How To Change Your Digital Destiny The Minimalist Way

by MarsDorian · 41 comments

Minimalism, like lifestyle design, is a new trend. New blogs tackle this topic everyday, because there’s a market that screams for it.

People are fed up with a world that’s getting more and more complicated by the minute. They want to go back to the basics, and control their own destiny.

In a life not too long ago, I was confused and lost in chaos. My focus was out of house, and I didn’t know where to go. Then one point, I had enough. I said:

To hell with this, to hell with the confusion. I want to be crystal clear; a diamond in the sun.

I escaped the shadows of my past and brought my life back into the light. I accomplished it by getting rid of all the people and stuff and I didn’t need, and by changing my focus.

It doesn’t matter if minimalism is trendy or not, what matters is that it works. And it works like white magic.

Fact is:

Less is more.

It’s true for both, your offline and digital life. If you want to become productive like crazy, and drastically improve the quality of your (online) work, you have to become minimalistic.

Do you know why the Death Star is the most powerful weapon in the universe ? Because it focuses its energy.

Learn how I use minimalism to rock my digital destiny:

Create your day

Forget about complex structuring. Writing down your goals, sub-goals and mini-goals and stuff like that. I know it sounds cool, but you don’t do it anyways, so to hell with it. Get yourself a free digital daily planer (like TeuxDeux) and write down your main goals for today. Put the most important ones first. That’s it. Now do them, and cross ‘em off your list.

Make your next step epic

Forget about multitasking. I don’t even believe women are good with this. The ones I know can’t even type and talk at the same time. Focus your entire energy on your next task, and only on your next task. You don’t build a digital empire by thinking: damn, how can I build this empire ? No, you start it by doing one step as epic as possible:

one kick-ass email, blog post and connection at a time. And then the next, and the next.

Doing epic things in baby steps.

Focus on one social media platform and dominate it

LinkedIn, Meetup, Foursquare…it’s pure account overload. Crazy ! Save your brain from melting, and focus your precious energy on one platform. I personally use Twitter for my online conquest, and Facebook for friendships. This enables me to make quality interactions. Forget about being everywhere. Use your main weapon of influence and make it your daddy. Shibuya !

Make your mission the center of your life

If you ask most people, they have no clue what the heck they want: I want this..and that…and maybe that….

Weak !

Being confused is terrible. Your focus is shattered to pieces, and you barely make progress. Grrreat brands stand for something – they are on a mission. Apple thinks differently and challenges the status quo of technology. A clear mission not only attracts true fans, but also clarifies your goals and purpose. You know exactly what to do.

I am on a mission myself. My goal is very clear, and every online action I take is part of this crusade. Before I do anything, I ask myself: Does this bring me closer to my destiny, or does it deviate from the plan. The answer is always crystal clear.

Make your mission your core, and put everything in relation to it. Hack away the unessential.

Less is more. What a grrreat morning mantra. If you really want to lead a kick-ass (digital) life, focus on the most important stuff and hack away the rest. Know what you want, know where you want to go, and walk the talk. In epic baby steps.

What do you think ?

In please retweet and Facebook share this post !

Tagged as: destiny, digital, lifestyle design, minimalism, online business

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http://www.making-your-own-website.com NA | Create Your First Website

I definitely agree with you Mars.

“focus on the most important stuff and hack away the rest.” It is very easy to get confused and overwhelmed online. There is so much information out there, and you could do so many things, it’s crazy.

If you do not focus, you will be getting nowhere, as you just cannot do everything and you cannot be everywhere, all of the time.

“Forget about being everywhere. Use your main weapon of influence and make it your daddy. Shibuya !” Very true. If you try to be everywhere, you will be just ineffective.

Everett at farbeyondthestars.com is going all the way towards minimalism.

Nabeel
http://grokkery.com/blog Jonathan Wondrusch

While I’m usually super goal/plan oriented, I’m starting to move in a more “being” direction. The idea of creating my day sounds fantastic, and when I succeed at finishing my list, it feels AMAZING. But what happens when people don’t succeed? I feel that many people don’t continue on with their actions, and that dejection can suck the marrow out of life.

If people focus on being, and creating with intention instead of just to get to a destination, there is potentially much more satisfaction and happiness on the path. The best part is that it is internal, created within yourself, instead of externally derived.

