Get rid of the unnecessary to get down to basics | Colin Wright | TEDxINSA

Colin Wright is an author, entrepreneur, and full-time traveller who moves to a new country every four months based on the votes of his readers. He is the author of over thirty books, is the co-founder of Asymmetrical Press, and through his blog, Exile Lifestyle, Colin reaches over two-million people each year with his writing about lifestyle, travel, and personal fulfilment.
In a talk full of individual experiences, he will show you how easily you can get rid off the superfluous to focus on your true needs and become more free.
Colin Wright is an author, entrepreneur, and full-time traveller who moves to a new country every four months based on the votes of his readers.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@divaandchomin1]

Here for my continuing minimalist education. (CME), I find it’s best to get refresher courses on essentialism and minimalism so you don’t slowly fall into old patterns.

[@nikkil764]

My mother always said that the only thing of value money buys is freedom. The trick is figuring how much money you need, not what someone else needs to be free. If you are working to maintain your stuff, that isn’t freedom.

[@StopFear]

And what you wrote is usually what rich people say, or in general people who have enough money to fulfill their immediate needs.

[@potbellyfatguyfromnewyorkcity]

it also buys health such as good food and medical care

[@Fanisliverpool1892]

I love the last piece of advice on forgiving the people who try to dissuade you. The more i keep watching videos like this the more i reinforce my beliefs on living my new lifestyle more and more without getting affected by the questions of others. Explain less, talk less and let your actions talk for you. It's the only way to persuade others without trying to persuade them and inspire others to follow you.

[@shafeequekottakkal5273]

well said

[@StopFear]

Why do you think it is right to live without getting affected by the questions of others? What if you are wrong and they are correct? Shouldn't you evaluate what everybody says and go case by case basis? Simply ignoring questions of others is absurd.

[@StopFear]

@@cassieopia532 No. That isn’t correct. By writing what you wrote you yourself try to spread your opinion about how to live. It is a decision in itself. People also do not live in a vacuum. Even the language itself is learned from culture, and every small thing you learn and know also comes from others? So how would you objectively know at what point you decide something on your own or need to listen to others. About breaking laws and killing people. In general I agree that you shouldn’t do either. But that in itself is also an acquired moral view. Which laws? Which people? And why not? Some people are convinced, they decided, that it’s ok to break laws and kill some people. Prove them wrong.

[@gaurabmanstha1773]

O

[@erinshaw1367]

I love how you refer to recalibrating your life. Since my husband and I found you and The Minimalists, we've worked hard to minimize and recalibrate and life is good!

[@AmishNinjaMaster]

Been there shouting at my crumpled shirt on the floor a few years ago -- Finally letting go of stuff and the consumerism lifestyle has truly been liberating.

[@rosecat5638]

I’m trying so hard to have less things in my life cause I realized it was causing me stress, more to dust, more to clean, more to move, more money spent on more space to put it...just ridiculous when I realized this. Lots of it doesn’t even have a practical purpose and only really makes me feel happy when I buy it and maybe a week after. Im focused now on using what I have and once I breaks or I can’t find a place for it I say bye and don’t replace it unless absolutely necessary. My only hold back is my significant other is a bit of a hoarder, saving everything for that just in case and constantly trying to expand his book collection and likes to take up a new hobby ever couple months....wish me luck

[@vivianp5962]

Good luck 🍀

[@KumariKumari-fw7nc]

Best of luck

[@Byokku2013]

Looking around my apartment now, in my closet and thinking about my relationships as I watch this I have done this subconsciously over my life more and more. As I have I have become more happy. This makes a lot of sense.

[@OrganicGonzalez]

Joe Crockenberg have u made changes since this post 7 months ago? Or was it just a good speech when I heard it?

[@paulacole9578]

I have gone through purges several times in my life. At one point, my nest was emptying and I wanted to simplify my life and have less stuff to take care of. I was getting rid of things but my husband kept going to garage sales on the weekend and bringing home things to fill the space. I realized that the message was deeper than the stuff that we had. I was letting go and he was settling in. We were on different paths.

[@LoftBallerina]

I started implementing minimalism 2 years ago and it has been great. And it led to husband and I deciding that once he retires in two years will will be full time travels working remotely, and we have never been more excited about the future! Getting rid of the extra stuff was the catalyst for this!

[@amandavanniekerk3836]

Love his descriptions of intentionality and living on purpose. ..Your purpose

[@maylammarie]

So ready to start my own minimalist journey. Thank you for your talk!

[@111-c5c]

Have you started yet Mayla?

[@blackpearl1t]

I love this talk so much. Brilliantly put! So much wisdom here thank u for sharing!

