The 5 Phases of Minimalism

[@Still-Learning]

Minimalism...The practice of "fasting" from the habit of over consumption.

[@RonaldLBanks]

I love this!! That’s a great way to explain it.

[@Still-Learning]

@RonaldLBanks I practice a "One Meal A Day (OMAD) eating style, which is also classified as intermittent fasting, which is also a form of minimalism only with food. I chose to do so after learning more about how the food industry manipulates its customer base into consuming "foods" void of nutrition yet marketing many of them as "healthy." Fasting from food is my way of reclaiming my mental and physical health back from the corporations and rejecting their attempts at hypnosis. While thinking on the concept of minimalism, I concluded that the same concept and practice for the same reasons could be applied to the lifestyle you promote. Glad to read you found the theory applicable. As my moniker states...I am...Still Learning (continual growth). -Later

[@Kim_Psalm119]

​@@Still-Learning For one week, I tried a one "Daniel" meal a day after 5pm and juicing throughout the other times and honestly, I want to make it a lifestyle. I felt absolutely great. Thank you for sharing.

[@Still-Learning]

@@Kim_Psalm119 Hello KP119. Thank YOU for sharing, and you're welcome. Like any other skill to be mastered, OMAD takes practice, along with frustration, setbacks, failure, tenacity, perseverance, will, and dedication. The same motivators that took most of us from crawling to walking...now look at you, can't keep still...walking and running all over the place like they're second nature because they are...achieved through practice, desire, commitment, and constant refinement. I encourage you to try OMAD again. If you're taking ANY medications please consult with your doctor before beginning a fasting plan of any length. Begin slowly and work your way up to fasting every other day. While fasting, try not to eat any (0) food. I would even forego juicing while not eating because of the fructose content, which can negatively impact the benefits attained from the absence of insulin. Drinking water, coffee, tea, and electrolytes (watch the sugar) is fine while not eating. Later we can talk about breaking the fast. Take care. -SL

[@Sigma_BOND007]

Great!

[@DavidDavisDH]

The thing with minimalism that people get wrong it's not just tossing everything out, it's keeping what's important and keeping balance.

[@Summer_and_Rain]

I am in that phase after depression, where you are trying to figure out what the heck you like to do in practice and not just in theory. I actually went on a walk today. I decided to just follow my impulses and ended up on a really long walk, but I loved every moment of it. Now I am home, listening to youtube and practicing knitting. Today is a good day.

[@emmanuelle8032]

"I want my job to support my life. Not be my life". Exactly what I am trying to focus on 🤞

[@johncasey5594]

I got into minimalism at the start of the pandemic. I really didn't follow any methodology, I had my goals and set out to achieve them. I simply wanted to declutter my living space without going through the stress of selling or tossing my shit... per se. I separated my stuff into two groups, stuff I use at least weekly and stuff I used less often than weekly. The stuff I used at least weekly I placed in appropriate spots in my living space and everything else went into the basement well organized onto shelves. At my leisure, I would go through the stuff in the basement, no pressure, stress free and purge. I am very happy with the results, I no longer have to hunt for things I need, everything has it's place and is easily accessible. Now I am in the maintenance phase. Over time some of the crap from the basement makes it upstairs or I get new stuff, so every 6 months or so I go through all my upstairs stuff, reassess each item for frequency of use and bring less used items into the basement.

[@lindahoffa4653]

Another great u-tuber! Ever notice how the Minimalist’s all have calm and quiet voices. That should speak volumes (pun intended) to you about what this lifestyle does for you. I’ve been decluttering since Covid started! It’s a long process for us who are in late 60’s. Love to see people realize at a younger age what a scam consumerism is. The best thing about this lifestyle is you won’t believe how liberating it is!

