Changing Your Mindset (Flip the Switch)

I don’t believe that a minimalist lifestyle is a simple on-or-off switch. It’s not something you choose once and never think about again; rather, it’s something you continuously work to maintain. But don’t let that intimidate you. Sometimes all it takes is a simple shift in mindset. Once that happens, you’ll be surprised how eager you are to embrace the minimalist way of life.

The right mindset can help you begin and sustain a more intentional way of living. Just like immersing yourself in a new culture helps you learn its language, surrounding yourself with resources on minimalism and intentional living can help you build and strengthen your minimalist habits.

In this post, I want to encourage you by sharing some of my favorite websites, books, and podcasts that have inspired my own journey.

And just to be clear—I’m not selling you anything. These are simply tools and insights that have genuinely improved my quality of life. My hope is that they’ll bring you the same sense of peace, clarity, and joy that comes with learning to live with less.

BOOKS

Let’s start with books.

One of the things I love most about books is that you can underline, highlight, and revisit your favorite passages whenever you need a little reminder or motivation. For me, repetition helps things truly sink in.

Another wonderful thing about books is how easily they can be shared. Once you’ve finished, you can pass them along to friends or family so they can benefit too.

If you prefer digital books, then you do you! I’m an old-fashioned, paper-in-hand kind of girl. But I also love taking advantage of my local library. There’s no need to own shelves full of books I might only read once.

However you choose to read, I’ve gathered a few suggestions to help you begin your minimalism journey—each one filled with inspiration, perspective, and practical wisdom.

1. Sustainable Minimalism: Embrace Zero Waste, Build Sustainability Habits That Last, and Become a Minimalist Without Sacrificing the Planet by Stephanie Marie Seferian

2. The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life by Joshua Becker

3. Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really Is So Much More by Courtney Carver

4. Meet the Frugalwoods: Achieving Financial Independence Through Simple Living by Elizabeth Willard Thames

If you need some other suggestions, Goodreads is a great place to start!

Now, if you aren't really a "grab a cup of coffee and curl up with a good book" kind of person, then I have some other great suggestions for you!

WEBSITES

It’s often easier to browse a great website while you’re waiting at the doctor’s office or taking a quick lunch break. So, I’ve gathered some fantastic options for you!

If you’re reading this, then you already know about my own site — Mississippi Minimalist — which is still a work in progress, but growing every day. In the meantime, I’d love to share a few of my favorite websites that continue to inspire my minimalist journey.

1. https://www.wannabeclutterfree.com/

2. https://www.theminimalists.com/

3. https://www.aslobcomesclean.com/

4. https://www.minimalist-ish.com/

There are SO many more! But I know you will find these useful.

PODCASTS

I’ve saved the best for last—podcasts!

I absolutely love a good podcast. Whether it’s during my morning commute or an afternoon walk, I find I retain so many great tips for living intentionally when I’m listening. There’s just something about hearing real voices and stories that makes the message stick.

I hope you find as much joy and inspiration in these podcasts as I have.

1. Millennial Minimalists - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/millennial-minimalists/id1432155616

2. Wannabe Clutter Free - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wannabe-clutter-free-declutter-simplify-find-freedom/id1485473251

3. Minimal-ish - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/minimal-ish-minimalism-intentional-living-motherhood/id1434905449

4. The Minimalists - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-minimalists/id1069757084

5. The Simple + Intentional Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simple-intentional-decluttering-intentional-living/id1678834022

And these are just a few...there are so many wonderful podcasts out there to explore!

I started with Millennial Minimalists, and they quickly became my favorite. The hosts share such practical, down-to-earth advice and feature some of the most interesting guests. Every episode leaves me inspired to live a little lighter and more intentionally. Give it a listen—you won’t be disappointed!

I hope this post helps you begin your journey into minimalism, armed with inspiration and practical knowledge. Minimalism truly is a journey, one you grow into a little more each day. By exploring different perspectives and resources, you can shape a version of minimalism that fits your lifestyle and values.

Just remember, there’s no single “right” way to live minimally. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s intention. Figure out what works best for you, let go of what doesn’t, and start living life on your own terms.