Essentialism: Clearing Space to Become Your Best Self

I remember that feeling so vividly—countless nights when I’d get off work late or drive home after spending time with people I barely knew. The silence on the car ride home wasn’t peaceful; it was empty. My entire day felt like a blur. I’d walk into a cluttered room and go straight to bed, staring at the ceiling until four in the morning. I was afraid to fall asleep because I didn’t feel safe, I was anxious, and I felt completely hollow. The numbness carried into the next day. I’d wake up with no vision for my life, no clear direction, no sense of purpose. I filled my days with meaningless interactions and random outings just to get through the hours. Eventually, it became unbearable. I was so deeply unhappy, and I knew something had to change.

That’s when I discovered minimalism and, soon after, Greg McKeown’s book, Essentialism. Everything began to make sense. Essentialism isn’t just about decluttering your space—it’s about decluttering your life. McKeown describes it as a disciplined, intentional way of focusing only on what truly matters so you can make your highest contribution.

1. Minimalism: Clearing the Outer World

Minimalism is about reducing physical possessions and clearing external clutter. When I first embraced it, I grabbed multiple trash bags and started throwing away clothes I hadn’t touched in months, old letters, and random trinkets I once thought had sentimental value. I realized that these objects only held power because I gave them power.

By letting them go, I immediately felt lighter and my mind clearer. Over time, decluttering became a ritual: clothes I haven’t worn in a month are gone, and junk drawers no longer exist. My wardrobe is simple—black, white, and neutral tones. Even when I started wearing occasional green or red, my friends noticed immediately. Minimalism simplified my environment, creating mental space for focus and creativity.

2. Essentialism: Clearing the Inner World

Essentialism goes deeper than minimalism—it’s about reducing commitments and clarifying priorities. I stopped saying “yes” to meaningless interactions or random plans. Instead, I began intentionally choosing how and with whom I spent my time. McKeown explains that essentialism helps you reduce internal clutter—your time, energy, and decisions—so you can focus on what truly matters.

My mom shared a quote from Jim Rohn that changed how I viewed relationships: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” I realized that my inner circle shapes my mindset, goals, and energy. By intentionally surrounding myself with the right people, I began aligning my life with my vision rather than being pulled in a hundred different directions.

3. The Psychological Power of Both

Balancing minimalism and essentialism creates a profound psychological shift. Minimalism reduces visual noise and decision fatigue, allowing your brain to relax. Essentialism reduces emotional overwhelm by eliminating non-essential commitments, giving you purpose and control. Together, they create a feedback loop: a calm space supports clearer thinking, and clearer thinking leads to more intentional action.

McKeown emphasizes that when you remove the unnecessary, you create space to focus on what really matters. When both your environment and your schedule reflect only what’s essential, you experience greater clarity, reduced anxiety, and a stronger sense of self.

Ask yourself: “How do I envision the most successful version of myself?” Then ask, “What is essential in my life to embody that person?” Anything that doesn’t align with your higher self or long-term goals must be removed. The only things that hold value are those you choose to give value to. With the right mindset, you can clear both your inner and outer worlds, creating the space to grow into the life you truly want.

Action Steps: Bringing Essentialism and Minimalism to Life

1. Declutter one area at a time – Start with your closet, drawers, or workspace. Ask yourself: “Does this serve me or my vision?” If not, let it go.

2. Audit your commitments – Write down everything you’re saying “yes” to. Keep only what truly aligns with your purpose and goals.

3. Evaluate your inner circle – Who are the five people you spend the most time with? Are they inspiring, aligned, and supportive? If not, consider investing more energy elsewhere.

4. Create intentional routines – Schedule reflection, planning, and quiet time. Use these moments to focus on your essential priorities.

5. Ask daily: “Is this essential?” – Before saying yes, before making a decision, check: does this move me closer to the life I envision?

By doing this, you’re not just tidying up your space—you’re creating a life where your time, energy, and relationships are aligned with who you truly want to be. It’s not about perfection; it’s about intention, clarity, and focus.