Peter Cook
3 Simple Habits That Calm Me
updated
For years, I’ve been simplifying my life, and I’ve realized that the biggest changes didn’t come from what I added—but from what I stopped doing.
So today, I want to share 15 “normal” things I quit to simplify my life. These are everyday habits many people consider normal but I stopped doing.
This isn’t a how-to manual for simplifying your life, but rather a menu based on what worked for me. Feel free to pick and choose what sounds interesting and ignore the rest!
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:28 1. Drink alcohol at home
01:21 2. Check my phone first thing in the morning
02:39 3. Check the news daily
04:59 4. Buy souvenirs
06:05 5. Always try to be productive
07:21 6. Hold on to things “just in case”
08:23 7. Keep up with trends
09:52 8. Use my phone as a hobby
10:35 9. Complain about things I can’t change
11:23 10. Look busy
13:38 11. Wish I lived somewhere else
15:57 12. Stay up late
17:00 13. Get my self-worth from my job
17:44 14. Spend my income every month because “I deserve it”
19:11 15. Say “yes” when I want to say “no”
Resources mentioned in video:
• The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh: https://a.co/d/1wF15GV
• The World In Brief: economist.com/the-world-in-brief
• Four Thousand Weeks - Oliver Burkeman: https://a.co/d/2qW1diF
• Getting Rid of Just-in-Case Items: 20 Dollars, 20 Minutes: theminimalists.com/jic
• The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel: https://a.co/d/54rpHU2
• Office Space (1999): imdb.com/title/tt0151804
• The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No: jamesclear.com/saying-no
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
How To Say No To Others (Without Feeling Guilty): youtu.be/-iDDWTygu2s
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
#lingoda #languagelearning #learningspanish
Sign up for my newsletter: subscribepage.io/petercooknewsletter
The Netherlands may be a small country, but the Dutch are known for many things: cheese, tulips, windmills, and being the tallest people in the world. But what you may not know is that The Netherlands also consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries on earth. And it isn’t just stroopwafels, Dudok apple pie, and frikandellen fueling that happiness...
So what is it?
Today, I'm sharing 5 Dutch habits that contribute to keeping life simple, stress-free, and balanced.
***
Resources mentioned in video:
• Happiest Countries in the World 2024: worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world
• “Give Us Your Bicycle or Die.” The Story of the Bicycles and World War II in the Netherlands: dirkdeklein.net/2018/03/26/give-us-your-bicycle-or-die-the-story-of-the-bicycles-in-wwii-in-the-netherlands
• Bike Lanes by Casey Neistat: youtube.com/watch?v=bzE-IMaegzQ
• Funny bicycle accident in Amsterdam: youtube.com/watch?v=3lqNDCaDWgM
• How The Dutch View Americans? - AMSTERDAM: youtu.be/e0nc2TDYZcw?si=i8__Q2t032qUeYrk
• The Netherlands Museum Pass; https://www.museum.nl/en/museumpass
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:41 Onthaasten
06:04 Cycling
09:42 Open-minded
12:19 Directness
18:39 Work to live
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: https://skl.sh/petercook11241
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
It's easy to romanticize living abroad. Life is good when you're on holiday—going to the beach, enjoying the food, exploring new cultures. And you may start to wonder: wouldn't it be great if I moved here?
But holidays and actually moving abroad are two very different things.
I've lived abroad for 12 years, so I know. I was born and raised in The Netherlands, but I left in 2013.
I've lived in Canada, Thailand, Bulgaria, and Spain. My experiences living in these countries—exploring different cultures, the food, the people—have shaped me into the person that I am today and enriched my life.
But it's also been hard. And today, I want to share the more difficult things about living abroad for years—things I wish I knew back in 2013.
Resources mentioned in video:
• Discover The REAL Costs Of Moving To & Living In Spain 💰🇪🇸: youtu.be/rhCT3oPZ8wE?si=1kQYWYQJoLBnZRaI
• Todo Sobre Mi Madre (1999): imdb.com/title/tt0185125
• Volver (2006): imdb.com/title/tt0441909
• Cartman El Policía | South Park | Comedy Central LA: youtu.be/yz-UG6ixCaA?si=khl-xvfRnH1MLOCF
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:41 My journey
07:00 Wherever you go, there you are
10:34 Don’t store your stuff
13:06 Living abroad comes at a cost
15:23 What is home?
18:11 Learn the language
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
5 Easy DUTCH Habits for a Happier, Healthier Life: youtu.be/vbn2XA2LH5Q
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I’ve been a minimalist for about five years now. When I first decluttered my apartment, I noticed that not only was my home more spacious—I also felt lighter and happier. And for years, I wondered: would that feeling increase if I became an extreme minimalist?