[@erakkovaatainen148]

Best videos, really not everyone will understand your minimalism journey, against excess consumerism. We have stuff all around us, if we just go to Walmart... but instead - can we just look what we already have. I tell you one funny story. I bought 25 € back pack in Walmart like store in Finland. Great awesome quality backpack I've been using for year now. As soon as one noticed it, they said how great this backpack was... but as soon as I said I bought it from Walmart like store and announced price I paid for it - they were shocked. Why not to spend more money? Why not to have a brand or something... So as soon as you never tell about store selling your stuff, they will think stuff is good, but the opposite makes them question your bank account, money or lifestyle as a poor. There are two ways to be rich: one is by having much and living paycheck to paycheck and other way to be rich is to keep wants few so you actually buy what you need and have money to spend on experiences. Stuff and lasting happiness never in same sentence.

[@tagaway6173]

Jyri Väätäinen I'm glad you are doing well. I want to start, but I don't feel inspired. I own a lot of things. But they are not brand names or whatever. I don't care about those things. I just have a lot of stuff because I get attached to stuff. Like, I think I might need it one day. :(

[@erakkovaatainen148]

Stuff is overrated. We put so much meaning inside our stuff. But we are not our stuff. To start I'd suggest to start following Joshua Becker, Courtney Carver, Leo Babauta and The Minimalists. If you have too much of stuff, fine. Many do. The only way to handle that, is to start little. Maybe start from a car, then go one room, or even one closet at a time. Or toss, donate or sell one stuff at a time. Not tomorrow, not today, but one day in the next months you'll feel more freedom, because some of your stuff will be out of sight. Someone may be happy today using it. So start selling, if you are overwhelmed with that, start donating it. Even donation may bring you joy, at least you get rid of it, and your stuff may be amazing thing in someone else's life. But you just need to start. Somewhere. If you will not start today, you may not start tomorrow. Act now :)

[@lonelygirltravels5961]

I have a rain jacket that I bought from Target several years ago. I have traveled all over the world with it. Compared to my name brand jackets and coats, it is the most useful. However, I do have a certain name brand fleece that I bought in about 7 different colors, and I have no regrets about that.

[@Paragonx135]

Of all the minimalism promoting people, Colin Wright is one of the few who really sounds and looks truly intelligent, not just weird "in a weird way".

[@kathryndeloria1834]

You’ve put in words what I have been pondering lately. Thanks.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

I’ve spent the last few years parting ways with my stuff. Now, it’s time to begin parting with the people who are draining my very soul. I realized this when he said that we don’t do this because it’s not polite. That’s the very thing holding me back from letting them go.

[@wandayonder9772]

Just step back from them. Why is that hard?

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Wanda Yonder It’s difficult because for many years they were a source of strength and encouragement and wonderful memories. And, because our families have all grown up together and they are intertwined so deeply into our lives that to part ways with one or two of them means either causing a tremendous division or saying goodbye to them all. Many of whom have been our family friends for more than 20 years.

[@wandayonder9772]

@@SimplyBeautiful516, I've stepped back from various family members. It doesn't require saying goodbye or making a fuss over, just not contacting them any more and moving yourself onto different activities that don't involve them.

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Wanda Yonder I don’t want to sound like a whiny baby, but I have tried that approach and these friends don’t take a hint. Again, it’s only a few women in a group of women that I’m needing to separate from. However, you do give me hope that even in this delicate situation , I could slowly try again to begin to distance myself. Thank you for your example.

[@Loeviis]

Start small by not responding all the time. You will feel more peace, which will make it easier. Maybe don't participate with all the activities. I have done it before and sometimes it's still hard. So don't be too hard on yourself!

[@scottwillimack184]

Colin, Thanks 🙏 so much for your amazing talk!

[@Tina-qn6pq]

I had that shirt. I even purchased it when it was too small. I said for 2 years “one day I’m gonna fit in that shirt”. 2. Full. Years. It was ridiculous.

[@JoeyLevenson]

I can beat that: 4 years a pair of jeans. I did fit into them for.6 months ha!

[@StopFear]

So, basically it is entirely your fault, not the shirt's. You could have lost weight but didn't .

[@faithellis2010]

Gosh I needed this! Thank you for your excellent and so very relatable and timely talk! 🤗

[@project_kml]

great talk, i wish more people could see this.

[@michaelwtapp]

I would join this guy's cult. More people need to learn about minimalism.

[@DeclanPoehler]

Michael Tapp I know I am fully invested now. I keep minimalising more and more as well as make youtube videos.

