, makeup, and other things that I don’t really need. This video is super helpful thanks!!

[@pameehanson3866]

The mall closest to me started closing stores such as Sears. They put in small junky shops that I was not interested in these stores. So I stopped going to the mall about 3-4 years ago. Slowly this mall has closed more and more stores and they are now tearing down Sears. I do not miss going to the mall, it was a habit to entertain and when the pandemic hit by then I had stopped mall shopping all together. I try to only replace items that are needed. This is a process and when i started downsizing my wardrobe to a capsule it became more freeing. I still have long way to go but this is a journey and process that gets more freeing each day that i get rid of something and it's not replaced.

[@lifeisanadventure406]

Best minimalist video I've ever watched.

[@alanbirkner1958]

My neighbor was going to throw out several decor items. I offered to take them to a thrift store. I make a trip to the thrift store once every week or two. My goal is to keep usable items out of the landfill. A young friend introduced me as a committed minimalist the other day. It made me feel great. Yours, Tina

[@urbanknish]

Your message is highly motivational! I believe so many of us, including myself feel sick inside at some level about how much money and time we are spending buying things we don't need because WE ARE BORED. "Faith, friends, family and contributions" is a good list of things to find happiness in!

[@HotSin84]

thanks Joshua now my mom donated a lot of our extra stuff and now we have more room to run around the house- Ismael, 9 yrs old :p

[@844184411]

Great videos! I like how you get to your points quickly, unlike other You Tubers who drag out their videos. Here’s a topic you may want to consider - Container Addiction. I love every kind, big or small. The problem seems to be, I hide my stuff in them, which allows me to think I don’t have a hoarding problem. Great way to fool myself and feel like I’m well organized. But somewhere deep down, I know this is not the way to go. I remember a friend who had the same problem. There’s a crazy fear of having empty containers with nothing to put in them. Haha. Hopefully you have a degree in psychology. Haha!

[@jessie9653]

My mom is the same way ☺️

[@MY-kh9hx]

You may have fallen victim of IKEA and the similar organising stuff sellers.

[@valeriehowden471]

Reminds me of when I decluttered my daughter's old bedroom. The bookcase was bare so I donated it. Can't fill it if it doesn't exist anymore. Now that the room is clean and less cluttered, our daughter wants to move back into it. 12 years old BTW. I use my old totes as bins for donation items. Can't fill them any more either.

[@lauriepowell3959]

@@valeriehowden471 Donating in totes is great idea. 💡👍🏻

[@erin.wilson]

Thank you Joshua, I really needed one of your videos right now.

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thanks for watching Erin.

[@johnentwhistlesurelysamsun1840]

Thankyou joshua, thats me, you are absolutely right i think consumerism is ugly, one should be oneself and lead a life wich suits you, this always trying to keep up with the joneses nonsense, it thr end does not get you anywhere, i was guilty of this many moons ago now and if i look back regret it , wished i had listened to joshua years ago i behave myself now on this issue lesson learnt!!

[@fairy_me7888]

Today was my second trip to Goodwill to donate my stuffs. Actually I have more things to donate and More stuffs need to declutter. I feel really grateful. aside from freeing my stuffs but I am helping people who works at Goodwill too.

[@Myworldmymind908]

Mr. Becker you'll never know how much you've impacted my life . And that is in a good way . Thank you for all you do in these videos . You helped me change my life for the better in so many ways . God Bless you , your family and all your loved ones always.

[@JoshuaBecker]

If I have helped in any way, I am happy.

[@loreneknight9755]

Joshua, I appreciate your "get to it" attitude. I'm still on the journey. Keep on fighting the good fight, kind sir.

[@shelleyjames4446]

“60 days without visiting a mall”, lol. We’ve been in lockdown so I went nearly a year without going to any shop except the local supermarket. In that year I bought underwear, 4 T-shirts, and a pair of tracksuit bottoms (online). Once the shops reopened I ran back and bought 2 pairs of jeans and a bra. Job done. One years clothes.

[@dbartz5510]

"Stop and re-evaluate". Perfection!🙏👍💕Thank you!

