Minimalism: Live Better With Less (And Achieve Mental Quietness)

By Victor de la Fuente

Do you know how many shoes you have? How often do you wear those sneakers that you have >? Is it difficult for you to get rid of things that you will not use anymore? Do you often worry about situations that finally do not occur? Do you own things or do they own you?

Between theory and practice, the book reviews the concept of minimalism both in its materialistic and mental aspects. "Minimalism: Living Better With Less" addresses the paradigm of being happier with fewer possessions. The theory aside, the book explores different tricks and techniques to test minimalism in a practical and pragmatic way in the world we live in.

A powerful mix between its own content and a summary of the teachings of the most relevant authors in minimalism such as Marie Kondo, Leo Babauta, Joshua Becker and others like it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Victor de la Fuente
• Release date: Feb 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9798794031263

Victor de la Fuente

Victor de la Fuente is an eCommerce/eBusiness consultant. Also, collaborates with different business schools and provides lectures and teaching programs about eCommerce, Online Marketing and technology.As CEO of his own consultancy agency, provides solutions to different enterprises in the digital ecosystem.Born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, become a Minimalist once he started an around the world trip. As an athlete, mostly mastering long-distance running, also explored all the continents.Al long range of deep-changing experiences, gave them the objective of achieve deep work, and explore not only the physical but also the philosophical and conceptual world.His work, as writer and consultant,

Book preview

M

inimalism

LIVE BETTER WITH LESS

(AND ACHIEVE MENTAL QUIETNESS )

Víctor de la Fuente

Copyright © 2022 Víctor de la Fuente.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Minimalism/ Víctor de la Fuente. – 2nd ed.

ISBN 9798794031263

Index

Where we were. Where we are. Where we are going.

CHAPTER 0

Revisiting lessons learned

It has been a long time since I wrote the first edition. After rereading it and continuing with the maxims of minimalism, I can confirm that at least for me, it is not a fashion.

Some of the criticism received is that it contributes nothing new. The criticism is fair enough to the extent that we consider the date of publication and reading. At the time of writing the book, Marie Kondo was not a celebrity. The Minimalists also did not have a documentary on Netflix and in general, the movement either did not exist or had barely started.

As I continue reading the great references of minimalism, I feel an air of nebula, of detachment, of religion. Almost like gurus, they seem to live and convey a reality that is not that of the majority.

In addition, in these years since the publication of the book until now, although I have maintained the minimalist lifestyle, I have to say that I have had to review and reread concepts to stay true to my convictions and not get carried away by justifications (excuses) that created me.

Whether for some or these causes, I believe that the book and its concepts are still more valid than ever; even more so when we pass a stage on a global scale in recalibrating our priorities.

CHAPTER 1

So far…

Have you ever been extremely angry when an object broke? For losing it? Do you worry and analyze too much before buying? And after doing it?

You buy some shoes and keep the old ones just in case. How many times did you put them back on? And the following to those? Also, do you know how many shoes you have? And pants? Do you think you need them all? Do each pair of pants turn on that spark of illusion like when you bought them? How long did that spark last from when you swiped the credit card until they ended up in the back of the closet? Is it difficult for you to get rid of things that you will not use anymore?

Do you reread the novels in your library? If you don't keep the book, will you forget what you read? Didn't the twenty-volume encyclopedia and dictionary replace Wikipedia years ago? Do you save the entire magazine for an interesting article?

Mentally, do you often worry about situations that finally do not occur? Do you feel you're wasting time accepting invitations or commitments that don't really fill you up? Do you feel in an infinite loop with the same recurring worries, decisions, and doubts?

Do you own things or do they own you?

In the following pages, we will discover simple techniques to apply every day that, imperceptibly, will open up physical and mental space. We will reflect in a disruptive, non-aggressive way, on our lifestyle, the inertia and the sustainability of our needs.

Towards a simpler, not simplistic life, where we will go from an abundance of objects to an abundance of tranquility, happiness and meaning.

Do you want to be happier with less?

CHAPTER 2

My journey

After dedicating myself to online marketing in leading companies, I left everything and embark on an adventure: to go around the world alone and with a backpack. To live comfortably with a stable salary, not to deprive me of the latest technological devices and, in general, not to worry about what or how much I was spending, I went to the opposite extreme.

A solo adventure with a backpack behind me and seven months ahead. My path into minimalism began halfway down that other path with an answer to an unspoken question: the revelation that I need little to live.

The second discovery, more philosophical, was the realization that there was no halfway. During the trip, I was imbued with new theories and philosophies that would clash with all the education received to date, including my studies in economics and marketing, and all the culture and influences that surrounded me daily.