Seven questions to figure out what really matters
I am currently doing “The 21-day minimalism challenge”, by The Minimalists. In day one, I created my own happiness list, and today (day two) I am reflecting upon seven fundamental questions to help me achieve that list.
To give some context; here is my current happiness list of 13 things I aim to do every day:
I must exercise every day
I must be in nature every day
I must surprise Tainá every day
I must do my obligations every day
I must enjoy my work every day
I must interact with family and friends every day
I must write every day
I must finish one task every day
I must be present every day
I must express gratitude every day
I must deaccelerate every evening
I must read every day
Let’s jump right to the questions!
What is standing in the way of my musts/ happiness?
My initial thought was to blame time – or rather the lack of it. But I can neither create, find, buy or steal more hours to my day. Therefore, it is more pragmatic to look at what takes up the 24 hours I already have. This led me to three culprits: work, distractions, and lacking routines.
When did I give so much meaning to my possessions?
I never had a great urge to own expensive possessions, such as designer clothes or the newest iPhone. The exception to this, which unfortunately happens to be the most expensive possession of them all, is that I would really like to have a house with a garden, preferably located in the same neighborhood I grew up. Although this does not amount to an outrageous amount of consumerism, it does mean I will have to trade my time and creative freedom for money for the greater part of my life, to pay off a mortgage.
What is truly important in my life?
To have something meaningful to do
To live a life in accordance to my values, and do minimal harm to the planet and its inhabitants
Family and friends
Health and inner peace
Nature
I liked this question, because it challenges me to revisit my happiness list, to ensure that my daily tasks actually bring me closer to what is truly important above.
Why am I discontented?
I am often discontented because I post phone my happiness. I keep thinking I’ll be happy as soon as I get X or achieve Y. However, X and Y move into the future at the same pace as me, always remaining out of reach. And the chase leaves me too busy to focus on what really matters.
Who is the person I want to become?
I want to become this person who is so good at what he’s doing, so creative, so unique, so systematic, that I can create change in the world through projects which I truly enjoy doing, and not those who pay the bills. At present, that would mean through writing, videos, social projects, maybe even talks and podcasts.
How will I define my success?
If I need to be the best, I am doomed. What if I could instead be content with being as good as I can? To measure my success by my effort and enjoyment, not by the ultimate outcome? Then, even a modest (and more likely) achievement is a success, because the journey itself has been joyful.
How will my life improve if I own less stuff?
I would be a bird, not a tortoise. I would fly, explore and create, rather than carry, maintain, and worry. My path would not be decided by objects or desires, but by passion and curiosity.
Some of the questions triggered quite long reflections not included here, so be on the lookout for future articles going more in dept! 😊