[@micey522]

Starting my journey in late 40s, just realizing the scam of consumerism..trying to pass the knowledge to my adult children🙏🏽

[@amyli092]

Consider this comment for some extra notes and other highlights. I hope this is helpful! Phase 1: Curiosity. Phase 2: Decluttering 2a. Clarity comes after you've decluttered! You'll start to better understand your habits as time goes on and how you can work around them. 2b: Ignore the aesthetics! Learn to work with what you already have and expand upon that. Phase 3: Building Systems - I'm currently trying to build upon this by removing what hasn't worked for me and implementing better systems to help me keep my focus. Considering my own needs, I realize that consistency is a muscle that I'm still trying to build up. Wellness is important to me, so when I'm consistent in putting my own needs first, this makes everything else fall into place easier. Phase 4: Work Focused - This is where I am currently in my journey, but I'm only in the brainstorming stage. Having ADHD makes navigating this difficult at times, but I'm doing my best to keep myself focused on what I can control within my current situation. Phase 5: Generational Wealth *4 Types - Time, Experience, Monetary, Knowledge

[@haley9815]

THANK YOU!! Love this sparknotes comment for easy reference : ) I'll come back to this for sure

[@michelleheadrick951]

Thank you

[@autobotdiva9268]

adhd tax is real! ive had to help my 22 year old big time. #adhdmom #dyspraxiamom #dysgraphiamom

[@maddetox]

I've been living this lifestyle for about 3 years. Best decision I've ever made.

[@danawelch3985]

When you realize that materialism is becoming more important than your salvation and freedom. AMEN!

[@PrinceZirconium]

I had a hard time focusing on what was said in this video because the background was so damn clean.

[@jaetok]

Very informative. Through the whole video he’s ultimately telling you to take it slow. It’s really the only way this lifestyle can find its purpose in your life. It’s the difference between feeling empty after decluttering and feeling refreshed, feeling clarity, and feeling whole still by the end of it. Either way you will feel something. Having less can open doors to more. Ironically Minimalism can be adjacent to abundance. Moving clutter out can open up more space for more of the things you love and are important to you. Less is more. Thats ultimate what minimalism is to me.

[@dljohns2438]

I have never commented on a youtube channel before today. I love your content, your calm manner, your direct communication, and the overall message you consistently share. Thank you for having a quality channel.

[@pamelapartl384]

Stage 2. Yes, overwhelmed! Thank you for the tips!

[@TGYtco]

I am in phase 3, but I actually think I have bounced around in the first 3 phases for year. I first heard about minimalism in 2006 and did my first big declutter. I only had one child at the time. After we had our 2nd child, we moved to a bigger house, and I lost sight of the joy of less. More toys, more clothes, more hobbies, more activities took over my life for the next decade. I felt like my life was really overwhelming, but I didn’t connect it to all the stuff until Marie Kondo's first book came out. It reignited my interest in simplifying, and then I found Joshua Becker, and all eventually you and others. I find that I need constant reminders from all of you to keep me focused, though. I spent years buying more, decluttering, buying more, decluttering, etc. It took me until the last year or two to realize that I kept buying more because of my childhood scarcity mindset. I am still trying to change my habits, and when I do, I will move to phase 4. Woo hoo! Thank you for helping me along the way. I appreciate these 5 steps- it helps me see myself more clearly and I will be able to move through it more methodically.

[@katasticone]

Your voice and energy are so zen. I just love anything you put out there.

[@gabrielledavis1827]

Gave me a ton to think about. Very clear and too the point, no wordy fillers and rambling. Thank you for doing this video.

[@RonaldLBanks]

You’re very welcome my friend. Glad it was helpful!

[@shannons1886]

I think Phase 1 is frustration or angst. Things are just "too much". I think that drives people to search for this.

[@sharhondarivera6378]

🙋🏾‍♀️ That was me…

[@theregularfish4478]

You're the best channel when it comes to minimalism! I love your videos!

[@RonaldLBanks]

Wow, thank you so much!! I appreciate that. 🥹😄

[@cassandrawilliams3414]

I definitely agree

[@MarshmilloJB]

I absolutely agree with you, Ronald. My journey began with the minimalism documentary, then decluttering my physical stuff, then, my digital, then, my sentimental, then, my schedule time, wasters, and now I am exploring ways to implement minimalism in my career. I want the next generation to have time wealth and experience wealth.

