Simplicity
#372. Dad, what is clutter?
Anything that does not bring tranquillity and peace to your life is clutter.
#370. Dad, what is “uitwaaien?”
“Uitwaaien” means to go out into nature as a way of clearing your mind.
#358. Dad, what is the most important relationship I can have?
No relationship is more important than the relationship you have with yourself.
#345. Dad, what is the best average day for you?
A low-stress day. Quality time with family and watching my favourite sports team.
#336. Dad, what is the law of “diminishing gratitude?”
When you take everyday blessings for granted.
#326. Dad, does success make anxiety and depression better?
Success is not a cure for anxiety or depression. Sometimes it makes it worse.
#304. Dad, my finances are a mess.
Congratulations! You have taken the first step to acknowledging that you have a problem. The rest can be managed with a plan. Dad, My Finances […]
#300. Dad, what is the definition of frugal?
Simply being thoughtful about your purchases.
#275. Dad, what is a “peaceful life?”
A “peaceful life” is the removal of ongoing stress.
#266. Dad, tell me about financial discipline.
Financial discipline fosters character traits like self control, prudence, and patience.
#262. Dad, what is a quick way to simplify my life?
Identify what is most important to you. Eliminate everything else.
#260. Dad, how do I get what I want?
One way, is to want less. Another way is to first help other people get what they want.
#255. Dad, how old are the principles of personal finance?
The principles of personal finance have not changed for 3000 years. That is why it is so easy to understand and apply.
#250. Dad, what is akrasia?
Akrasia is when you do one thing even though you know you should do something else. Like spending and saving.
#247. Dad, what is an askhole?
Someone who asks too many stupid, pointless or obnoxious questions.
#242. Dad, what happens when I am not present?
DAD: By not being present, we scatter ourselves; and that scattering causes us to look for fulfillment in the wrong places.
#237. Dad, it is so tempting to buy stuff
DAD: Advertisers trick you into wanting stuff. Ignore the noise.
#236. Dad, what should I talk about?
DAD: Talk about life, love, meaning, experiences, entrepreneurship. Be inquisitive, learn about people
#214. Dad, some days are so hard
DAD: Your track record for getting through hard days is 100% so far.
#200. Dad, I worry too much.
When you worry too much, it is easy to mistake your worries for reality, instead of recognizing that they are just thoughts.
#189. Dad, tell me about being quiet
Knowing how to be quiet teaches you how to formulate your thoughts. The quiet unhurried mind understands the most.
#185. Dad, does spending less equate to less joy?
On the contrary, spending less brings more joy.
#176. Dad, how do I increase my attention span?
Stop multitasking and remove anything from your environment that might distract you.
#139. Dad, I feel that I spend so much time organizing my stuff.
Better than organizing more, try owning less.
#138. Dad, sometimes I feel I am busy all the time
We are all busy. We’ve all taken on too much. Saying yes to less is the way out.
#131. Dad, is the grass actually greener on the other side?
Who cares what colour the grass is on the other side. Live in the moment and embrace the present.
#123. Dad, how do I stay balanced?
Balance is not about perfection. It’s about avoiding extremes.
#119. Dad, how did decluttering make you feel?
Decluttering allowed me to have more of what I love, and less of what I don’t.
#102. Dad, does having more stuff equal happiness?
Material items do not always equal happiness. Sometimes they just add stress and debt.
#89. Dad, do you have advice about getting out of debt?
Just get started.
#86. Dad, do I have to spend a lot of money to be content?
You don’t need to get out of the city to feel calm. You don’t need a gym membership to push your body and you don’t […]
#82. Dad, does having more stuff make me happier?
Material items do not always equal happiness. Sometimes they just add more stress and debt.
#81. Dad, what about spending money?
Being good with money does not mean you don’t spend it. And not spending does not make you good with money.
#80. Dad, what is the happiness fund?
Treat yourself if it brings you happiness. Enjoy your money with moderation. Balance is the key.
#72. Dad, what is minimalism?
Minimalism is less about the quantity of items you have and more about the quality of life you create.
#61. Dad, why do most parents spend so much money on lavish birthdays for their kids?
Many people forget that birthday celebrations are about people and moments rather than gifts and stuff.
#60. Dad, what percentage of items would you replace if you lost everything in a fire?
Definitely less than 100%. We all have way too much stuff.
#56. Dad, what is the quote from the movie “Fight Club” you mention when speaking about materialism?
“The things you own end up owning you”. Materialism, by and large, is a psychological trap. No matter how much you own, how much you […]