The Erin Cobb 
Experiment 

The Erin Cobb 
Experiment

Actionable Advice to Help You Dream Bigger, Love Deeper 
and Pursue Your Highest Purpose.

#016 Less But Better: Essentialism, Inner Decluttering, and How to Master Your Environment.

  • By Erin Cobb
  • •
  • 13 Jul, 2018

In Episode #016 Less But Better: Essentialism, Inner De-cluttering, and How to Master Your Environment, We explore Dieter Rams Design Philosophy and how it can vastly increase our feelings of fulfillment.

"The things you own end up owning you." 

-Tyler Durden Fight Club

Show Notes:

If Something Doesn't serve you, Get rid of it.

  • This is the core of Essentialism (The Disciplined Pursuit of less)
  • How is my environment affecting my productivity and happiness?

  • If I were watching a documentary of my life, what would my living situation say about me?

  • Is my living space INTENTIONAL or just a result of convenience?

Eliminate Clutter (Both Inner and Outer)

  • "The things you own end up owning you." -Tyler Durden Fight Club
  • Humans tend to accumulate rather than appreciate. Eliminate as much as you can and your appreciation of the few things remaining will grow, your place will be easier to keep clean and decluttering your space will help you declutter your thoughts.
  • Cleanliness is next to Godliness

Quality > Quantity

  • The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten
  • "But its expensive!" I know. I prefer to suffer only once. 
  • Buying Cheap Stuff ACTUALLY COSTS YOU MORE (Boots Theory of Socio-Economic Injustice)
  • I own very few things, I intentionally keep my place clutter free because of the way it makes me feel, but the few things I do own are High Quality. (Smile X Example)
  • Experiences > Things

Rookie Mistake: Not Being INTENTIONAL

Is your house a vanilla box with a couple of obligatory pieces of furniture thrown in? Take some pride of ownership (yes even if you're a renter) and make the place your own. Having a home that reflects your personality and "has a good energy" will make you and guests feel much more comfortable. This can be accomplished with candles, unorthodox seating, or a solid workspace. Having different textures and warm lighting (i.e. yellow, red or orange) are extra credit, but will make your place feel much better.

Pro Tip: Mount a shelf or hook on the wall right where you first walk in and ALWAYS hang your keys, and put your wallet there. This little habit makes a huge difference and saves a lot of headaches when trying to rush out the door.

Sources:

  1. Dieter Rams
  2. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less -Greg McKeown
  3. Boots Theory of Economic Injustice - Sam Vimes
  4. George Carlin

Remember: I don't have all the answers, I'm not a guru. Just a companion on the path.


What should I talk about next? Please let me know in the comments below.

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