[@romeoreyes1770]

Michael Tapp decrease expenses and increase revenue. #Freedom

[@lauraloveleyy8639]

Michael Tapp I don't think cult is the right word tbh. Minimalism a lot of the time can be changed to suit the person in question. It can be from owning 1 pair of pants to owning 20. There's no one set way.

[@michaelwtapp]

I was implying that this guy is such a good public speaker that he could level up and be a cult leader. I thought my sarcasm was noticeable, but it doesn't always come through.

[@rhondacooley455]

I caught the dry sense of humor, & I'm in too! Trying to go from Super Sentimental to Streamlined Simple.

[@CalmVibesVee]

Cultivate intentionality

[@carolinedrinkwater8237]

I would argue that the poorer one is, the more you have to be intentional because you have few resources to waste/ squander in mistakes/ greed. It is also possible in the first world at least, to waste what little disposable income you have left over on rubbish because you justify it as Oh, it’s too little to save up anyways. It will take me years to save up for what other people can save up for in months. I find the poorer you are the greater the pressure is to spend it against your own interests from shops, tv, adverts on the internet, and the consumeristic culture we are surrounded by. I think taking a step back and rethink our lives is a human need we can not afford to ignore and not a luxury. The people who run this consumer model of life are delighted by the assumption that thinking and doing intentionally are a luxury because it suits them.

[@pret1102]

Each word of this talk applies to me.

[@theresevella8844]

My students and I recycle clothes by sewing them into another clothing item. It's part of a Reduce Reuse Recycle project. We'd love to have your unwanted shirts Mr Wright!

[@jackie6013]

dumpster dive at winners

[@ShinobiEngineer]

Thank you! 🙏

[@LJ542]

"Does this help me get there?" Great question. Thanks!

[@kaylaryder8371]

lovvvvvvv him ! Very good talk,interesting,clear,passionate & ever so helpful kay la

[@AngelaAsks]

everyone needs to hear this.

[@Tausifsiddiqui]

Amazing, brother! and I'm only halfway through the video!

[@leanns.8364]

The life you live is something I dream about.

[@elsagrace3893]

Leann Stallard he has a sugar daddy.

[@jackdavis7438]

Stop dreaming and start doing

[@carmenliedke8659]

I decided not to buy anything for one year, except for food, and do the repairs needed on the house. I feel good about it So far.

[@Lifeholder]

This was a fantastic talk. So glad I watched.

[@lisalotravels]

Is it just me or does he look like a young Ethan Hawke? Amazing and meaningful talk.

[@MelanieDevaney]

I was thinking when he smiles he kind of looks like a young Tom Cruise LOL.

[@Sandy24216]

James Marsden

[@karenphanson]

@@MelanieDevaney Yes, he's a cutie. Quite nice to look at. LOL ;-)

[@slchance8839]

I thought he was the Dexter actor, at first

[@Bpjames]

I do appreciate the concept and I am currently doing this in my own life. The only thing I would nit pick about, and it is nit picky, is that the clothing part would have to be seasonal. I couldn't go through my closet in the summer and toss everything I hadn't worn in a month because I would be donating all my fall and winter stuff. Other than that, good stuff!

[@usaputhawong8706]

Me too, now I empty my house, I have a lot more space. I love it. Then I try not to buy things anymore. Save some money and more happy.

[@gloriacurrie4046]

Pop by ppp

[@gloriacurrie4046]

No money spend year

[@ankavoskuilen1725]

Minimalism and fullfilment : On stuff: great! On relationships: not always possible. On jobs: most people are glad they have a job, can't be choosers.

[@Tina-qn6pq]

Ah ha moment, when he said “My stuff became an anchor”.

[@mkrichey1]

Thanks for a great talk!

[@kristijanlazarev]

Lovely

[@dewi9611]

I love this guy!

[@danieldpa8484]

The more I look on all the ideas, for me it’s about combination of following philosophies - Discipline like Jocko Willink - Manage money like Dave Ramsey - Minimalism like the Minimalists - Diet on intermediate fasting & keto - Negotiate like Chris Voss - Approach women like Mike Pence - Workout routine - Time management like Steven Covey - work harder on yourself than on your job

[@kaylaryder8371]

intentional,living on purpose!

[@grannyshark2023]

This talk reminds me of Ecclesiastes.

[@simplyredislandgirl]

Insightful presentation!👏🙋

[@liftpeopleup]

Idc what anyone says, I'm leaving this here. Some people like beautiful things, things they love in their space to make it them...to make it homey. So for all the people out there that keep saying "stop buying", stop breathing. Everyone needs their space to be there's. Simple to grand

[@vibingchakras]

love it Colin!