[@dominickgiannotti]

Always glad to see an upload from you! My biggest focus this past year and the years to come has been quality over quantity. Purchasing high quality items even though they may be more expensive rather than cheap items that will end up needed to be replaced in the long run

[@redheadedgypsy1939]

Congrats on the 200k mark Ron, overdue! I love your channel, so much info, with a calm voice. I always gain something from your videos - grateful!!!!! I'm retired so I'm on phase 6, ha, ha

[@JeanetteCruz-o6c]

Accidentally bumped into your video. So glad to hear this. Thank you for your tips and guidance. It's been reassuring, especially in understanding who I am and what I want.

[@billmartin3198]

Dang, You’re a natural in front of the camera. Well spoken, smooth delivery… Good stuff, man!

[@Susan-b9d]

I’m in phase 5… I hadn’t thought of all the things you mention in phase 5 - but I’ve been asked to delay my retirement at work and feel valued, my work is very meaningful, I am able to invest in my son’s new multi-media production company and… I’m going through the steps to be a mentor to a young person emancipated from foster care. Thanks for all of your videos and ideas, Ronald, your work IS a blessing!

[@BeverlyK-yg7xr]

I am new to the minimalism family, currently working through phase 1 and diving into phase 2. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. 😊🙏🏼

[@drusilladana4184]

What is important & what is necessary. Voluntary simplicity works for me!

[@Sera_Vaz]

Can you please give us a home tour? I am in love with your aesthetic. I resonate with it so much and I felt an instant clarity of thought when I saw the thumbnail.

[@FA7ALtheGOD]

I'm glad when I check in on your channel, you're always elevating and evolving. Keep it up, bro.

[@RonaldLBanks]

I appreciate that, thank you! Will do my friend! Keep growing on your journey!

[@000Benz]

grew up in a home of minimalist,my mom and grandmother raised us that way and i still am .shocking to see the internet says it was introduced by japanes ?lol .all my life i have been .its been a way of life and i introduced my partner and i raise my kids that way.i am grateful to my mom and grandmom.

[@johnlaxa1124]

I just started decluttering. I was on phase 1 for such a long time. I quit my job Friday and I am starting a new job that I love and pays more. I have decluttered about 50 percent. Decluttering also allows me to be frugal by not buying unnecessary stuff. I’m doing this one by one because I agree about getting overwhelmed. I’ve realized my core values.

[@JM-jd7yp]

Great video. I think for many people it is the process that is lacking and core values. In addition it is the ongoing process of decluttering. Your wealth model is spot on. Great wisdom.

[@autobotdiva9268]

my phase is widowhood and retirement... lol. got my 22 year old with adhd to minimalism also. got the bedding down to 2 sheet sets, 1 quilt, 2 comforters.

[@CocoAzoitei]

I always feel so calm and safe when you're talking ❤❤❤

[@simplemesimplelife7124]

My dream room, i love ur room

[@petergeorge4415]

Dear Mr. Ronald, You are so clear and reassuring, guiding and helping! You are transparent through the experiences you had and that you are so generous to share with us, with no fuss and with truth. We may repeat and repeat listening to any phases you explain to keep going when we are glued to the mud. Thank you... Happy "Free" Year 2024 to you and to your family! helene :)

[@user-xy7yf9kc3o]

Thank you for this video. I found this in my Google feed. You explained this better than any other videos I have watched!!!

[@ruelbasilio3634]

Your contents are great,and it's really helping me a lot in my personal journey,i just want to say thank you,more power to your channel,sendin love from the Philippines...

[@RonaldLBanks]

Happy to hear that my content is helping you my friend! Thats the goal, so thank you for applying what you’re learning from me. I’m rooting for you.

[@robynlee5436]

Wow I've never heard it broken down like that. You hit the nail on the head.

[@beckyrogers321]

This information is presented in a poetic way, very inspiring. One to remember.

[@RonaldLBanks]

I’m also a poet, so you’ll find that this is a theme throughout most of my videos. I’m glad you enjoyed this though!

