Why is minimalism necessary for a warrior's mindset?

What does it mean to be a warrior?

Many of us associate it with images of strength, tenacity and discipline. Knowing what you want, knowing how to get it, and being willing to make sacrifices are all part of a warrior's mindset. It's about putting yourself at the service of something bigger than yourself, whether it's a career goal, caring for your family or working for a better world.

The warrior is able to put aside his comforts, personal preferences and weaknesses. The warrior fulfils the task assigned to him.

This requires minimalism.

What makes you weak are your things

The reason for this is quite simple: your possessions make you weak.

The more things you have, the more you have to lose in the end.

If you have a beautiful, huge house filled with exquisite goods, it costs a lot of money to maintain and care for it. Consequently, you need a well-paid job to keep it running.

And that means you have a lot to lose, and there are many ways to do it. Whether it's pissing off your boss, robbing your house or anything else, having more items means you have more things to distract you from what matters most and more opportunities to do harm.

Then there is the more direct way in which 'stuff' can weaken you. Simply put, owning lots of stuff means you are spoilt. Whether it's wonderful food, a plush armchair to do the trick in, or a TV with 5,000 channels and the ability to record five at once, there's something for everyone.

When you are used to living in such luxury, expectations rise. You get used to having more and lose the ability to live with less.

And now that you have to do without all these comforts, you will find it even harder to live without them.

Imagine coming home every day and doing push-ups in a room that is completely empty. Or you sleep on the floor. You adapt and suddenly you can deal with any situation. You never moan, you never feel sorry for yourself, and you don't gain anything from it.

I'm not saying you should go to this extreme, but a little simplicity can help you feel less vulnerable and sensitive.

The other advantages of minimalism

The benefits of minimalism go beyond this. For starters, minimalist furnishings and fewer possessions can make you feel freer. You can now get up and go anywhere in the world without having to worry about where to put your belongings. At the same time, you'll spend less time tidying and cleaning in the evenings!

What's more, fewer belongings free up your mind so that you can concentrate on more important things. A cluttered head starts with a cluttered home.