But as it turned out, that wasn’t the case. I tried it, but I realized that there’s a tipping point beyond which my life just became more complicated—not better.
So here are seven reasons why I’m not an extreme minimalist.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:25 1. My girlfriend is not a minimalist
01:58 2. Extreme minimalism is too restrictive
03:13 3. Minimalism is a means, not an end
05:11 4. Extreme minimalism creates new forms of stress
06:57 5. I like a cozy home, not a bare one
07:38 6. I’m not trying to prove anything
09:12 7. Minimalism is about balance, not self-deprivation
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
I Tried Extreme Minimalism for 7 Days: youtu.be/SqXgkN9OUgY
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I used to be the person who treated shopping as a hobby, out of boredom. My closet was full with branded clothes, while my bank account was running on empty.
Then I discovered minimalism. I decluttered my possessions and learned to be happy with what I have.
But that’s easier said than done, right?
Let's be honest: in a world where we're constantly hit with personalized ads and companies spend nearly a trillion dollars on marketing each year, wanting less can be difficult!
So today, I want to share 8 ways that helped me break free and stop wanting to buy stuff.
Because the richest person isn't the one who can buy anything—it's the one who doesn't feel the need to.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:33 1. Resist the call of the mall
02:17 2. Be a tourist in your own town
04:40 3. Redefine what “rich" means
06:05 4. Calculate cost in hours worked
08:13 5. Unfollow brands on social media
10:10 6. The 14-day rule
11:52 7. Find a hobby
14:42 8. Become a minimalist
Resources mentioned in video:
• statista.com/topics/8954/marketing-worldwide/#editorsPicks
• youtu.be/FvKuq0kcnBk?si=S6XVZMXmxWnGKknV
• Fight Club (1999): imdb.com/title/tt0137523
• The Power of Habit – Charles Duhigg: https://a.co/d/8RCFElT
• Digital Minimalism – Cal Newport: https://a.co/d/8q7TIuH
• A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini: https://a.co/d/fSnXtBf
• Into The Wild – Jon Krakauer: https://a.co/d/9QHwdIF
• oberlo.com/statistics/how-much-tv-does-the-average-american-watch
• reviews.org/internet-service/internet-screen-time-statistics
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why Looking Poor Is Important: youtu.be/ol7pQoIHKPY
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
• "You’re not a real minimalist if you own more than one pair of shoes."
• "A true minimalist would never buy souvenirs."
• "If your closet isn't half-empty, you're doing it wrong."
I've heard it all. But here's the thing about minimalism—it's a tool, not a religion. It's not about perfection—it's about intention.
It’s OK to break the rules at times, especially if they make your life harder instead of easier.
So today, I'm sharing 10 minimalist rules I’m not afraid to break, and I’ll tell you why.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:27 1. One In, One Out
01:55 2. No Just-in-Case Items
02:59 3. Be Intentional About Every Minute
04:23 4. No Souvenirs
05:27 5. Own Minimal Possessions
07:07 6. Borrow, Don't Buy
08:44 7. Not Accepting Gifts
10:27 8. Digital Books Only
12:04 9. 50% Full Rule
13:19 10. All-or-nothing
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
21 Bad Habits I Avoid as a Minimalist: youtu.be/9L46b-_yps0
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
With the Trump tariffs, the high cost of living, and so many people in debt, it’s hard to make ends meet these days.
Yet the average person wastes thousands of dollars a year on things that add no real value—money that could’ve been used to save, invest or pay off debt.
That’s why today I want to share 7 simple money-saving hacks that ACTUALLY work.
I’ve been doing these things for so long now that they’ve become more like habits—helping me spend less and save more. And I hope that one or two might help you in these uncertain economic times as well.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:38 1. The 1% Rule
02:42 2. Always shop with a list
04:33 3. Live below your means
06:21 4. Unsubscribe from shopping emails
08:35 5. Line dry your clothing
09:46 6. Don’t take the car everywhere
11:21 7. The 10-Second Rule
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why You Should Be EXTREMELY Frugal: youtu.be/_f-x9RhkqKA
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I used to overspend at the store, say yes to everything, and lose hours scrolling on my phone.
Then, five years ago, I stumbled upon minimalism—and little by little, everything started to shift.
I realized that the things we do once in a while don’t shape our lives. It’s the habits we repeat, day in and day out, that truly make the difference.
