Aphorist

Applied Minimalism

circles

Minimalism can be viewed as a layered life system, comprising three core sub-systems:

Reduction is the foundation of minimalism and is fairly self-explanatory. By using a variety of tools and techniques in tandem with the other sub-systems, you can build a resilient, self-perpetuating system of systems.

Reduce, minimize, declutter, and discard. Spend little to no time “sorting” or “organizing,” as these activities are often just synonyms for shifting and compartmentalizing the real problem. When implementing this sub-system, carefully and intentionally root out the unnecessary elements in your life.

Routinization is another key principle of minimalism, particularly effective for time management. Combining the procedural system of reduction with the reinforcing system of routinization is, in my opinion, the most powerful application of minimalist practices.

Practice and assess each task and goal. Once reduction becomes a habit, it compounds the efficiency of both the reduction and routinization sub-systems, creating a virtuous cycle of simplicity and productivity.

Refinement is the third layer of this minimalist life-system. To clarify, these “sub-systems” are not mechanical cogs or gears. Instead, they represent interconnected elements of how I apply minimalism to everyday life. All three sub-systems must be present for the greater system to function effectively.

Together, these sub-systems form a cohesive system of systems, like aspects of minimalism superimposed to reveal a unified, scalable whole. Much like a fractal, this system can be applied at any scale, from the smallest daily habits to the broadest life goals.

The term “minimal” is succinct, yet its true impact often requires reiteration, practice, and time to fully grasp.

A major obstacle to fully articulating this life-system concept was realizing that I’d had the solution all along. I kept searching for a more complex system built from simpler subsystems. However, to capture the true, living essence of this life system, I needed something more granular yet more refined—something self-contained, self-improving, and applicable across all scales of thought and action, while remaining easy to communicate and implement.