#133: Becoming Minimalist with Ryan Nicodemus

Want more time, more money, more freedom, and more fun? Then this podcast episode is for you. As a long time Bruce Lee fan, I've always been an advocate for simplicity and minimalism. When things get too complex or I start accumulating too much physical or mental clutter I'm never quite as happy. I'll never forget the first time I saw the movie, Fight Club. It was like an epiphany when I heard Tyler Durden say, "We buy sh*t we don't need with money we don't have, to impress people we don't like." He talked about how the things we own end up owning us. About the ability to let that which does not matter truly slide. My mind was blown and my life changed. Later I read several books on the concept of minimalism, essentialism, and the importance of simplicity and a singular focus, but I'm human and can slip up, which is why it was perfect timing to sit down with Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists. He is one of the leading voices in the minimalist world and one of the stars of the new documentary, Minimalism. We talk about how saying no to certain things can open up so much more time, money, freedom and fun in your life. In this episode we discuss: "The Junk Drawer" and his trick to saying no and staying clutter free [2:52]. How he came to the decision to avoid living paycheck to paycheck [4:28]. The reality of selling cell phones and the idea of buying happiness [5:30]. His best friend and the introduction to Minimalism [7:55]. The definition of a packing party and prioritizing needs vs. wants [11:45]. How the blog "theminimalist.com" came to be [13:44]. How removing material items impacted his life [14.22]. Fear, monetizing the blog, and being a barista [16:14]. Traveling while making $21,000 a year [19:33]. The book tour and living in Missoula, Montana [20:55]. His philosophy on "Good Debt" and responsibility [23:52]. The first steps to living a life of minimalism [25:33]. How time is spent, building relationships and a no excuse approach to living a healthy life [29:04]. Avoiding the black hole of social media, advertising and comparing yourself to others [32:51]. His rule before making a purchase [39:53]. His daily rituals and/or routines that he must complete [42:04]. The benefits of developing the habit of mediating [43:18]. What clothing he keeps in his closet and tricks to keep them fresh [44:46]. Life rules that are unique to him [47:59]. The value of digital vs. hard copy book collecting [51:15]. Tips for the entrepreneur to build a great, genuine business and add value [52:43]. What he is inspired by today [54:34]. Selected Links From The Episode Leo Babauta. More about "The Minimalists". Biography of Ryan Nicodemus & Joshua Fields Millburn. The film, "Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things" (Vimeo has 6 hours of bonus footage). Collin Wright, the author. Joshua Becker. Courtney Carver. Local Meet ups provided by the Minimalists. Meditation mobile application: 10% Happier: Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics. Book Mentions Dead I May Well Be by Adrian McKinty. Total Money Make Over by Dave Ramsey. Everything that Remains by Joshua Fields Millburn & Ryan Nicodemus.   This episode is brought to you by The Renegade Strength Club, one of the best ways to simply your life is to outsource things. If you're not a fitness professional that means you should outsource your program design to someone who is. That someone would be your host, Jason (A.K.A. Jay) Ferruggia. Since 1994, he has helped countless guys get ripped, strong, jacked and yoked. His training methods have been battle tested time and time again. And they always deliver killer results. As a Renegade Strength Club insider you get: Brand new workouts from Jay every month. Coaching videos. Answers to your questions. Access to the club community. The opportunity to participate in local meet ups. The chance to enter contests like the Transformation Contest, and more where we offer cool prizes like Fat Gripz, t-shirts, etc. Go to www.renegadestrengthclub.com to join us on the Dark Side and we'll see you on the inside. If you have questions, shoot them my way on Twitter (@JasonFerruggia) or email [email protected] Thank you for tuning in, subscribing, and listening. I appreciate every one of you that takes the time to listen.