[@kilianneumann7341]

Thank you Joshua for this interesting video. You challenged me to do a 30 or 60 day no-consume challenge. You‘re videos are really inspiring and helpful. Thank you very much. :)

[@dibbsmiddleditch8679]

Thanks for helping to put things into perspective. A great reminder, thanks you for this video. May your faith keep you strong ☺️🙏

[@wendysmith9682]

New sub. Enjoyed content, tone of voice and body language, brevity and preciseness in points. I overspend on my family at Christmas. There’s a deeper issue behind it.

[@anewchapter8142]

Another great video. Your "Why do I own this?" video has been such an eye-opener. It has been the right question for me, for others it may does it spark joy. It's that big for me! Thank you so much.

[@bananaanna1373]

Your videos really spark a different reaction from me than other similar videos. Holy Spirit speaks to me through you. I am sparked in a more spiritual and big-picture way than the practicality of others. I thank you for looking at the deeper aspects of this area of life that all of us are living at some stage.

[@banasreeghosh4234]

It's always joy listening u,our home is under construction so couldn't apply anything yet but wish to follow you all the possible way... thank you so much once again

[@SB-qn4st]

Thanks for always making sense. You are a gem, Joshua Becker! 👍

[@mauraronda1265]

This is such a good video. It talks directly to me. I think boredom is a huge issue for me.

[@KristinEspinasse]

So enjoying your videos which help me remember my values, priorities, and my faith. God bless you and your family and thank you for your contributions.

[@anneduddy7203]

I LOVE not buying things that I DON'T NEED!!! it reminds me of just how much I already have.. and for that, I am beyond thankful!!

[@carmenrojas7732]

I thank you . You have inspired me to start a new life as a minimalist.

[@nancylaw563]

Please do a brief channel on garage/estate/flea market sales.

[@lakmalwimalarathne6699]

Oh! Nice to see you'll again. You are like a family friend to us now. Stay safe!

[@lauralong6695]

My wardrobe is so much more elegant now than when my closet was full of cheap inexpensive junk were I owned a lot but nothing matched.

[@suzy1750]

I have found this to be true too! I actually dress better now that I have fewer things because now what I own is better quality and part of a well thought-out wardrobe where things mix and match! It's taken a couple of years to get here but, now that I am, it feels great!

[@laurfred2742]

Always spot on. Thank you!

[@AJ.943]

Amen , my friend. Been following you for years.....and the reminders in this message, are the key.

[@liberator9248]

THANKS JOSHUA THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU.

[@hadasnussbaum5306]

Great and life saving information. Joshua thank you so much for your mission to help humanity. I like the fact you always show the wholesome of this beautiful approach to life. There is a documentary that you probably know of but might just worth mentioning: Consuming kids. Very powerful and not just for parents. May your positive efforts will be blessed immensely.

[@kangigun01]

Thank you Mr. Becker... Best Sincerely from 🇮🇩

[@deborahryan2654]

Thank you so much for your wise words. This channel is such a blessing!

[@iamjane9628]

Beautifully said, as always, Joshua.

[@Priya-sg6nq]

Great video! I wish I knew now 20 years ago... I would have saved so much time, energy and money.

[@shannonferguson4810]

This is such sage advice; thank-you, Joshua.

[@grizouzou3588]

Hello Joshua can you do a video about how it's harder to become a minimalist woman women because of mass advertising and society dikats? I would love to hear your wife point of view! Have a nice day kisses from France!

[@atl3630]

You gotta be kidding me. Advertising and society are only targeting women now 😆.

[@grizouzou3588]

@@atl3630 that's why it's harder :)

[@sct4040]

Live in a smaller house or smaller apartment, there are just so much stuff you can keep in a tiny space.

[@emeraldnunez5260]

Wow! What a great reminder early in the morning. Thank you so much Joshua❤️ More content like this God Bless🙏

[@hoffhomme7106]

Love your stuff Joshua, I've pretty much since my teens, a long time ago always tried to live by the recognition of knowing the what I Need rather than Wants. Works for me. Thanks!

[@jennifernewton4689]

Love this thanks so much i will be sharing with friends 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼✅✅

[@rebeccal.672]

Great tips and honestly haven't been to the mall in years for various reasons. Plus have been too scared to go due to last year shootings at the mall.

[@LinhHueTran]

I appreciate these compacted videos. It enlightens and encourages my brain 🧠

[@MindfulHome]

YES! Thank you so much for such a great reminder. Very inspiring!

