The Maximalist Impulse

It is hard being a minimalist. This may sound ironic because being a minimalist is about simplicity. But sticking to what is simple is not a simple matter. At every turn, there is the temptation to go big, to add more, to buy more, to indulge more. I call this temptation the "maximalist impulse."



The maximalist impulse is that urge that tells us that more is more. It happens when you are making something, and you know you got it right. But you want to add one more thing to it which ruins it. This impulse is always there.



I suspect that all minimalists must go through periodic purges to eliminate the clutter that collects as the maximalist impulse intrudes. You are always going to have to edit your life to see what needs to be trimmed away. It is not unlike getting a monthly haircut. Minimalism takes maintenance. Maximalism doesn't. Maximalism is the absence of maintenance. Minimalism takes discipline. Maximalism does not.



I have been on a maximalist binge lately, and I am wondering if this was wise. Clutter has accumulated. Projects were begun that are now half-finished. I am behind on my chores. I feel the plates slipping out of the air and crashing to the floor.



Don't let anyway kid you. The simple life isn't simple. It is hard work.

Posted in: