Provided that everyone has to do what he or she feels good about, there is something to be said for “downsizing”. But despite all the fancy buzzwords… it is useful to know what it is and what we can do with it individually or in society. Below is an explanation of downsizing (with 15 experienced experts from all kinds of social environments) and how you can benefit from it.
Back to basic
During the recession we see all kinds of phenomena that we would otherwise not easily encounter. And not always because it has to be done, but because that big change makes people think, this is one that might not be so bad after all.
We return to our core values as human beings and come closer to ourselves. Something that was hardly discussed by many people during the period when everything was not possible. We were (or are) too busy collecting, often materialistic things, and we spend little time focusing on ourselves and what really concerns us and what makes us happy. In addition to an increased risk of burnout or all kinds of physical complaints, it often gives us a relatively superficial life.
Come to understanding
One trend is that more and more people gain insight at some point and look for a deeper insight in life. Merely collecting does not make you happy, on the one hand because collecting is not yet enjoyment and on the other hand because the group of people who think and hope that there is more to life, immerse themselves in it.
This deepening approach can manifest itself in all kinds of ways, but it is clear that it has a major impact on many people. This immediately means that you can only implement this if you are really ready for it, when you are ready.
And then…downsizing
If you are in a deepening phase, the material is still fun, but less interesting than it was when you really wanted it. Some experts talk about wanting to have/own something as a sport, but once it’s there, the fun is gone. Other experts wanted more and more and for longer. This certainly means that, in addition to being a war of attrition, it also has consequences at a principle level.
But when one is ready to downsize, a number of questions arise that need to be answered honestly. It’s worth thinking about
- What do you find really important in life?
- Are you doing what you really like to do and if not… what do you want to do?
- What does this do to your life?
- What still has emotional value in your environment?
- Why is it like that?
- What would it mean if you had to say goodbye to things with emotional value?
- What do you really need to live a normal life? (financial)
Nuts that need to be cracked
The latter question in particular appears to be a tough nut to crack for many, because the achievements are very pleasant. If one is very honest, these things are not necessary in life. But then the next step comes immediately, so you can also renounce it? Not that you have to, but to be happy you can do without it. That also makes the next step more realistic, because if you can do without all those things that are fun or pleasant at the moment, you also make yourself more financially independent.
Career
And if you maintain your career because you have adjusted your financial spending pattern to your income, it is the way to break free. To go back to your basics and what really makes you a happy person and possibly do things that may earn you less money (not necessarily, but it doesn’t matter anymore) but that contribute to that happy life.
Finally
This article is not for direct action, but to make people think. If you cannot yet take that step back (at least that is what the outside world will see), you are simply not ready. Not a problem, because once the thought process has been set in motion, it could be feasible or desirable at any time. Everyone has their own process at their own pace and if it does not happen, then it is not the intention to take this next step at soul level.