The Digital Minimalist Manifesto

What Is A Digital Minimalist?

Minimalists believe ‘less is more’. They choose to cut back on all the unnecessary, draining, cluttered mess in their lives and choose to keep only what they need to feel good, work effectively and enjoy life.

A Digital Minimalist is someone who chooses to cut back on all the tedious, time wasting stuff online — unnecessary apps, social media, excessive email and messages — and have technology serve them, instead of being a slave to their devices. They still use technology, just as a minimalist still has some things, but only in a way that increases their joy, productivity and meaning.

Freedom from Digital Addiction

Digital Minimalists value freedom. We believe that freedom is one of the most important things in life and we are not willing to sacrifice it.

We also realize, humbly and honestly, that technology can sabotage freedom by trapping us, wasting our time and getting us hooked. Therefore, out of love for ourselves, our lives and our great work, we choose freedom over digital addiction, and design our lives accordingly.

The Pursuit of Meaning Over Comfort And Convenience

As Digital Minimalists, we realize we can either dedicate our lives to comfort or meaning — we can’t have both. And we choose meaning.

We may still have comforts and conveniences, but they are relegated to the periphery of our lives, not the mainstay of our world. Instead of excessive shopping and consuming online media, we pursue high value work and leisure that enriches our soul and makes us feel alive.

Real People Above Virtual People

We love the real people in our lives. We know that looking in the eyes of another soul is a magical gift, something to be cherished and adored and protected.

We have friends, family and colleagues who live away from us, and we do connect with them through technology — but, given the choice, we prefer to talk face to face or on the phone above endless emojis and superficial text messages.

Living In The Real World Above A Screen World

As Digital Minimalists, we cherish and show reverence for the planet upon which we live. We know that all things — our bodies, homes and all forms of technology — arise from Mother Nature and will sometime go back to Mother Nature.

Instead of buying and obsessing about digital objects in the digital world, we take care of our bodies, our homes and our environments, and enjoy them. We love the sunshine and clean air. We love beauty and beautiful spaces and love being fully present, here and now, with what is in front of us.

Creation Above Consumption

Digital Minimalists believe technology is simply a tool. Just as a gardener doesn’t sleep with his spade and expect it to sing him lullabies, a Digital Minimalist doesn’t use technology to amuse himself, but as a way of serving and sharing.

It’s a tool, designed to create something wonderful, inspiring and invaluable. The gardener grows beautiful flowers and nourishing foods; the Digital Minimalist creates remarkable products and services that enrich and nourish the lives of many.

Concentration Above Distraction

The opportunity for distraction has never been greater, so the true Digital Minimalist takes heed from the example of Charles Dickens, who installed a second door on his study to keep distraction at bay.

While we may not physically install a second door (although it’s not a bad idea), we install many metaphorical doors to block out the endless interruptions that attempt to infiltrate our minds and inboxes hourly. We do whatever it takes to gain back uninterrupted time to concentrate, focus on the tasks at hand and produce something of real value in the world.

We know what technology can do — and what it can’t

As Digital Minimalists, we are not anti-technology. Quite the opposite — in fact we love it for what it can do for us.

However, instead of jumping in blindly to a new product or service, we take a step back and assess its true value and meaning in our lives. We pull back the veil that surrounds most ‘new and improved’ products and discover what possible beasts lie within.

Find meaning and solitude offline

As Digital Minimalists, we realize that the real meaning in life is not found on a glowing rectangle. Instead of being distracted by endless notifications and entertainment, we unplug our devices, get away from the endless influences of others, and find meaning.

We take time to get solitude and contemplate our lives: Who am I? What is my life all about? How can I serve more? What brings me joy? What do I love? What would I die for? What are my deepest held values?

Dive into nature

Too much screen time is toxic and disorienting. So we go outside — sun and rain on our face, ground under our feet, and the world at its own speed.

Take days or weeks off — and love it

A true Digital Minimalist purposely pulls the plug on all technology for real stretches of time. Doing this level of digital detox gives us significantly more clarity, joy, focus and ability in our lives. The more time we take away from technology, the less dependent we are upon it — enhancing our freedom and also improving our systems.

Practice mindfulness

Digital Minimalists practice witnessing themselves from a higher awareness instead of reacting to life unconsciously.

By stepping back from yourself and noticing how you feel, what you’re thinking and what you’re doing, you enter into a state of peace and calm, even while in action.

Ask what really matters to you

Then it’s time to re-assess your values, your purpose, your reason for being. By getting clear on who you are and what you want from life, you can choose how much you want or need to use technology to have the life you love.

You are in charge. It’s your life.

Become a Digital Minimalist

Lastly, you learn how to live as a Digital Minimalist. This means chopping back the tentacles the online world has stuck to you, and finding a new way of working and living that suits you.

This includes de-cluttering your phone, your inbox, social media and other aspects of your online life.