Great stuff Mars! It seems like minimalism is in the air this spring :) I just posted an article on how Minimalists Win At Life http://bit.ly/cIiXY1 a few days ago, and if your readers want more of this topic, could be a good read.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Jonathan,

it's definitely in the air ;)
And I'm very goal oriented too, but I found out that you can plan yourself to death. One major goal, and some minor goals every week, combined with a laser focus on the essentials is all you need to kick ass.

And as cheesy as it sounds, the real fun really is in the journey. Once you achieve your goal, it's boring. It's our progress along the crusade that makes life worthwhile.

http://grokkery.com/blog Jonathan Wondrusch

While I’m usually super goal/plan oriented, I’m starting to move in a more “being” direction. The idea of creating my day sounds fantastic, and when I succeed at finishing my list, it feels AMAZING. But what happens when people don’t succeed? I feel that many people don’t continue on with their actions, and that dejection can suck the marrow out of life.

If people focus on being, and creating with intention instead of just to get to a destination, there is potentially much more satisfaction and happiness on the path. The best part is that it is internal, created within yourself, instead of externally derived.

Great stuff Mars! It seems like minimalism is in the air this spring :) I just posted an article on how Minimalists Win At Life http://bit.ly/cIiXY1 a few days ago, and if your readers want more of this topic, could be a good read.
http://www.making-your-own-website.com NA | Create Your First Website

I definitely agree with you Mars.

“focus on the most important stuff and hack away the rest.” It is very easy to get confused and overwhelmed online. There is so much information out there, and you could do so many things, it's crazy.

If you do not focus, you will be getting nowhere, as you just cannot do everything and you cannot be everywhere, all of the time.

“Forget about being everywhere. Use your main weapon of influence and make it your daddy. Shibuya !” Very true. If you try to be everywhere, you will be just ineffective.

Everett at farbeyondthestars is going all the way towards minimalism.

Nabeel

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Yep, I also read Everett's blog. Big inspiration. Our life is soo cluttered nowadays, it's time to go back to the basics. Having a super-focus helps me with my online life as well, I get way more things done.

http://twitter.com/minimalistwoman Minimalist Woman

Well put, Mars. I'm on this path, too, and can attest that it really really works. Sometimes the dithery thinking wants to creep back in, but I get a grip and get myself focused so much more quickly than I used to.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

that's awe-some, and it gets easier with more practice. I can't wait to reach that place where I don't even have to think about my future – I'm just doing it. With enough focus and diligence, we can all get there !

http://theoptimalists.net The Optimalist

Mars. This is a great post indeed my friend.
I have always implemented minimalism in my design work (as an architect), but had never made the connection and actually applied it to my own life,not only in how I live, but also how I work. And you're right. It absolutely works like white magic.

I am currently experiencing the most productive period I have ever had, and loving every minute of it.

It's important to remember that minimalism, however important it may be, is just a stepping stone on your path to launching the revolution within, albeit an essential one.

I just published a new post about applying a minimalist 3-step algorithm to your big picture goals. People can read it at [theoptimalists.net]. I won't link to it (not my style) but wanted to put it out there for further reading on this fascinating topic.

Well done man. Keep rockin' the digital universe!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Gianpaolo (cool name!)

I'm still at the very beginning of my self-fulfillment. The last year was an amazing inner ride, and I'm finally getting closer to the person I want to become. I love the thought of concentrating on the essential stuff, and getting rid of everything else. I want to master it.

And I'm going to check out your new post, too. Although the word “algorithm” is a bit of a turn-off ;)

http://PhantasmagoricRadio.wordpress.com Timbotunited

When the different blogs I read all focus on one thing or have similar topics on the same day, it makes my life easier. I love that connection.

I just read EB's post about not e-mail checking, and it's way simpler when there's one dominating idea in my head per day.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

haha, that's cool, Tim
yep, it's a current trend in the blogosphere, but only because people crave it.
We are bombarded with too many options and an overload of information shocks. Our brain wants us to come down and says: Back to basics, step by step. I'm bringing that concept more and more into reality. I hope you do, too !

http://cashwithatrueconscience.com/rbblog Ryan

Hi Mars,

Focus brings power. The Death Star analogy rings true. When focused you are clear on what you want. This clarity makes it easier to see the steps to take to arrive at your goal.

I also agree with your no multi-tasking rule. A divided mind is a less powerful mind: imagine the Death Star with 5 little tractor beams instead of the conjoining into the massive beam?

