Minimalism vs Efficienism: Which Lifestyle is Right for You?

If you've heard of minimalism, you may already be familiar with the idea of owning less and simplifying your life. However, there's another concept that's gaining popularity: efficienism.

Efficienism is a lifestyle framework with concrete goals aimed at optimizing your life to improve your health (including mental health) and save time - two of the most valuable resources we have. While minimalism and efficienism have some similarities, there are also important differences to consider.

Similarities

One thing that minimalists and efficienists have in common is the desire to declutter and simplify their lives. Owning fewer possessions can be liberating, save money, and reduce the amount of time spent on chores. For example, having a minimal wardrobe means you have fewer choices to make each day, and laundry is easier to manage. Efficienists also understand the value of minimizing possessions and focus on the things that truly matter to them.

The Differences

Efficienism is all about finding the most efficient ways to achieve your goals. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to being an Efficienist - the term itself comes from efficiency, so it's all about finding the best way to get things done. For example, color-coding your wardrobe and finding a convenient laundry service are two simple strategies that can save time and reduce mental clutter.

Efficienism encapsulates about 80% of what Minimalism has to offer. This is because owning fewer things is an effective way to simplify your life and reduce distractions, which is a core principle of both movements. However, Efficienism is more than just decluttering your possessions. It's about optimizing every aspect of your life for maximum efficiency.

While Minimalism has a clear definition and advocates for living a simple life with fewer possessions, it's not for everyone. Its rigid guidelines can conflict with what makes some people happy. On the other hand, Efficienism is a broader and more flexible approach to simplifying your life. The focus is on your personal happiness and finding the most efficient path to get there. With Efficienism, there's no right or wrong way to live your life, and you're free to customize your own strategy for maximizing your efficiency and well-being.

Efficienism is a tool for achieving your goals, rather than a strict lifestyle. It's designed to help you do more of what you love and less of what you don't. By reducing or eliminating the things that hold you back, you can make more room for the things that matter most to you.

So, which lifestyle is right for you? It depends on your personal goals and values. If you're drawn to the idea of minimalism, you may want to try adopting some minimalist principles into your life. If you're looking for a more flexible approach that focuses on your own happiness, efficienism may be a better fit. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which lifestyle works best for you.

In conclusion, efficienism and minimalism have some similarities, but they also have important differences. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision about which lifestyle is right for you. Whether you choose to adopt some minimalist principles or embrace efficienism as a tool for achieving your goals, the most important thing is to do what makes you happy and fulfilled.

One thing that sets Efficienism apart from other lifestyle philosophies is that it is concrete and action-oriented. As an efficienist, you don't just strive to own less or do more with less, but rather, you actively seek out ways to optimize your life in a way that saves time and resources while improving your health and happiness. And if you're looking for specific action items and tips on how to become an Efficienist, you can download the Efficienism app, which offers practical advice in different categories like health, work, general, travel, and more. By following these tips and incorporating them into your daily life, you can start living more efficiently and enjoying the many benefits that Efficienism has to offer.