Every Monday I post Real Life Minimalists, a profile of one of my readers in their own words. If you’d like to participate, click here for details.
This week we hear from choose simple, who tells us about a wonderful program she developed to stay on a minimalist path. To learn more, visit her blog.
choose simple writes:
Hi, everyone!
I’m from the Philippines.
I’ve always been a minimalist even long before I know the term existed. But my love affair with it became stronger when I realized that I’m not alone. I started reading blogs (such as missminimalist.com) and learned more about this movement. I then came up with The NEAT Program, which consists of four simple steps:
1. Decide to take action NOW.
2. Decide what to ELIMINATE.
3. Decide where I APPOINT the things not eliminated.
4. Decide to be THANKFUL with what I have.
I follow this program in almost every aspect of my life. To give you an idea, let me share some of my experiences.
HOUSEKEEPING
Now: I wash the dishes after every meal.
Eliminate: The countertops are cleared from unnecessary things (e.g. dishwashing liquid, sponge, dish drying mat, and hand soap were the only things on our dishwashing area).
Appoint: After the dishes are dried, I put them inside the cabinet where they belong.
Thankful: I am thankful with the kitchen supplies that we have and because of this, I won’t be deluded that I need fancy kitchen supplies.
FINANCES
Now: I saved 50% right after I received my income (this was way back when I was still an employee, I’m a housewife now).
Eliminate: I don’t spend money on the things I don’t want (e.g. manicure, pedicure, jewelries, luxury bags, etc.).
Appoint: I put my savings where it will work for me (i.e. stocks).
Thankful: I was thankful with the salary I received. I exhibited my gratefulness by trying to be a good steward of what God has blessed me with (see above).
HOBBY
Now: I decided to focus on creating.
Eliminate: I eliminated senseless consumption (e.g. social media).
Appoint: I started a blog (www.choosesimple.ph) where I share the choices I made in living a simple life.
Thankful: I am thankful that I have time to do what I love, which is writing.
What I learned is that reading other’s success stories will remain that way—other’s—if I don’t decide and take action. That’s why the key in The NEAT Program is to decide then take action.
{If you’d like to learn more about minimalist living, please consider reading my book, The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide, or joining my email list.}
Thank you for sharing, Francine!
I really like this idea. I’m a procrastinating by nature and can see a lot of value in a quick 4 step plan.
Glad that you like it, Deann!
Very straightforward tips! Thanks for sharing this idea because I have been reading minimalism but not taking as much action as I would like to.I can relate to your last paragraph. Action now!
Hi, Joyz! I’m grateful that The NEAT Program will help you in your journey to minimalism. Enjoy the journey!
I love that idea! What a great way to stay on track!
Thank you, Bethany!
Hi Choose Simple,
I went to you blog and I’m so happy to have discovered it! You have a really nice beautiful inspired writing style. I read the post about forgiveness and it resonated with me deeply! I am looking forward to reading the rest of you blog!
gratefully,
S
Hi, buckeye! I’m glad you like my blog. I hope to inspire you more in my future posts.
I have been helping my daughter eliminate 80% of her stuff so she can move in with us following a period of illness and unemployment. She hasn’t lived with us in about 20 years. The best thing about being a minimalist is in our 2 bedroom condo we have lots of empty cupboards and shelves. She has sold at least 6 big bags of books. She has given away old clothes,linens, and grooming products.
Tina, it’s great to know that your daughter has started to eliminate things she doesn’t need.
Choose Simple, I like your pared down NEAT way of approaching things. I went to your blog, too, and loved its simplicity and anonymity. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Priscilla! Glad that you like NEAT and my blog, too. I hope that it will help you in some way.
I love your blog! Kudos to you for bucking the trend of materialism and instead choosing to follow God’s plan for your life as a wife, whether or not motherhood is in your future. God’s plans and timing are always best!
Hi, Sandra! Thank you for your kind words. I agree, God’s plans and timing are always best!
I continue to get rid of as much clutter as I can. I read a book about Swedish death cleaning. Although I am not yet 70, I am trying to get rid of anything I don’t think I will need going forward. When we’ve traveled, we never bought souvenirs. There were always free shopping bags, maps, or pins to take home. Or once in a while, we brought back small change. I don’t buy craft supplies. I am using up what I have in the house. Most were bought used in the first place.