So, I started questioning the way I spent my money, my time, and my energy. And today, I want to share 21 bad habits I now avoid as a minimalist.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:28 Item 1
00:47 Item 2
01:16 Item 3
02:02 Item 4
02:45 Item 5
03:56 Item 6
04:20 Item 7
04:29 Item 8
05:10 Item 9
05:33 Item 10
05:55 Item 11
06:21 Item 12
06:47 Item 13
07:12 Item 14
08:32 Item 15
09:06 Item 16
10:02 Item 17
10:24 Item 18
10:46 Item 19
11:27 Item 20
12:04 Item 21
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why You Should Be EXTREMELY Frugal: youtu.be/_f-x9RhkqKA
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: https://skl.sh/petercook04251
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Sign up for my newsletter: subscribepage.io/petercooknewsletter
A recent study found that 59% of Americans don't have enough savings to cover an unexpected $1,000 emergency expense.
That’s mind-blowing, right? More than half of the population!
Living paycheck to paycheck is stressful, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve been living frugally for years, and it has not only transformed my finances but also my outlook on life.
With the cost-of-living crisis, high inflation, and so many people in debt, I feel being frugal should be the norm in society. Because if you can control your money, you have more options—and, ultimately, more control over your life.
So today, I want to share 7 reasons why you should be extremely frugal.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:36 1. Rising cost of living
01:33 2. Nobody is going to hold your hand and save the day
04:02 3. Job security is a fading myth
06:10 4. Money = freedom
07:28 5. If money gives you freedom, debt takes it away
08:19 6. Build long-term wealth
09:34 7. True wealth is knowing you have enough
Resources mentioned in video:
• Most Americans can't afford a $1,000 emergency expense, report finds: cbsnews.com/news/saving-money-emergency-expenses-2025
• Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel: https://a.co/d/h8uwkEU
• Lost and Found – Geneen Roth: https://a.co/d/6kPlyCq
This video is sponsored by Skillshare
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Frugal Living: How To Want What You Already Have: youtu.be/sKBQC-T8o38
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Have you ever noticed that the people who look the richest… usually aren’t?
The flashy cars, designer brands, and Instagram-worthy VIP lifestyle—90% of the time, it’s all just a facade, an illusion.
Meanwhile, the people actually building wealth drive 10-year-old Toyotas and wear worn-out sneakers—because they know a secret most don’t.
Today, I want to share 6 reasons why looking poor is important.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:33 1. Looking rich keeps you poor
02:27 2. True wealth whispers
03:36 3. Looking rich is just renting status
05:10 4. Looking poor gets You there faster
06:16 5. Looking rich attracts the wrong people
07:35 6. Looking poor makes your life simple
Resources mentioned in video:
• Most Americans can't afford a $1,000 emergency expense, report finds: cbsnews.com/news/saving-money-emergency-expenses-2025
• How Many Americans Are Living Paycheck To Paycheck?: chime.com/blog/how-many-americans-live-paycheck-to-paycheck
• Warren Buffett Drives 10-Year-Old Cadillac Bought With Hail Damage: finance.yahoo.com/news/warren-buffett-drives-10-old-163017081.html
• Warren Buffett Has Lived In His $31,500 Home For 67 Years And Calls It One of His Best Investments But Warned: 'A House Can Be A Nightmare': finance.yahoo.com/news/warren-buffett-lived-31-500-000045637.html
• Warren Buffett Says He Prefers A McDonald's Burger Over A $100 Meal — His Typical Lunch Is A 'Quarter-Pounder With Fries': finance.yahoo.com/news/warren-buffett-says-prefers-mcdonalds-190011719.html
• Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel: https://a.co/d/h8uwkEU
• Eric Clapton cartoon - HuangZebin: wittygraphy.com/contest/74a3ac67-8dcd-452c-bb54-a272cbd5dde9/Eric-Clapton
• The Diderot Effect: youtu.be/uUlVN2ioTZE
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Frugal Living: How To Want What You Already Have: youtu.be/sKBQC-T8o38
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: https://skl.sh/petercook04251
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
There’s a lot more to money than you may think. In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel writes that the key to getting better with money is understanding our behavior: why do we do what we do?
Reading it was like wiping foggy glasses clean—suddenly, everything about money became sharp and clear.
So here are 15 lessons I learned from The Psychology of Money.
