Saturday, October 18, 2014

We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle

When we begin to question the identification with our possessions, a new self-image is created depending on what we do. This is, by the way, the reason why we tend to think "we are what we have" in the first place. Often activities require certain items such as guitar playing which of course requires a guitar. The mistake happens when I start to see myself as a guitar player just because I own one. If I don't play regularly I am subject to an illusion. To avoid this you need to understand that each purchase should be seen as a commitment. Promise yourself you will take action. If you are not sure whether you'll follow through, think it over again. Here lies the beauty of minimalist living: While getting rid of what you are not, your true self comes to surface. And with that clarity about what you really want to do arises the power and discipline to change habits and thus become another person.

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