Focus, be clear on what you want and move forward one step at a time.

Ryan

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

haha, I'm glad you referred to my Death Star example. The way you explain is actually much cooler, Ryan.

Simplifying my life (and my relationships) is a big step towards a destiny I want to live. And focus is my most important “weapon” to accomplish that.
I know yours is sharp as heck ;)

http://twitter.com/Murlu Murray Lunn

I'm all for minimalism because the tech overload can really get to you – you're always looking at new things, new projects, a bit of jealousy from what people have done (but forgetting it has taken years).

Just cut back, reduce the noise – sometimes avoiding information is good because we can finally find time to work on the things we want.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

good Murray, I'm glad you are doing something similar ! Do you feel the quality of your life increasing ?

http://lexgarey.com Lex Garey

I think you totally hit the nail on the head, Mars. We as humans are definitely starting to reach the breaking point of constant input, output, and racing around like chickens with their heads cut off. So few people realize that if you take the time to live life to the fullest and really give a concentrated effort to the things you are doing, your life will become exactly what you're shooting for.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

I was the biggest victim myself, Lex !
Always running around, thinking that I might miss something. Nonsense !
Pure focus on the essential stuff is all you need to experience a kick-ass quality in your life. It takes a lot of practice, but everyone can get their, eventually.

http://www.jessilicious.com Jess Webb

Mars – the part about focusing on ONE social media platform and dominating it makes a lot of sense. I enjoyed the rest of the tips, but that one in particular jumped out at me – I guess that's what I need to do for myself! ;)

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Yep, I totally believe that. That's why I'm on Twitter all the time – I want to own it with my personality. Really try that for a month, Jess, and see the impact. It will be amazing !

http://itarsenal.com/ Rob

Develop laser focus, love it. I've straggled too far into layering on complexities to make life easier lately, it doesn't have to be that way. Good thoughts. I know for myself, being simple is hard work, it often takes wading through the complexities of a forest until you can see the wide open field. These were solid reminders Mars!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Rob,

I wish I had known about this earlier – but pure focus is the really the way to an extra-ordinary life. Concentrate on the right people, concentrate on the right habits etc.
It takes a lot of insane work to make things simple and effective again, but I believe it's sooo worth it.

http://twitter.com/MultiLingLiving Corey

Ohhh, I love the minimalist approach. Do I live it most of the time? No. Do I love it when I take everything down to its basic core (sometimes kicking and screaming)? Yes! I find myself again. Ahhh, yes, there I am. Was there all along. Wow, who knew! “Epic baby steps” – I love it! Epic minimalism, yes! Thanks for sharing this ride with us all!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

haha, it's my daily ritual – making thinks easy and epic at the same time. It really keeps you moving forward, because you doing meaningful work with excessive focus without overwhelming yourself.

Keeping things basic is the way to go for me now, Corey, and I hope you'll make that work for you, too !

http://twitter.com/IvanCampuzano Ivan Campuzano

yeah there is def. a trend with minimalism..I was actually having a discussion about it with my friend the other day…I warned him that obviously having minimal things is easier..and many people are figuring that out…but I advised that people really need to make sure its not just simply a reaction they are having…going from one extreme to the next…if its simply a reaction…the same obsessive tendencies are still there only now the attachment is minimalism…same energy…only the object has changed…I was living a minimal lifestyle before it became popular…but it was not something i thought about…I just try and live my life with awareness…whatever is needed at the time i use or buy and whats not needed simply falls off…I am not thinking now i need to get down to only owning 20 things lol…

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Ivan,

yeah, you really have to check if it works for you. The principle of basic living has been around for ages, it's only that bloggers re-vamped the style and packaged it as something new. My life was full of chaos and clutter, Ivan, and now I'm going back to my core and keeping things essential and concise. It does help a lot, and I continue to master the art of minimalism.

srinirao

I'm with you on focus. I mainly focus on Twitter for growing my blog these days. While I syndicate to Facebook, where I spend my time building relationships and connecting is on twitter. I think the more you eliminate the faster you'll grow. People waste time on alot of extraneous things, but we need to do what works and eliminate everything else.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Yeah, radical behavior which only focuses on the essential stuff. Having focus is the most important thing in my life, and I want to absolutely dominate it ! It takes hardcore practice, but with enough passion and commitment, we get there Srini ;)

http://andbreak.com/ Julius Kuhn-Regnier

I agree with you here Mars. In general you focus on too many things at once and it's bad. Whenever I am reading something and a thought pop ups about something I need to do later I simply write it down and then finish the task.