[@kristiinapuumalainen7929]

Yes!

[@joshuaducheny7544]

I realized this when I was in 22k of creditcard debt..... spent 2 years paying it off. So much wasted time I can never get back. I mastly try to build my own furniture now and buy used if I can. Reuse and repair everything I need.

[@Andrea-fe6dy]

Thank you! I always find your videos so refreshing :)

[@floridanativelh568]

This is one of my favorite videos of yours. Great content and so well presented. 🙏🏻

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thank you for the encouraging words. I appreciate them very much.

[@ivettewoods3733]

Joshua thank you. You always challenge us

[@takaylasingh693]

Thank you

[@icingcake]

2:57 THIS.... better to focus on facts! Like is this any better than my best favorites I already have

[@simt1973]

It's easy doing the shopping ban during this pandemic. When you're home all the time you're not tempted to buy what you see at the malls, etc. Even when using online shopping, I don't keep the credit card on the wallet file, it forces me to actually put effort to get the card and enter the numbers again for the purchase, rather than a click, which makes a big difference.

[@sandypluss5017]

This one is FANTASTIC!!!! thank you so much

[@carolscott579]

That was excellent. I'm not a huge consumer but good points to think about.

[@jessandjessica452]

Thank you so much for these videos! I love how you deliver them. It's very peaceful. Thank you!

[@JoshuaBecker]

Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@24carrotgold8]

You may need to see a chiropractor or physical therapist. Your shoulders are tipped and there is a major difference in the placement of your elbows. They should be even with eachother and parallel to the floor. 💪💪

[@marystackpole118]

Love this!!! Thanks so much for your wonderful advice!!♥️

[@anjalipopli8926]

Thank you for sharing this, totally motivated.

[@serenaemary9573]

Am I wrong in purchasing visual beauty, books that take me places and intentional 2nd hand items???

[@Antistylestyleclub]

Henry David Thoreau is the real deal 🌲🌲🌲

[@atl3630]

Dilettante. Check out The Last True Hermit for a real man. ☺️

[@bibs4911]

thankyou, love this topic much❤️

[@LeMErin21]

February is a great month for a shopping ban because it’s slightly shorter. I’m not purchasing anything but groceries for the month of February!!

[@kasandrabrown8611]

Thanks for the reminders

[@bonniehafeman9757]

Denominations divided...But God...Thanks again. Amen.

[@alicewebster8848]

We were going to buy a 1 bed room unit in the same apartment block, as we live in a 2 br unit and needed an extra room as office - but we do not want to go thru the hassle of home hunting & moving. But that means extra lounge room, bathroom, laundary etc. We finally decide not to and it is validated by your video. Cos that means more stuff to look after = the Price of time and energy and stress. "The price of anything is the life you exchange for it" - SO TRUE! God bless.

[@krussell89]

I stopped feeling any satisfaction or joy shopping years ago when I couldn't find what I wanted or when I did, couldn't afford it. Hate shopping on-line and the stores/malls that haven't closed down sell junk. Got rid of half my wardrobe last year, and the few items I wear (black or dark blue jeans, three different tops, black cardigan sweater or hoodie) are getting so warn out I've been forced to search for replacements and it's very hard. When I do find replacements at affordable price I guess I do feel some relief but not joy.

[@veghead5121]

Thank you for this. I'm trying to kick a shopping addiction. You'd die if you saw my closet LOL It's been a struggle but it's a slow process. Stop copying people, get rid of the burden: I needed to hear that.❤️

[@yadaya6637]

You could donate to many homeless shelters for women they are in need for many items.

[@obst5228]

Thank you for this video. It is well researched. Thank you!

[@misssicily100]

amen god bless

[@nisreenhameed3802]

Thanks a zillion it's the best video ever on minimalism

[@michaeljenssen8055]

Best video so far this year🙌🏻

[@dreamlandwhisper]

Thank you. 🙏 Very good video.

[@bmindful1888]

You are soooooo right ! Love your videos 💕

[@olivia9066]

Great video! Thank you so much!!!❤👍👍👍

[@Marco-vw3mv]

Thats a cool shirt man. Need to go out an buy me one of those.

[@godblessu6173]

Thank you !