Recently I seem to have spent a great deal of time pre-occupied with the concept of minimalism, disconnecting and generally resetting. Many an hour has been wasted thinking what exactly is it that I am passionate about, what is it that I could happily spend each day doing - unfortunately I am yet to reach any great epiphany or clarity. Additionally, an equal amount of time has been dedicated to pondering the elements in my life that I am not passionate about and whether they are just mental and physical clutter.

This introspection was triggered by the impending need to change employment; a barrage of news and media that was both depressing and disappointing; an ever-growing enjoyment of being outside (despite my status as poster child for skin cancer); and an obvious desire to raise my daughter in the most positive way possible. I guess my point is that almost every element of my day to day was pointing to a general malaise in relation to the status quo, an ever-present niggle that I just couldn't shake. I am sure that many, if not all feel a similar unease. Our differences will simply be the magnitude of our displacement from comfort and how strong our yearning is to make a change.

Once we reach a point where the itch can no longer be ignored, how much change is enough and how do we know when to stop? Should we go all in and change everything within our sphere of influence or should we make smaller incremental adjustments until all is in equilibrium again?

What is the impact upon those closest to us? Is it mandatory they come along for the ride if we are to be successful? If they currently do not feel the same restlessness, compulsory change may be detrimental to their well-being. Simply stated there are many variables to be acknowledged, and to give each their rightful consideration can be so daunting it is easier to just accept that this is as good as it gets.

So back to minimalism - the current thought process is that by getting rid of surplus and superfluous items from my life that perhaps some of the mental clutter will also dissipate. Fewer things means less time spent cleaning, considering and maintaining order and more time just being. Perhaps the donation of goods where appropriate, sale of chattels that are justified and the plain letting go of the past will bestow some cathartic sense of well-being with a side of escape from consumerism. Surely there can be no harm in that, although it does represent change.

Change is tough, but necessary if we are to grow and reach our potential. Being stuck in a rut should not be the end destination for any of us. Working in change management daily I am constantly amazed by just how much additional complexity is added to change when emotion is introduced. Perhaps this explains why personal change is so hard. The resistance to constant and progressive small changes creates a type of inertia, only overcome when the dam breaks and the change to be made is immense. Alas, we are rarely too far from where we need to be, so why is it that when we try to get that little bit closer to our destination instead of deviating slightly of our previous path that we choose to make a complete about face?

My take on all of this as I am writing it? Maybe minimalism, in my current context, as a way of life is too extreme. A complete career change may just postpone the next crack in the dam. A new hairdo isn’t an option (damn genetics), and I’ve never been all that stylish. I will however explore all my options, and pay attention to those that bring me some level of joy. I will go outside with my family. I won’t buy another t-shirt because it is on special. I won’t read the comments, and if news is upsetting I will turn it off. I will not wait until it all becomes overwhelming, but rather look for ways to progress every day. Constantly changing, never stopping. Perhaps that is my passion – change – I just need to find how it fits me best.

Cross RoadsThe changing of the tides