If you keep on thinking about the thought you had then you will be distracted all the time and won't be able to concentrate on the task at hand. Nice article man.

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

thanx Julius, focus is my new religion now ;)

annahaller

De-cluttering your life physically and emotionally is a tough task but once we have mastered how to do it then our lives will benefit greatly from it. I do agree with you Mars that although goals are important to write down the most important thing is that you actually do them which will get you to your destiny!

Anna

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Heya Anna,

yeah – it really is hard. It takes daily commitment, and every day you think you have finally mastered your focus, you lose it and feel down ;) Lol, I'm personally moving towards a direction where I do more than I talk, and it feels awe-some. I hope you sharpen yours, Anna !

http://bloggingfor.info Thu Nguyen

I like the tone of voice in this article Mars. It's very distinct and powerful. The words just seem to circulate around the topic you've chosen. That works and if we were stars right now you'll be accumulating some massive heat!

You're absolutely right about minimalism become a new way of life. As accumulation of information become abundant, less is more as you said. Can't be said any better.

Thanks for a great post. I'm tweeting this!

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

thanks, Thu, it's my daily experience. Focus is the life changer itself, and I believe everyone needs to master it !

http://www.stevescottsite.com/ Steve Scott Site

Well I've got to say that I am a fan of writing out to-do lists and keeping lists of my goals, but you're right when you say that that less is more. Success to some people is measured in terms of how much stuff they have around them. New cars, new clothes, whatever's trendy at the moment. me? I don't even own a CAR at the moment, and most of my few belongings are in storage. A good approach to life is to find what is important to you, and focus on that.
meganmatthieson

mars? i want to dominate my niche- boomer sexy brave and rocking. that's it. i'm focussed on twitter. my face is for friends. SHIBUYA! (and love!)

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Now that's the spirit !

http://www.biggirlbranding.com/about Big Girl Branding

Mars you must be poking around inside my brain friend. :) I just read a great post over on http://www.getinthehotspot.com that talks about eliminating clutter from your life to free up mental space and enable you to enjoy life more… it really hit home and now here you are speaking to me too! :D

My problem is clutter in my home which in turn creates clutter in my mind and distracts me from focusing on my purpose and true goals. So my goal over the next few weeks is to start clearing out some of my “junk” in my home and streamlining my daily processes so that I get the things I value the most done and can let go of the rest.

One suggestion they had that's a biggie for me.. keeping momentos. The suggestion was to take a digital picture and store it on a harddrive, with maybe a text file and a note as to why this memory is important to you.. and then get rid of the physical version of the memory as it's unnecessary. This alone would eliminate a huge chunk of my 'clutter', as I'm notorious for hanging onto something as a memory..comes with having kids I guess, that 'urge'. lol

Anyway, it was a stellar post, really hit home and this is a stellar post, hit me with another punch. :) So good job, and please stay out of my brain… it's bound to get a bit crowded if you don't. ;)

http://www.marsdorian.com/ Mars Dorian

Hey Cori,
I had no clue that there was so much chaos in your head – that's no goood !
The concept with your digital memo and getting rid of the physical one is interesting, but does it really work ?
Cleaning up your home (or at least your working space) is one magical way of cleaning up your mind.

Whenever it looks like world war 2 on my desk, I know I need to change something.
I promise you, that and the daily habit of sharpening your focus will ensure a kick-ass (digital) destiny ;)

http://www.biggirlbranding.com/about Big Girl Branding

Yep, even supermom has chaos. lol I'm not sure if the digital memo concept
actually works, but I'm highly tempted to try it. I think because my
current house is smaller than I'm used to, I'm feeling a bit buried under
“stuff” lately. And yes, my desk could definitely use a good cleaning,
which is on my agenda for tomorrow… way too much distraction when it's
buried under paper!

I'm also big on list making.. which is why I love that Teux Deux site you
recommended. Just a simple list of all the stuff I need or want to get
done, so I can “release” the thought for good. It completely helps with
keeping focused and being productive. :) So yes, chaos in my head, but I'm
hoping a good desk cleaning, and my propensity for list making will help me
rein it in. lol