Professional Minimalism – Value in values

More likely than not, in recent years you’ve likely heard of the concept of minimalism.

For those unaware, minimalism is not - contrary to popular belief - the idea of having as few material possessions as possible. Rather, it is the idea of living with intention. The idea that each item you own has a purpose and brings genuine value or utility into your life.

I can already hear you objecting – what does minimalism have to do with professional development? If I wanted to hear about this, I would just go to one of the many other places on the internet to go learn more, right?

To answer the latter question, I would highly encourage you to do so! And I’ll be linking a few good places to begin at the end of this post. As for the former, minimalism can translate spectacularly to the world of professional development, and in more ways than you would think.

Let’s take a look at that definition again. “Living with intention”. Why should this apply to only the items we own? Let’s apply this mindset to our careers as well.

Certainly, I cannot be the only one who has at some point questioned why I am pursuing the major I am.

Is it because I desire the work? Do I desire the money? Does the work that comes with that field of study align with my personal values? What are my personal values?



Wait, slow down!



Before we fall too deep down the rabbit hole of existentialism, I simply want to point out the nature of these questions. We tend to ignore them in our daily lives because they are difficult ones to answer. It is easy to dismiss them in favor of living in the moment, in the pursuit of something greater down the line.

As 2021 continues, I encourage our brothers to consider what our values are. When we become more intentional in the path we are taking, we can more easily identify opportunities that are best for us and seize them. When we apply the ideas of minimalism to our studies and our careers, we can be satisfied with our actions and confident in the direction we are going.

At its core, minimalism is about finding value in each possession. So, what about professional minimalism? I encourage you to work toward these principles:
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• Find value in the actions you take.
• Find value in the connections you make.
• Find value in the things you learn.
• Give value to your community and your workplace.

​I never said doing any these was easy, but by living out your professional lives with intention, you will find purpose and meaning in the things you do and be much more satisfied doing them.

If you cannot find value in something you are doing, it might mean that thing requires closer examination. If there truly is no value in something, asking yourself why you do it. If you removed it from your life, would you be better or worse off from it?

Above all, avoid simply going through the motions of life. Action creates action. The first step is always the hardest, so start small.

I will leave you with one parting question. Look at your schedule and ask:

“Where is the value in the things I am doing today?”

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The Minimalists: Less is Now

Matt D'Avella

The Minimalists

T.K. Coleman

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Evan Wagner

Acting Webmaster for Delta Sigma Pi - Lambda Xi (2021)