For many of us, this past year has helped put into perspective what’s really important in life — socializing with our loved ones, the ability to sit at a coffee shop with our friends, and going to the office and seeing coworkers in real life to name a few. This has all helped minimize the focus on what we may want in life, and reprioritized what we actually need to survive the day-to-day.

This is also known as adopting a “less is more” mentality; which is a global movement rooted in minimalism with ties to both environmental and social responsibility. Essentially — how can you be just as happy with less than you had before as business owner?

To feel fulfilled with less, there are a few easy stepping stones anyone can take to begin their journey to being a “less is more” kind of person.

Recognize what you have

In today’s world of showing off your company’s growth on social media and bragging about your small business income, it can be easy to live in a comparative state of mind, thinking that you don’t have a huge following on social media and your company hasn’t broken even yet.

To catch yourself before you wreck yourself, take a minute to recognize that while you don’t have those specific items, you have some pretty wonderful things instead. 

You may not have one million followers on Instagram, but you do have a very loyal fan base that loves your content. Your company may not have broken even, but you are well on your way to making passive income from your business. Keeping this in mind is important to keep yourself from constantly comparing yourself to others. 

Prioritize your most important needs

Even the most minimal person on earth has some basic needs that need to be met (such as shelter, food and water, and clothing). Keep these top needs in mind the next time you’re tempted to buy something you don’t need, or start fantasizing about everything you could buy with more money.

While this may mean making some tough decisions, like renewing your company URL instead of purchasing some fun merch for your business, it means you’re taking care of yourself and what you and your business need. This doesn’t mean that you should never treat yourself or buy something that catches your eye; just try to think about what needs to be prioritized first. 

Look for non-material things that make you happy

It’s no secret that a great outfit, new book, or high-tech water bottle can bring a smile to your face from time to time. But when adopting a “less-is-more” mentality, it’s important to seek out non-material things that bring that same smile to your face, but also make you feel fulfilled. 

If you’re having trouble thinking of things that bring you that same satisfaction, here are some places to get you started, both as a business owner and a person:

  • Launching a product you’re proud of 
  • Belly laughing with your friends 
  • Scratching a dog’s head 
  • The feeling of getting a positive review 
  • A positive reply to one your marketing emails
  • Hugging your loved ones 
  • Selling out of a product 
  • Smelling fresh flowers 
  • Coding your website to perfection 
  • Talking with a good friend for hours 

Learning how to be happy with less isn’t always easy or intuitive, but it pays off tenfold when you can find joy and fulfillment in the little things. For more tips on adopting a  less is more mindset as a business owner.

Check out this visual from CreditRepair.

Personal note from Joy

I really resonated with this article. Before the 2020 lockdown I was running round like a mad thing, chasing my tail, in both my personal and business life. The period of the lockdown gave me chance to slow down and pay attention to what really mattered to me in my life, and take some time doing what I really wanted to do, instead of constantly trying to please everyone else.

Thanks to CreditRepair.com for use of this graphic.

Less is More Mentality