Minh Tran
For years, I was stuck in the endless cycle of wanting more—more clothes, more gadgets, more things I thought would make me happy.
But no matter how much I bought, the satisfaction never lasted.
That’s when I realized I was trapped in materialism, constantly chasing happiness in things that only left me feeling empty.
Breaking free wasn’t easy, but adopting a minimalist mindset changed everything.
By focusing on what truly adds value to my life, I’ve found more freedom, clarity, and peace of mind than I ever thought possible.
Minimalism isn’t just about owning less—it’s about living with intention. And these nine simple habits have helped me shift my mindset and escape the trap of always wanting more.
1) I stopped buying things just because they were on sale
For the longest time, I couldn’t resist a good deal. If something was 50% off, I felt like I had to buy it—whether I needed it or not.
But I eventually realized that sales were just tempting me to accumulate more stuff I didn’t actually use. A cheap price didn’t make an unnecessary purchase any less unnecessary.
So I made a simple rule: I only buy things if I genuinely need them, not just because they’re discounted.
This small mindset shift helped me break free from impulse spending and focus on what truly adds value to my life.
2) I decluttered my home—and my mind
A few years ago, I looked around my apartment and felt completely overwhelmed.
Closets stuffed with clothes I never wore, drawers filled with random gadgets, shelves packed with things I had forgotten I even owned.
I told myself I’d clean it up “someday,” but that day never seemed to come. Until one weekend, I finally decided to tackle it.
At first, it was hard to let go of things. What if I needed them later? What if I regretted it?
But as I sorted through everything, I realized most of it wasn’t adding any real value to my life—it was just taking up space.
After donating and selling what I didn’t need, my home felt lighter. And surprisingly, so did my mind.
Decluttering wasn’t just about getting rid of stuff. It was about making room for what truly mattered.
3) I shifted my focus from possessions to experiences
Studies have shown that people derive more lasting happiness from experiences than from material possessions. Yet, for a long time, I found myself chasing the temporary thrill of buying new things.
The excitement of a new purchase always faded, leaving me wanting the next best thing.
But when I started prioritizing experiences—traveling, spending time with loved ones, learning new skills—I noticed a real difference.
Experiences don’t just bring joy in the moment; they create memories, deepen connections, and add meaning to life in a way that material things never could.
4) I learned to appreciate what I already have
For a long time, I was always looking for the next thing—a new phone, new clothes, a better version of what I already owned. But no matter how much I got, I always felt like something was missing.
That changed when I started practicing gratitude. Instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I made it a habit to appreciate what was already in my life.
Suddenly, my current belongings felt enough. I stopped feeling the constant urge to upgrade or replace things just for the sake of it.
Gratitude shifted my mindset from scarcity to abundance—and that made all the difference.
5) I set clear boundaries on what I bring into my life
Before embracing minimalism, I would buy things on impulse—sometimes out of boredom, sometimes because I thought they would make my life better.
But over time, all that extra stuff just became clutter.
Now, I follow a simple rule: before bringing anything new into my life, I ask myself if it truly serves a purpose or adds real value. If it doesn’t, I don’t buy it.
This habit has helped me be more intentional with my purchases, making sure that everything I own has a reason to be there. And as a result, my space—and my mind—feel much lighter.
6) I stopped attaching my self-worth to what I own
We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more to be enough. A nicer car, a bigger house, the latest trends—there’s always something new to chase.
For a long time, I bought into this idea. I thought having certain things would make me feel more successful, more worthy, more complete. But no matter how much I accumulated, that feeling never truly came.
The truth is, our worth has nothing to do with what we own. It’s found in who we are, how we treat others, and the way we live our lives.
Letting go of the need to prove myself through material things was one of the most freeing changes I’ve ever made.
7) I confronted the emotional side of my spending
For a long time, I didn’t just buy things because I needed them—I bought them because they made me feel better. Shopping was a distraction, a quick way to lift my mood when I was stressed, bored, or feeling down.
But the relief never lasted. After the excitement of a new purchase faded, I was left with the same emotions… and a growing pile of things I didn’t really need.
Realizing this forced me to ask myself a difficult question: What am I really looking for when I buy something?
Once I started addressing the underlying emotions instead of numbing them with shopping, my relationship with material things completely changed.
8) I embraced the joy of simple living
Some of the happiest moments in life don’t come from expensive things—they come from the simple, everyday experiences we often overlook.
A quiet morning with a cup of tea, a deep conversation with a friend, a walk outside on a sunny day.
When I stopped chasing more, I started noticing and appreciating these small joys. And I realized they were far more fulfilling than anything I could buy.
Simplicity doesn’t mean deprivation. It means making space for what truly matters and finding contentment in the present moment.
9) I redefined what success means to me
For so long, I thought success meant having more—more money, more possessions, more status. But no matter how much I accumulated, it never felt like enough.
At some point, I had to ask myself: Whose definition of success am I actually chasing?
When I let go of society’s version of success and created my own, everything changed.
To me, success is now about freedom, peace of mind, and living in alignment with my values. And none of that depends on how much I own.
Bottom line: less can truly be more
The constant pursuit of more—more possessions, more upgrades, more status—can feel endless. But the truth is, material things only bring fleeting satisfaction.
Research in psychology suggests that once our basic needs are met, additional possessions do little to increase long-term happiness. Instead, fulfillment comes from meaningful experiences, strong relationships, and a sense of purpose.
Minimalism isn’t about sacrifice; it’s about clarity. It’s choosing to fill your life with what truly matters and letting go of what doesn’t.
When you stop measuring life by what you own, you start discovering a different kind of wealth—one that isn’t found in things, but in freedom, peace, and contentment.
