Ep. 050 | Impulses

Joshua & Ryan discuss our addiction to possessions, shopping, social media, entertainment, and more. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
When I go to a store to return a purchase thanks to buyer’s remorse, how do I ensure I don’t succumb to my inner compulsive shopper where I wind up exchanging an item instead of returning it?
I recognize my binge watching of Netflix and KZbin makes me unproductive, antisocial, and unfulfilled, but how do I stop doing it?
As a small business owner, how do I help my customers avoid compulsory consumption without damaging the very source of my income?
Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/podcast
#TheMinimalists

[@fernandoalarcon8534]

Thank you for what you do. I have eliminated social media from my phone. It was totally consuming me. In addition, the shopping, it was overwhelming. It has not been easy, but I have started to de-clutter, and stop unnecessary shopping.

[@katiemaedit]

Just cancelled my Amazon Prime Membership. I have debt I need to pay off. I don't need to make it easier for me to buy stuff I don't need because it's cheaper. I need the to pause more between the thought and the purchase s!! I also just reduced the data plan on my phone. Saved close to thirty bucks between shutting down the Amazon Prime and the phone bill reduction!!

[@Fverheijden]

This is gold. I almost started crying when I heard the text about the job of a phone. And I was in the supermarket at that moment. I am addicted to my phone. Especially KZbin. I use it as a school to learn about everything I am interested in. Also I use it as positive brainwashing. Listening to all the minimalism, zero waste, saving money etc videos kind of installs this in me and doing it becomes natural. That said, I am totally addicted and it is not healthy but I am not ready yet to quit.

[@equalityforunborn]

you guys are changing hearts to happiness.....

[@totallifetransformation372]

You guys should trying vlogs. I think a lot of people would enjoy seeing a glimpse into your lives. Just a thought though. :)

[@Heretical_Theology]

agreed

[@lo9257]

Yes

[@phyliciajoykloes]

Great talk. That part you read around 30:00 made me think. Thanks for sharing. P.S. Playing the minimalist game again is for sure great. I've started again in the month of September.

[@rod280459]

I think the message you guys put out there on minimalism is a great public service. Every time I feel like I need to buy a nice car for myself (we are now a one car familly and I miss having my own vehicle but enjoying the cost saving); I listen to your podcasts and I come to my senses and use the train more often (including for the work commute).

[@Heretical_Theology]

The Minimalist: My wife has been working on me for a year now and I have listened to several podcasts as well as the documentary this week. Great job Guys! I am also from Dayton : ) Though I admit I am personally more of a fan of Ghost Light coffee ; ) My question: Do you follow Dave Ramsey and his financial peace program? Much of what was said in the beginning of this podcast goes in line with what he recommends. His program seems to compliment minimalism and determining what we value.

[@s.d774]

This is my favorite podcast and you guys help me every day! Thanks so much.

[@amandamariemullins2954]

Thank you so much! This is a great one. So relevant to what I am doing now.

[@kellyclearly7327]

Thank you I've realised lately that I have a problem with technology running me, constantly checking emails and Facebook etc. I know that one of my top values is connection with others and relationships, and I feel this compulsion to constantly check my phone takes away and interrupts that, to the point where I have started to feel guilty when I check my phone if it's the weekend and I'm spending time with my husband. Thank you for the advice around this, Kelly

[@kellyclearly7327]

ArtJourneyUK Great thank you I will 😀

[@jimmythefish]

Enjoy listening, thanks guys. I have been on a particularly focused trend lately (even before I discovered you) to have less things and better quality things. I've enjoyed reading and listening to others with the same mindset. I really dislike clutter and the amount of stress that I feel from it. I have several hobbies that are potentially rather gear-intensive, and 'need' and 'want' is sometimes a blurry line. I play guitar, and currently have one electric guitar, one amplifier, and one acoustic guitar. I lived for years with no electric guitar at all, and hey I survived just fine. I do, however, play frequently and with others and feel I can justify it. It's a hobby that lends itself to impulse, and I have recently bought a few guitar pedals that I don't need and that I may end up selling. I don't know if you've discussed it, but I'm now exploring the idea of renting things rather than buying. I can rent a piece of gear for very cheap, and it does several things: it satisfies the impulse for the desired item, and it emphasizes the experiential nature of things rather than the material. I struggle at times with approach - the instinct to have better, more durable things doesn't necessarily play out. I try to buy things that will last, and that are suited to their purpose, that are well-made, that are made ethically, and that I either really need or will really enjoy and bring value to my life. But, there are limits to this and it comes down to being a mindful consumer. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it will add value to your life; I see people who think they're being good consumers wearing $500 waterproof breathable jackets which were really designed for technical ice climbing and mountaineering - an activity which less than 1% of the purchasers are likely even aware of. It's great to have things that serve many functions, but equally in our society there are things which are marketed to us that fit an idea rather than reality. It's good to be aware of what a need really entails. Thanks for the inspiration, keep it up.

[@ericamciver4747]

I struggle with Amazon prime. I have gone ba k and forth several times on it. I decided to keep prime because I can look for specific items and not get overwhelmed with the crowds and the extra advertising that is present in the stores. Also a list is great. If it isn't on the list it stays in the store.

[@BG-hw7wr]

This couldn't have come at a better time!

[@yugarglin]

My phone is devoid of any icons on my home screen. If I open an app I want it to be for a purpose not because I keep looking at grids of icons mindlessly

[@relaxananda7056]

You guys are the best! Just starting at my journey towards minimalist lifestyle. Excited for 2017!!!

[@lo9257]

The lady with the first question is definitely going to target. Sis, I feel you.

[@agneskohler8753]

Thanks from Budapest!

[@animefreak4444]

One of them is in El Paso! I drove by it the other day haha

[@intigniadickey2224]

Doing nothing is sitting there and not being productive. But one's thoughts are always going.

[@purplesuninthesky]

Hi big fan from California

[@robb7237]

What is the source of the last part? That starts at 1:00:01

[@purplesuninthesky]

What do you think of saving money and then making a purchase ? I been wanting too buy a luxury item I want too buy that item instead of so many cheap ones though I still feel bad for buying ut

[@mariluzsampalo6096]

purplesuninthesky if u have been saving for that item and thinking about it will probably add value to your life. I dont see why you would regret buying it 😀

[@feathersky860]

💙 you both 👍💥💥💥

[@rickwalker8259]

Josh started to say something and interrupted himself. Our brains understand when we give away something we have to get something new. But if you give a credit card to a cashier, then they hand it back and also hand you something brand new, you don't get the mental connection that you gave something up. And buying online? There's no feeling of exchange at all. You feel like you got things for free because you never gave something away. Use cash whenever possible so you get that feeling of giving something up in order to get new things.

[@purplesuninthesky]

What's the number to leave a voicemail

[@stinkynbuttuns]

purplesuninthesky they mention it in the Podcast! Couldn't write it down because I was driving! :(

[@designariel]

purplesuninthesky they say it at 35:25