[@kellymartin5475]

Congrats on your new career path, Ronald! ✨

[@BM-cz5uz]

Really appreciate the point on ignoring the aesthetic. I got carried away with having everything thing look 'organised' and invested in so many storage boxes, which i realised later were not just unnecessary, but became an additional responsibility as i had to clean them as well. I eventually ket go of most of them.

[@haley9815]

I enjoyed the part where you talked about the different kinds of wealth the most in this video!! Very insightful. Could you perhaps make a video about ways to implement these facets?

[@jazzycat312]

I have arrived at my goal of emptying out 3 bedroom home with garage, basement annd attic. Now im ready to sell the house and rent a 1 bedroom apartment, since i am single and a senior. Set yourself free. You wont regret any of it.

[@renaezelmar6718]

I always appreciate your thoughtfulness and intentionality, and thank you for sharing it with us! I do question some aspects of step 5. Just because I CAN monetize/"productize" myself, doesn't mean I am sure I that I should or that I want to. There is a real wealth and peace that comes with being able to do something, learn something, or produce something for no other reason than the value that it brings to myself and my close circle. Monetizing passions can be fulfilling, or it can add stress and complexity to something you otherwise enjoy. Idk - always trying to parse apart the relationship between wealth and happiness, but I appreciate your exercise in trying to reconceptualize wealth.

[@zennoodle]

Would love to sign up when you go on tour... I mean if you ever decide to choose to do it. 😁I love these videos and they speak to me. However I also love in person interaction and digesting as much energy as possible. These 5 phases make so much sense. I would also add somewhere in between phases to take inventory of how a person can root themselves to be steady for the next steps. We recently moved and I have an extra room. The more I think about it the less I want to do with the room. I have thought about just having a tatami room and that's it. Nothing on the walls, nothing in the closet and only my energy to fill the space. I almost feel like life is this journey of filling a room. Cheers!

[@familywall5551]

I never heard you before, but I am all in for listening to you and taking your advice, very practical, and sensible, I needed to hear exactly this. Thank you Ron, I am at the phase of decluttering 1 room at a time, I regret not spending more time with family and friends

[@RonaldLBanks]

Welcome my friend! Im glad you found my content and decided to listen. I’m here to help you so if you have questions don’t hesitate to reach out.

[@maxirunpl]

I love minimalism, because decluttered space equals decluttered mind.

[@heidimeigs5192]

As with out, so with in. 👍🏻

[@FrankSinh]

Phase 1 for sure but always danced around with the idea. Great layout and video!

[@daria_avery]

this video has really inspired me to get back on track to my minimalism journey thank you !

[@mariamartoral793]

The greatest benefit of minimalism and living simply for me has been time. Time to relax, renew, rest and enjoy hobbies I love! In addition to, quality over quantity, less of more and more of less!

[@RonaldLBanks]

Love that! 🙌🏾

[@verazeppelin2147]

Saya selalu ada di 5 tahap ini. Sambil membangun kekayaan finansial, saya masih menonton channel youtube tentang minimalis. Semua itu berkaitan bagi saya . Dan berlangsung seumur hidup , berkelanjutan. Karna saya memang suka minimalisme .

[@evelynacostajerez765]

Is the first time I watched a video from you and of course I subscribed ❤🎉

[@ElizabethDavis-b5h]

I’m at the beginning of stage 3. Thanks for your insight.

[@tdizzlenation4592]

Love the vids man! keep grinding!

[@RonaldLBanks]

Thank you! Will do my friend!

[@katepavelle9465]

I am in the first stage: selling excess, donating , discarding. It’s rewarding when those items have been acquired by me. However, when I need to let go of an item that came from my late parents, or from my husband’s late parents, it’s a bit harder. I asked my adlt children to tell me if they want anything down the road…then I put a tag with their name on the back of the item. They may receive it sooner than they think! (I don’t want to clutter up my kids, though.)

[@evelynacostajerez765]

Thanks so much for your advice. Love it ❤❤❤

[@cassandrawilliams3414]

I felt this video in my soul

[@AuntyKatsu]

2.5. I’m still decluttering, but now viewing it differently. Also asking myself different questions as I find homes for everything.

