The Minimalists talk with psychotherapist Katherine Morgan Schafler about perfectionism, self-sabotage, and cohabiting with someone who isn’t a minimalist. Listen to all 2 hours of episode 381 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do I overcome my perfectionist tendencies so I can get my work done? (01:40)

What are your perspectives regarding power? (03:42)

How do we address an unhealthy obsession with perfectionism? (12:16)

How do I live peacefully with a non-minimalist? (16:57)

What are the five types of perfectionists? (26:19)

How do The Minimalists make money without ad revenue? (31:09)

What is the difference between procrastination and resistance? (39:02)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists speak with an aspiring minimalist about reducing career clutter. Listen to all 2 hours of episode 380 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do I determine the most ideal career path to pursue of my many passions? (02:00)

Is an obsession with letting go considered a mental illness? (20:37)

Why are we so preoccupied with mental illnesses? (20:48)

Is it cheating to play the Minimalism Game in February? (27:05)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists speak with therapist relationship expert Nedra Tewwab about letting go of expectations for family members. Listen to all 2 hours of episode 379 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do we appropriately manage our expectations of loved ones, especially regarding help with parenting our children? (02:08)

How do we respectfully and tactfully discuss inheritance with family members? (18:53)

What is problematic regarding an obsession with political correctness? (21:57)

How do I appropriately support loved ones who don’t recognize their hypocrisy in their treatment of others? (28:59)

When are labels useful? (30:20)

What is the difference between boundaries and bluffs? (31:18)

How do we encourage our parents to be more active grandparents with our children? (32:11)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists talk about why it’s so difficult to let go. Listen to all 2.5 hours of episode 378 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do I push myself out of my long-term comfort zones? (02:08)

How do we learn to better trust our intuition? (16:37)

What is most concerning about the desire for nice things? (21:01)

How do we ensure we purchase items with weighted consideration for utility, durability, environmental cost, and fair trade manufacturing? (30:39)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists speak with therapist and author Lori Gottlieb about family members who don’t respect boundaries. Listen to all 2 hours of episode 377 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do we create a detente with loved ones who are completely intractable? (02:04)

How do we bring meaningful change to our relationships? (05:01)

What is “the parentified child”? (11:28)

What do you consider the ‘cost of admission’ for relationships? (14:21)

What are your views regarding nonnegotiables? (14:38)

Why is it so difficult for many to discover alternative solutions to problems in their lives? (15:30)

Why are boundaries rarely respected? (17:41)

How do I tactfully tell others to mind their own business when they intrude on my personal affairs? (20:12)

How do I better manage my OCD so I can be more present as a parent? (24:58)

What is the difference between balance and contentment? (24:13)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists discuss the new “cluttercore” design trend. Listen to all 2 hours of episode 376 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do we stay focused and motivated when we’re going through a lengthy process of decluttering? (01:50)

What is “cluttercore”? (05:02)

Is there any value in simply embracing clutter? (09:00)

What is “costly signaling”? (10:34)

How do we determine what to actually hold on to? (14:09)

Which of the objects mentioned in past “Added Value” segments have since become clutter? (21:41)

Where can I find a list of other podcasts you’ve been on? (28:52)

How can I refresh a space without adding more stuff? (29:34)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists talk about why people cling to books they’ll never read, advice for aspiring writers, and more. Listen to all 2.5 hours of episode 375 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

Why do some people hold on to books they’ll likely never read again? (01:48)

What is the most effective process for getting a book published? (15:30)

What are your perspectives regarding self-promotion? (21:24)

What do you consider ideal writing habits? (26:07)

How do we intentionally let go of our books? (33:04)

What is “narrative urgency”? (35:16)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists talk about holding on to boxes of sentimental items. Listen to all 2 hours of episode 374 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do we find the strength to let go of significantly sentimental items or find the peace to keep them? (01:47)

Isn’t our reliance on the ‘rules’ of others simply a lack of our own discipline? (15:02)

What is your perspective regarding discipline? (18:10)

How do you record podcasts when much of your staff works and lives remotely? (20:16)

How do we convince loved ones that we truly don’t want physical gifts? (24:02)

How do we create effective boundaries that others actually recognize and respect? (26:42)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists talk about letting go, dealing with regrets, New Year’s resolutions, broken family relationships, and the dangers of hope. Listen to all 2 hours of episode 372 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do we let go of our shame regarding our shortcomings? (04:42)

How do we continuously refine our minimalist practices without becoming compulsive? (11:52)

What is the “No-Stories Policy”? (15:54)

How do we mend a broken relationship when the other person isn’t interested in fixing it? (18:59)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support

The Minimalists talk about the gift of a clean slate. Listen to all 3 hours of episode 371 on The Minimalists Private Podcast.

Discussed in this episode:

How do you manage the debilitating anxiety associated with a potentially terminal illness? (01:54)

How is a clean slate the best gift? (03:00)

How do we still love family and friends that don’t support us? (16:25)

How do we let go of excess when circumstances put us in a survival mentality? (20:33)

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Join The Minimalists Private Podcast: minimalists.com/support