I’d like to think that the bigger, faster, better mentality is beginning to fade among men. I’m not so sure it is.
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Boys like their toys. If you grew up anything like I did, you and your buddies were always impressed with bigger trucks, faster cars, and better stereo equipment. Maybe you even got caught up in trying to one-up your friends. “Hey, look at my new wheels!”
We want to climb faster up the ladder of success so we can own a better home.
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By nature, men tend to have bigger toys than women. Let’s face it, men are more likely to have hobbies that require more stuff. Hobbies like four-wheeling, hunting, fishing, motorcycles, and rock and roll all require lots of equipment and tools. It’s part of masculinity. We have been naturally and socially programmed to provide and show off.
It’s this quest for bigger, faster, better that keeps most men from living minimally, owning less, doing less. This bigger, faster, better mindset spills over into our professional lives, too. We want a bigger paycheck. We want to climb faster up the ladder of success so we can own a better home.
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The bigger, faster, better mentality will keep you from reaching your goals.
I’m a moderate minimalist. Check out my blog: www.hipdiggs.com. I’m not in favor of selling everything you own and living in a tent. I do believe we should limit our purchases and critically consider what we do with our time. If we spend all of our time and money on cars, boats, and big-screen TVs, we won’t be living up to our fullest potential.
Minimalism matters because it will make you a better man.
If you want to be a better husband, a better dad, a better friend, a better employee or entrepreneur, minimalism matters. If you’re concerned with the environment, minimalism matters. If you want to leave this world a better place, minimalism matters. Here’s a short list of some of the ways men can benefit from consciously choosing to live more minimally:
- You’ll have more time to spend with your loved ones: When you reduce the amount of physical and mental clutter in your life, you open up time for your partner, your children, and your friends.
- You’ll have less debt: Buying less stuff means spending less money. This leads to less debt. In time, you’ll even be able to become debt-free.
- You’ll have more productive energy: When you clear your home and schedule of excess, you’ll free up time to be more productive. If you’re a writer, you’ll get more writing done. I’ve written four books in the past five years because I’ve purposely reduced the excess in my life.
- You’ll have less fiscal responsibilities at home: This doesn’t mean you shirk your responsibilities. You’ll just have less of them. Smaller homes, smaller cars, and less technology, all make life easier. There’ll be less yard care and home repairs. You’ll have smaller utility bills. You’ll have more time and money for your family.
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When men learn to reduce our love of stuff, we become better men.
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I’d like to think that the bigger, faster, better mentality is beginning to fade among men. I’m not so sure it is. I still see young men trying to show off through the things they own and the feats they accomplish. Our culture still pushes the idea that masculinity requires more power and more possessions. But we can promote change.
I’m including a list of blogs about minimalism that you might find helpful. Read the articles. Share them with your friends. Minimalism matters. When men learn to reduce our love of stuff, we become better men. We help to make the world a better place. Stop chasing bigger, faster, better, and start focusing on the things that matter.
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Photo: Flickr/ 55Laney69
As a pretty hard core minimalist (army cot and work desk for the last 2 years), I would say that most guys who meet me get it instantly. Girls are shocked, confused, “don’t know how you can live like that”, and sometimes even “feel so bad for me”. I’m working now, so need this stuff, but I’ve spent 6 months living with a day pack several times, and can’t wait to get back to it.
Tom, I didn’t say women make good minimalists either. Yes, women have their own issues and likely make worse minimalists than men in general. But men do like bigger toys. Most people don’t practice minimalism. Each gender has their own reasoning. Hunting was once a way to survive. Most people I know that hunt now have excessive amounts of equipment to hunt primarily for sport.
seems you hurt old man Brechlins` feelings..
BTW, nice stereotypical “box” you put men in …
I disagree. I suppose you could look at some of the things men buy like big screen TV’s, fast cars, heavy duty trucks, etc.. In reality, many men have these things but that’s not to say they can’t easily live without them. I found it amusing that you threw in hunting and fishing where in a minimalist arena, those two activities assist in in life. Men are more capable of conserving water because they aren’t as likely to “need” to take daily showers, men are least likely to need a variety of hair care products and skin care products. So… Read more »