[@siyabulelatshali1012]

Great video. Thank you Ronald. ❤❤❤

[@charlesblack1086]

Phase 1. I'm a bit stuck. I know I need to start decluttering but I freeze. This video has given me a lot to ponder. Thank you.

[@notbanksy2252]

Decluttering is almost addictive once you start😂

[@notbanksy2252]

But starting is definitely the hardest part! I started with shoes. Went from twenty five pairs or so to twelve and I don’t miss any of the ones I got rid of☺️ Sometimes I think of getting rid of more but we live in a place with four distinct seasons so I need what I have 😏

[@Malicia-e4l]

Awesome! Love this!

[@annieyoung551]

I'm defo in phase three. And I think this is awesome advice. I've often walked into a room and walked straight back out again 😂.

[@joaquifernandez9757]

Great video.Thank you.I'm in phase 3

[@rakhlin]

Very nice video. The only thing - ‘overwhelm’ is not a noun. You can’t decrease or increase an ‘overwhelm’

[@lynnjames6629]

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful to me right now. 👍🙂🙏

[@atalanta283]

These are so dense with ideas and wisdom

[@keyboardrunner]

Damn, Ronald! You good, man, you good!

[@devlynnmortesse6609]

I'm in the freeze phase... but I'm going to try the project list to get out of it! Thank you!

[@RonaldLBanks]

You can do it! I’m rooting for you. I was once in the frozen zone so I know exactly what you’re feeling. If you need help don’t hesitate to reach out!

[@RealRoz]

OMG I love you. Thank you for sharing.

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

I’m in phase 3. I’m going through all the boxes of my own stuff in the garage, not my husband’s. I’m nearly done and I plan to use the rest of my winter break to finish. The photos project is going incredibly well and I’m almost done. I am a teacher and I have no intention of not working with kids. I am a dancer, but I’m not an expert in anything KZbin worthy. Therefore, I will only be improving my own skills as I go through my career.

[@alexbaer9997]

Somewhere between 3 and 5. It’s a bit of bouncing back and forth. Sometimes you just have to put things on hold and go with the broader flow. Plus in my experience not all these lists etc work well for an ADHD brain (this is different for every one of course). But I am learning and adapting and it seems for me a bit of this and that and a lot of grace is doing the trick. It’s a process 😁

[@sdgirlCook]

2017 I became minimalist. Never regret.

[@UnaBellissima]

Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@RonaldLBanks]

You are so welcome my friend!

[@diaryofdaksha]

I’m in phase 2. Slowly decluttering stuff up. Just one thing that’s making me fear this change is judgement of people, more than judgement, questions that might arise. Any advice on juggling that? Thank you Ronald, love your advice and video production 🎉

[@jainthorne4136]

If people notice (and a lot won't if you don't bring it up) and you don't feel like talking about it in depth, just simply say "Oh, I'm just reorganizing some things." If you do want to discuss it then you get to decide how deep you want the conversation to be. It's all under your control.

[@benpascua2192]

I am in the beginning phase, I'm trying to figure out how to get by with less. Within the last month I had gotten rid of a lot of clothes and ties that I no longer use. In my work and school life, I am looking to consolidate my laptop bag and binder, will eventually throw both away. Little by little I am figuring out how to create more order, organization, cleanliness and trying to figure out how to get by with less.

[@rjnuzzi1648]

You're new apt decor is way better; so bright & clean with empty space...

[@catherineprairie4441]

I am in Phase 2 into 3 (first true week) and it can be overwhelming. I have a structure and 12-Week-Plan in place to accomplish the first project.

[@Still-Learning]

What does a minimalist lifestyle communicate about a practitioner in a culture of expected/influenced over consumption?

[@evelynacostajerez765]

You just inspired me

[@taradoe239]

Just two words: thank you!

[@RonaldLBanks]

You’re very welcome my friend!!

[@lizzyagatha]

two carloads are already out of the house, and soon the recycle shop is bringing a van....

