5 Minimalist Habits That Made Me Rich

How to use minimalism to live the richest life possible.

Here's what I'm reading:

Many people are turning to a more minimalist life as they begin to realize that seeking a highly materialistic life does not lead to happiness. Many people are seeking a life of less possessions and less spending, and are finding that it is making their lives richer. Minimalism, to me, means more than just living with less, but it is about developing habits that lead to a life of contentment.

In this video, I share 5 different minimalist habits I practice in order to live a rich life.

1. Emotional Intelligence

As humans, we all experience different emotions that affect how we feel, act, and behave. And although we can't avoid these emotions in our lives we can control them to an extent. Emotional intelligence “The ability to identify and regulate our own emotions as well as understand and influence the emotions of others.” When you focus on identifying emotions and let them pass, it ultimately leads to a richer life as you are able to look at negative experiences in a positive way. Also, it allows you to shape a better world around you as you are able to impact the behavior of others in a positive way.

2. Practicing Patience

In many of my videos, I have mentioned that I spent about 3 years of my life in South America. The biggest lesson I learned in South America is patience because in South America, nothing ever goes to plan. Patience allows you to live with less stress and anxiety because you don't focus on things that are out of your control. When you practice patience in your life, it makes your life richer as you don't spend too much time worrying about all the things you can't control.

3. Being Present

We live in a very busy society where we have calendars full of events, deadlines to meet, and constant distractions. And because we live these busy lives we are often living more in the future than in the present. In the chaos of life, it is important to take moments where you don't worry too much about the future and do activities that allow you to be present. When you focus on being more present, it leads to a richer life as you gain more experiences and memories.

4. Getting Rest

One of the biggest lessons that I have learned since being my own boss and having more responsibilities is the importance of rest. We live in a world where rest is often discouraged and a sign of weakness; however, rest is the key to productivity. When you take moments doing calming activities like reading, walking, or napping, you are able to come back to a task with a clearer mind. And when you develop the habit of taking breaks, it leads to a richer life as you are more calm and productive.

5. Gratitude

I believe that minimalism is about being content with what you have instead of living a life of constantly wanting more. The best way to achieve this lifestyle is by practicing gratitude in your life. And this means recognizing all of the things you do have and being grateful for those things. When you practice gratitude in your life, you will realize that the materialistic portrayal of being rich is just an illusion. And when you are grateful and content with what you have, you will be the richest person on planet Earth.

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[ElAgustin]

What's another habit that has enriched your life?

[lauraprater]

"Slow living" I live this now since learning its value after my cancer journey. A whole year to lay in bed and get a new perspective on what my days consisted of up to that point. I don't have a ton of money, in fact I'm still catching up slowly but surely from a year of no income (it's own lessons). Despite my financial status at the moment my life is so rich!

[thats_toyaya]

My son has enriched my life. He reminds me of what we ought to see. He loves going to the woods and blowing bubbles.He loves sticking his hand out of the car window when it rains and running through the snow...😢😢 I love you Olly.

[catherinemurray]

I buy everything I possibly can secondhand at thrift stores. I don't feel deprived at all, actually the opposite, finding treasure is so much fun and my home is so cosy and inviting. Yes, I might have to wait to get the object I'm after, though I've found this has made me incredibly patient and it reminds me that I can always get what I need, it just takes time.

[virgil]

I used to live outside the city for 11 years on an acreage. I loved it, due to the fact growing up on the farm, had the quiet and space. But on the farm, we were there to make a living, so all the equipment we had and work we did was to make the place run. An acreage is work after your job is done. Riding mowers, quads, etc, etc. And all the maintenance of that equipment. I moved back into the city 4 years ago, and all that stuff got sold. I went from 5-6 engines to maintain and items to fix, to now none. Less stress when you own less stuff

[Luncheon]

I think learning patience in spending money - learning to not use money to get stuff done instantly - is a skill all of us need to learn. Thanks for another great video Agustin and for drawing my attention to patience & rest.

[legiontheatregroup]

I liked your last quote. A variation on it I have heard goes: “Wealth is not about having everything you want, but wanting everything you have.”

[jazzispirit]

Hi Austin! Well for one, I have a gratitude journal I write in it daily, reminding myself how grateful I really am. Coming from a family where “worth” was always measured by how much money you have, how big your house was, etc, and me running up credit cards to try to match…I now know that my fabulous daughters, a successful nursing career, a lifetime of “ still” playing piano professionally, and still able to hike ( yes with arthritis lol) and 100% debt free, this great grandmother says Austin, continue your brilliant videos! And as I’ve said, they belong in the schools! Blessings 💕

[danicegewiss]

We are building a Japanese garden. We have numerous pathways around our property. Those pathways are so relaxing to wander around. I was going to talk about this cabin we rented. It was under $100/night and is amazing. But the Japanese garden attracts birds and other creatures. It's so calming.

[ct]

Hello everyone, I love listening to music while cleaning, exercising and doing chores. Music makes me happy. Paying a subscription to listen to music is very affordable.

[TylerG]

Really enjoying your videos Augustine. I’ve already been onboard with minimalism for about 5 years, but your videos are just great reminders of all the benefits that a simple, slow life provides. And your videos are very calming. By the way, I’m 2/3 through the book Shantaram. You were right. Just excellent! Great story and amazing writing. Keep up the great work!

[CanadaAstro]

The habit of communication. It’s especially powerful in personal relationships.

[UnrulyHousewife]

My habit is trying to make people laugh and (in my craft tutorials especially) trying to show people an honest account of what "normal" looks like. Have fun, see mistakes as lessons, use the supplies you have, don't just curate them.

[helenterry]

Hi Austin, I love your videos! I so get your way of thinking and agree with your views of modern life. Thank you ( All the way over in Derbyshire England) xx

[leena]

Great video! Learning patience has helped me tremendously in my life. A "habit" that helped me is learning to build community no matter where I am.

[cassandramarie]

I noticed the same thing when I visited Northern Thailand. They are so much happier.

[danidelyon]

Thanks for sharing your experience in South America. I enjoyed hearing how they handle everyday life!

[kimhazlewood]

Despite being a frugal minimalist I sometimes engage in emotional spending. I tell myself I have the funds but all I do is borrow from other budget categories. My Dad used to say "Borrow from Peter to pay Paul and from Paul to pay all" So true✌🏾

[zephyrr]

talk about minimalism or downsizing in books, I think many people have lots and want to know how to downsize (books specifically!) your vids are great! thanks Austin

[allessfyrdikaz]

Thank you, Augustino for your wise words. For me, patience is sometimes hard to keep, but i try.... What i also do, is, live and let live, so i do not eat animals, as i love them all, not only cats and dogs ;-)