A Helpful Guide to Becoming Unbusy

Busy does not need to define you. Unbusy is possible. It’s okay to be happy with a calm life.
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You can read more about becoming unbusy in my book, The Minimalist Home.

Find Becoming Minimalist on Facebook, and Joshua Becker on Instagram and Twitter.

[evasochocki]

I like how you used the phrase " we glorify busyness. " That's the heart of the matter, I think. We have been conditioned to think that the more we do, the better we are.
As you said, we can still have productive lives without being constantly busy. We just need to prioritize.

[Shanti_devi]

Lately I experienced a major burn out during which I wasn't even able to get out of the bed, make dishes or answer the phone. It lasted for years. I had to cancel any form of involvment I was into. I was lucky that where I lived I could get a monthly minimal amount of money to help me pay the rent and get through. I was a bit minimalist but now I'm giving up on hoarding anything that is not useful or beautiful. Now getting much more better, I learned to say "no" and I learned to respect my body when it's trying to tell me: It's enough! Life is so much better now than it was! I learned to appreciate every bit of joyful I have in my life ;)

[dianer]

I worked part-time throughout my career. I just learned to go without and really enjoyed my time off for more than 40 years.

[lindaallen]

This is so good…sometimes we think “resting” equals laziness and we as Americans frown upon that. Preaching to the choir here. 😬. And we need to say “no” WITHOUT saying “I’m sorry”. 👍.

[lakesnlawns]

Please keep these videos at this pace, for under six minutes, music-less, so clear and concise, and always with those bullets on the screen, in that so 'minimalist' technique in every aspect, that plain black or blue shirt, with that beige/white blurry or non-blurry background, and above all, those confident, relaxing-to look-at gestures, and, of course, the professional smile. Photos used and/or family demonstrations are just perfect --oh, and the hair, that glorious hair!! I am sure the producer is just such a believer in your philosophy that he artistically applied it in the videos...just amazing!! So relaxing to watch!! Huge fan and on my way to becoming a hard-core minimalist because of you!! Many thanks!!

[misterhot]

I think "busy" inadvertently builds a barrier by saying "I don't have time for you". We need to be careful in what context that word is used.

[BrittMFH]

I love this. I've felt for a long time that people take some sort of pride in being busy all the time. To what end??? Silly.

[Soo_Blessed]

Thank you for this message
I'm a grandparent who is in a situation where I'm raising my grandchildren it is a lot. I've had the flu for a couple days and have literally felt stressed laying down sick because l know l am getting behind in everything l love your advice l am very envious of the novel reading and naps I'm reading about in these other comments
I feel blessed to have my health at my age but my energy is not what it used to be. I also have been trying to get rid of any clutter because we really don't have much room in this old house
with few closets and no basement
I am going to pray about my busyness it's certainly not what I thought this time in my life would be like. I'm sure God can direct my paths or even someone else's to come into my life to be some help. God is good and just
So when I pray tonight I'm going to look forward to that novel and a nap. Honestly didn't realize until your message
that my life is in constant motion. God bless you and your family

[mariasimao]

Love the idea to stop glorifying busy. My new lesson in life. Thankyou for a wonderful and motivating video.

[defaultworkouts]

i realized this in about 2011 when i was making youtube videos. i had a choice to pursue that as a hobby or not. thank you for this great video AND especially NOT playing stupid annoying background music. speaking slowly is also great. we all process info at different speeds and there is no need to rush through advice that is great especially for a 5 minute video

[freddythefrog]

I completely agree Joshua ! I take some time off chores all throughout the day when I'm not working outside: that is I take my time to eat breakfast, lunch, have a coffee after lunch and doze off after that if need be !! I also stop between chores along the day to either read my novel or a magazine or to watch a video and so on. I always end the day by reading my novel before I turn off the lights, even after I've watched a movie. If I fall asleep too early on my book, I'll allow myself to read my novel before I get up on the next morning if time permits !!
This means I choose to indulge myself with personal interests everyday without fail BEFORE any other people's needs. This allows me to feel complete, fulfilled and in peace with myself and others.
NO NEED TO STAY BUSY BUT TO STAY ORGANIZED !!!

[amandamariedick]

Thank you. I finally finished getting rid of much of my physical clutter and am ready to rid myself of other types of clutter too, such as being too busy. I appreciate your ministry.

[kathiewalli]

Love how your so deliberate in your speech in all your helps to get the most out of you for all you great advice 👍

[mymyzie]

I feel like people use the word "busy" to feel important. It really is a glorified word. I agree. Someone who is busier than another person, isn't better than them

[seasonalliving]

I personally despise when people say they are busy...it sounds like someone is a victim and I refuse to do that. I am very conscious about not saying it. I consciously prioritize my life and say NO a lot! lol. In regards to rest, I was recently reading about Holy Leisure...that we are commanded to take a day off from busy...give ourselves to God, our family, and our rest. <3. I love that God is always looking out for our well being.

[dorka]

I was listening to this lying down on a couch. People don't rest and relax enough! And "NO" it's so important. We are learning to live our life for the most of our live. Happy weekend to us!

[Shiryone]

Our adult daughter complains of fatigue, this is mainly due to the social decisions that she makes for herself and her children but she refuses to change. I think she is afraid to slow down and "think" about things.

[kathleenbarron]

And I have to be cautious not to judge people when they brag about being “ busy”. Like you said, it’s a choice, not a badge of honor. But, my wisdom doesn’t give me a license to judge. I learned this concept after being too busy for YEARS. I’m reminded to be gracious, after all, our Heavenly Father is full of grace.

[YPEFFLE]

Yes to all of this! We shouldn't strive to get more done but to have less to do !

[annfrancisco]

owning fewer things makes us realize what's most important. great video!!! thanks!