[@XKaulitza]

Hmm I mostly do not agree with step 2 by making a schedule etc. Decluttering just takes the time you need and on your terms. I went over my television cabinet a couple of times already when I had the time. Each time I let go of something for example a thing I couldn’t let go of two weeks ago. I just pick a space when I have the emotional space or some spare time to fill in. And some things I go over like 3 or even more times.

[@sherriganske4292]

Cannot wait for the holidays to be over want decorations in box

[@pinkmagicali]

I can’t get past the “oh but I might need this” thoughts. Esp with hobbies. I like to try a lot of new hobbies…which all come with stuff. Stuff I can’t bring myself to get rid of.

[@Everythingkashy]

I’m in phase 2

[@John83118]

This piece is quite exceptional; akin to a book I found equally thought-provoking. "The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Living Guide" by Matthew Cove

[@THEBGCOLLECTIVE]

My biggest question as a student / mom where do you store paperwork art etc? I need big help with this. I have alot of books / journals/ textbooks etc... idk where to put them

[@inihilisme1511]

Do you re-read books ? If not, sell or donate them, you will save a huge amount of money by borrowing books in library instead of buying them, ask yourself if you need all those journals and textbooks (you know, the "buy a new one and never finish the first one" syndrom ?) For paperwork art, it depend onn the size and how weak or sturdy it is, a closet could do the job or maybe you need a big binder to store them.

[@THEBGCOLLECTIVE]

@@inihilisme1511 thanks so much for this !!! 🫀

[@MarkelBeverley]

I been watching Ronald for 2 years and he still reminds me of Lynn's celibate boyfriend in the show 'Girlfriends'.

[@ItsWhoIAmItsHowILive]

I spend almost every single day decluttering. If I haven’t worn something in 2 months, why do I have it??

[@RonaldLBanks]

Love this! Quick daily decision like this can make a huge difference.

[@pimpmyride7278]

I don’t know what I value. I don’t even know how to begin.

[@RonaldLBanks]

That’s ok. Thats why I’m here to help! Download my core values worksheet. I made it super easy to get started. www.ronaldlbanks.com/values I also share great reminders in my weekly newsletter - The Clarity Club. So that’s a great resource for you as well.

[@minimalist_monk]

That couch has to go brother. I’m shaking just thinking about having to pick up and move that thing. 😂😂

[@Mpumelelo_mlkFX]

lol

[@sahanabhatt5708]

Currently Am i in 3rd stage 😊

[@SilviaN1]

I wish I could say I was further, but I think I´m in phase 2 😊

[@RonaldLBanks]

That’s ok! Keep working at it. You’ll soon look back and realize how much progress you’ve made! I’m rooting for you and I’m here to support you!

[@SilviaN1]

Thank you! What a kind and nice reply!

[@_o_]

Step #å: dis-identify/dissociate from everything and see where you end up after the storm. Good luck! 🌀

[@Blubes23]

Uhm i was in a minimalistic period about 5/6 years ago. Then my mind went nuts for a sec and i have collected and spendt too much money. Now i want back. But remember i saw a video that said to not throw out everything because you may need it. And in the face of ecological view its absolutely right. That said, if i where able to start over completely tomorrow in a new home with zero items- i`d do it. Just me and my cat, and one picture of my passed animals. I am as many others, learned to depend on things and inherrited beliefs and effects of abuse shows in more than one way, but things, stuff and clutter are never solutions.

[@HeyJude23]

🙏

[@PrincessBella22]

I’m in phase 1 close to 2

[@timfriedmann5245]

Phase 1: I throw away things that I don't urgently need in order to find inner peace and real values. Phase 2: my girlfriend can spread out with her superfluous bits and bobs.

[@suzannederringer1607]

You make good sense. What I don't understand is why ALL Minimalist videos feature empty stark l Grey/White/Black homes and clothes. It's SOULLESS. One have Colors and soft Shapes.

[@shirleyburnham2782]

Think I'm in stage 3 x

[@UCanCallMeJesus1]

❤

[@MorgueVOID]

I hate clutter just as much as everyone else but damn your house looks like a psychward😂😂😂