[@paulinawaas9204]

I am realizing it now!

[@CR7CR17CR281]

Inspirational.

[@stephanieledogar6511]

I wouldn't mind you spending four months at my house lol

[@juliam5628]

this is the best speech i love it so much

[@BL-rb7jm]

Can we truly happy when focus solely to make ourself happy? There are good parents that we love..Gypsy life catches up

[@TSunshineful]

Anyone have a video recommendation on how to start decluttering?

[@norabrice]

Marie Kondo's book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

[@Tipster49]

Moon Dancer the TedxHickory talk entitled “The Power of an Authentic Home” by Kimberly Bost inspired me!! it’s not a ‘how to’ video, it’s a ‘why’ video, like the one here; her personality is really low-key (opposite of mine lol) which worked for me on this particular subject because it fit the objective and felt non-judgemental; she makes some excellent points in the video!! she has a website with resources, some are paid courses but I bet she has a blog also, not sure

[@tagaway6173]

Moon Dancer how did it go with you? It has been 6 months.

[@nikkil764]

The minimalist mom on KZbin has realistic, practical suggestions and a clear philosophy.

[@lovemyfamily8807]

Check out Joshua Becker or Cassandra Aarssen on YT

[@cadewilliams4543]

reminds me exactly of dennis from always sunny

[@908932]

Great message, Collin! Keep up the good work. You remind me of your mom, btw. That isa good thing!

[@marcelloantoniodreier6978]

thanks for this amazing video.

[@blessed74God]

Great video

[@stevenbaumann5911]

I'm watching this in 2021. With the way the world is going Society could very easily collapse at this point. The more stuff you have the harder it is to bug out if you have to. Because you are not going to be able to take all of that stuff with so it is just a waste of money. But who knows maybe that's what it will take for everyone to realize the truth. I don't look at Society collapsing is necessarily A Bad Thing. Because it will force us to re-evaluate what is truly important.

[@annemcdermott1397]

This is great, until you have kids!! once you have kids you have to think about your kids path !! If you want to follow your own every own path, keep your pants zipped!!!!!!!!!

[@rebeccajane713]

Anne McDermott not true. I’m a minimalist with a four year old and it’s not only doable, but it’s a pleasure.

[@charmedprince]

Rebecca Jane I think what Anne meant was about his traveling to a new country every four months

[@rebeccajane713]

Even that is doable. Check out Knorpp and South who do it with 9 kids, for example. Many other traveling families with kids on KZbin. You can make an excuse or you can make a plan.

[@bobbyjett7047]

EXCELLENT

[@Tipster49]

inspiring! 🤗 Bravo! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@MitchZro]

I would break my own arm to have that jawline

[@Lookatmeshine]

Wow...

[@OdinsSage]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@danielkon8047]

Terrible audio lately.

[@milcahbaja6563]

Would love to watch if there are subtitles, not auditory here 🥺

[@keithblume5159]

My pixel phone creates subtitles for everything including speech around me. Bought refurbished on Amazon

[@arunavasarkar3600]

loved it

[@thetawaves48]

Mao's China required everyone to wear the same clothes. Then, they went on to sell mountains of fashions to the USA.

[@joe47771]

Forgive me!

[@raj-cr4nl]

do I really need this Ted talk?

[@elsagrace3893]

Adam Jones no or only if you've grown up as a spoilt brat who never had to make tough decisions between necessities.

[@raj-cr4nl]

elsa Grace scuse me?

[@jasenkavukelic5047]

Hehehehe, funny

[@Autumn_Forest_]

I am a pretty extreme minimalist myself, but for some reason, I have never liked Colin Wright. I have tried and tried, but I just can’t stand his arrogance or something.

[@pawelsz4825]

nice one. thnx Ted:)

[@pault4249]

great talk, awful audio quality.

[@yourekittenme.]

Sound is pretty bad; I can’t listen.

[@joe47771]

imagine no possessions

[@naomidenisepinedaspirit-bo7955]

Now, how do I explain to my six year old lol He hates getting rid of things

[@crand20033]

I am always so thankful for the city dump as a place to get rid of my junk and my SUV as a big enough vehicle to take it there.

[@jelizabethpetrie6656]

I’d think a talk between him and Jordan Peterson would be FAR more stimulating on finding meaning in your life.

[@devonk5720]

The audio is terrible! I turned the volume all the way up. And still couldn't stand it. Too bad because I really need to hear this mans talk and advice.

[@joe47771]

can't buy me love

[@BboyKeygen]

"others people want you to be happy and secure" ? Really? Not sure, but YOU definitely want it :))

[@neilwalsh3977]

Grab life by the shirt, or not!

