The Minimalist Mindset by Danny Dover

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Danny Dover is one of many modern-day pioneers of minimalism. After finding himself living a meaningless life, in and out of depression, sick and tired of seeing others living fascinating lives, he knew something had to change. He created his life-list – also commonly referred to as a bucket list. He wrote a list of 150 life goals and then got a deadline for completion tattooed on his butt – May the 25th 2010.

Dover is the founder of Life Listed and author of The Minimalist Mindset. He has also been a featured guest on The Hidden Why Podcast (here). In this book, Dover shares his journey out of depression and into a life of purpose.

To navigate his way there he simplified his life so he could focus on more of what he was passionate about and less on what was of little importance – indeed unnecessary.

The book is described as a step by step process for anyone wishing to create a minimalist lifestyle. Showing you how to incorporate habits and better prioritise what is essential in efforts to live your life with greater passion and freedom.

In my experience, true freedom is not easy to find. I am not sure I even understand what “true” freedom actually is. In searching for what I thought was the primary goal of life, freedom, I stumbled into a more purposeful life. A life characterised by the philosophy of minimalism. What I now understand is that freedom was not the primary goal rather happiness is – and the need to minimise the suffering of life.

The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus was an early proponent of minimalism. Epicureanism is defined as a system of philosophy aimed at living an untroubled life by making carefully considered choices. Similar to Buddhist teachings it aligns itself to the dualities of life – pleasure and pain, joy and suffering.

Minimalism teachings us to appreciate the costs attached to what we seek in search of happiness. While many things can bring joy and pleasure the attachment to any expectation of lasting joy can often come at a cost. According to Epicurus anything beyond what is necessary should be moderated or avoided altogether.

In recent years minimalism has, in my opinion, become somewhat of a trend. Society is beginning to realise that the cost of modern-day consumerism that we’ve built our lives upon is achieving the opposite to what we all hoped for or believed it would achieve. Consume more, increase the quality of your life, be happier. Instead, we consume and we are more than ever before, and statistically proven, unhappier.

Minimalism is a path back. A way to be, do and have what is necessary to live a happy life. Of course, there is no one “how to” guide that can apply to us all. The philosophy of stoicism, the teachings of the likes of Epicurus, Buddha and others can help us individually define what freedom and happiness are and in doing so assist us to create a life of simplicity, essentialism, or minimalism.

The Minimalist Mindset was lacking substance for my liking. Although there were many cool ideas I found greater value in interviewing Dover about his journey into minimalism. The creation of a life-list is an excellent way to go about removing what is unnecessary and doing more of what you’re passionate about. Ignite your life based on what you love. Become purposeful and develop greater meaning.

If you are feeling like there must be more to life I do believe that understanding the philosophies of minimalism and simplicity can help. Reading and listening to both past and modern-day activists will certainly assist you in the creation of your minimalist lifestyle. And don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have to give up some of those guilty pleasures human progression as granted us, retreating to a life in a cave. It’s about finding a healthy trade-off of what is important and what is not.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase The Minimalist Mindset: The Practical Path to Making Your Passions a Priority and to Retaking Your Freedom here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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Further Reading and Resources 

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The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

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Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

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Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.