[@thetawaves48]

Young people always feel this way, because they have seen the effects of materialism on their parents. Then they go on to do exactly what their parents did.

[@serafimia1]

I am asahmed to answer people qestions like why i dont have furniture,or friends

[@ganapatikitty]

Why's that? Just be you :)

[@norabrice]

If you don't feel like diving into those conversations, simply, don't. you do not owe anyone explanations.

[@jasenkavukelic5047]

norabrice So true!

[@Cat-ik1wo]

I no longer call anyone a friend. The truth is, all other people are, are interrelationships. You can enter in then for what ever reason it is no longer good, you can exit out. It is the reality of people. Thats life.

[@melaniegodwin8791]

Does it really make a difference to you negative people out there that he has the ability to be money and " thing" rich but chooses to be 'rich ' in experiences????

[@Gencoil]

Melanie Godwin When someone follows some kind of ideology or different lifestyle there's always going to be people criticizing it, actively looking for the slightest flaws.

[@thomasbuckler3977]

looks like the child of brandon flowers and mark mcgrath

[@joe47771]

Give me all your "stuff"

[@AZrakoon]

At first i thought he sounded like Ben Stiller

[@ArtandKitchen_]

I heard a women's voice at 13:39.

[@leesimone2]

I love your massage. 😙

[@RoDelCa1]

La La massage? 😯

[@Karincl7]

@Mel D maybe p🤔😭

[@tagaway6173]

Can anyone recommend an article or video for beginners minimalist. .. well.. I want to work on being one. Anyways a video a for low-income person? A person without a college degree or certification of some sort? I can't quit connect with some talks because they talk about their experiences but I haven't experienced what they had. Like, they worked their way up, found out they weren't happy, and changed their lifestyle. I'm nowhere near the top. I want to change my lifestyle with what I have. I need some kind of inspiration because I hold on to things. When they talk about buying things, or owning things, I rolled my eyes cuz I don't buy the latest trends. Even if I had the money.

[@AZrakoon]

There is tons of those vídeos, type it in the youtube search bar....you will find them

[@miaserafina]

Try the book goodbye things by Fumio Sasaki if you are still on the lookout for this topic. That was the first thing I thought about reading your comment. Good luck.

[@naomimay82]

Tackle on little area at a time. That is how I do it. My closet and dresser were overflowing, but much of it either didn’t fit well or wasn’t something I even like to wear. So I went through a few drawers in my dresser one day. I donated everything I didn’t wear. The next week I tackled the rest of the dresser and donated a bunch more clothes. Then I started to purge the dresses in my closet. I had a closet bursting at the seams with dresses. I donated a ton of clothing. I have been slowly going through my house and reducing stuff one little area at a time.

[@nimakhoshkam8037]

behold the wisdom of a psychopath ... thank you for sharing your path with us Dexter ! brilliant speech by the way

[@curtiste3235]

Helpful...but could have left out the comment on Fox News... why alienate half your audience in the first 5 mins? Or was that 'intentional'? 'Intentional living' is a wonderful thing unless it's used to "otherize" or disenfranchise. Otherwise, good topic, good delivery.

[@jennifersexton-rugh7759]

Don't mix politics ( Fox news dig ) into these talks people. This is a great concept if you have no kids and no regular job. It sounds selfish in many ways. I agree with cleaning out your drawers and home of things that you don't use. This isn't a new idea. This guy lives a very unique life that is not accessible to most people. This is just too idealistic and not completely realistic.

[@arbormatos832]

Fox news has been scientifically proven to make people hateful and anecdotally it's pulled loving and kind people out of my life and completely disconnected them from reality. Shrug. I think saying what you want to say is important if you're not Tucker Carlson.

[@annoldham3018]

😚

[@aekenshield5573]

that cough though.

[@szee8588]

next place: Palestine

[@LawDragOn]

I stopped watching when he singled out and disparaged Fox News’ viewers. Although I agree that one should not limit their news consumption to one medium, he exposed himself to being just a typical left winger, which tainted and muddled his message.

[@VIsTheMusic]

Exactly - give everyone a gaurenteed universal basic income now for starters.

[@67NewEngland]

Vi An MUSIC - I guarantee if you work you will have an income.

[@MrNobody-fk7fc]

Your "flat"? Please.

[@zoeyjordan8767]

read the bible new testament

[@YouHaveAGoodPoint]

Sounds slightly sociopathic.

[@jasenkavukelic5047]

You Have A Good Point So far from it...

[@j.3854]

you lost me at “fox news” thumbs down.