Check out the book here → The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel: https://a.co/d/54rpHU2
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:40 1. People like your Lambo, not you
01:17 2. Use money to gain freedom
02:14 3. Know when you have enough
03:49 4. Less ego, more wealth
05:05 5. Time is the most powerful force in investing
05:50 6. Wealth is what you don’t see
06:39 7. You don’t need a reason to save
07:39 8. Plan for the plan to go not according to plan
08:25 9. Luck vs hard work
09:28 10. Nobody is crazy
11:01 11. What gets you wealthy doesn’t keep you wealthy
12:24 12. To invest, you need to pay a price
13:23 13. You don’t need be right all the time, just right enough
14:39 14. Allow yourself to change
16:15 15. It’s important to sleep at night
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why I'm So Frugal: youtu.be/d0n1e2jq2wQ
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: https://skl.sh/petercook04251
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I used to believe that in order to improve my life, I needed to constantly add new things. I would read self-help book after self-help book, take courses, start new habits, and was always on the lookout for hacks and rules.
But over time, I realized that the real secret to building a simpler, more meaningful life was quitting some of the things I was doing. Letting go of things that no longer served me helped me better understand who I am and what’s important to me.
So today, I want to share 12 things I quit to simplify my life.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:30 1. Schedule every minute of my day
02:02 2. Finish a book I don't enjoy
03:27 3. Wait for the "perfect" moment to start something
05:14 4. Treat minimalism like a numbers game
06:12 5. Make jokes at the expense of someone else
07:13 6. Let comparison steal my joy
09:03 7. Believe intelligence is fixed
10:04 8. Take course after course, without taking action
11:46 9. Let past failures define me
12:51 10. Assume success is a linear journey
14:44 11. Try to control everything
15:39 12. Choose cheap price over quality
Resources mentioned in video:
• Building a Second Brain - Tiago Forte: https://a.co/d/95NeJru
• Born Standing Up - Steve Martin: https://a.co/d/hoGr8Ll
• Into Thin Air - Jon Krakauer: https://a.co/d/92VFN3z
• The Break-Up (2006): imdb.com/title/tt0452594
• MTV Cribs: imdb.com/title/tt0276656
• Mindset - Carol Dweck: https://a.co/d/iTnwFie
• 5-Hour YouTuber course: the5houryoutuber.com
• The Dip - Seth Godin: https://a.co/d/3wc06Va
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why I'm So Frugal: youtu.be/d0n1e2jq2wQ
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Sign up for my newsletter: subscribepage.io/petercooknewsletter
As much as I value simplicity and minimalism, I also believe that frugality doesn’t have to mean settling for poor quality.
In fact, some of the best things in my life have been simple, affordable, and totally worth it.
So today, I'm sharing 12 inexpensive items that have added real value to my life—and might just do the same for you.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:20 Item 1
01:43 Item 2
03:46 Item 3
05:10 Item 4
06:54 Item 5
08:02 Item 6
08:39 Item 7
10:02 Item 8
10:58 Item 9
11:54 Item 10
14:07 Item 11
15:18 Item 12
This video was sponsored by Craftsy.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
50 Things I Don’t Buy Anymore (Minimalism & Saving Money): youtu.be/OMxMpBL4kLU
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I consider myself a frugal person.
So today, I want to share why I’m so frugal and why I don’t feel like I’m depriving myself.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:29 Frugal vs cheap
01:42 How I was raised
04:02 It is stressful living in debt
05:06 Money = freedom
07:09 I’m not a genius
08:15 I don’t like working 9-5
11:02 I don’t care about a Ferrari
12:34 The more things you own, the more they own you
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
A Minimalist Secret: Your Stuff Is Talking To You! | Silent To-Do List: youtu.be/Zt7pjXOyBaw
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Matt D’Avella’s Netflix documentary Minimalism was my first introduction to the minimalist movement. And somewhere between his bicep curls, trying to get the Rock on his podcast, and blasting coffee beans all over his new studio, I learned a lot about living like a minimalist from Matt’s videos.
So today I'm sharing 7 minimalist lessons I learned from Matt D'Avella.
Enjoy!
Matt D'Avella videos used for this video:
• The Rock Tweeted at Me!!: youtu.be/m7XuyhZwGIQ?si=YAb4zBnEDEjEEiev
• My minimalist creative studio: youtu.be/Voa5NmA-U2U?si=gmyFd07L12_e2NEq
• You Can't Be a Minimalist If...youtu.be/8BADhRmu4Cw?si=ijOmBlnXRHaukuAZ
• 4 Rules for Digital Minimalism: youtu.be/5nemvG_EzqY?si=GETWpBqBhGjz0U5v
• 10 lessons from 10 years as a minimalist: youtu.be/REJqTXh8IwY?si=UTgn7wFpLLQ4BoRA
• 12 Habits That Changed My Life: youtu.be/kRr9LQ7mZ_A?si=KriN5QMCA_2U2KdC
• When minimalism goes too far...: youtu.be/ZEcniHAC9ys?si=oG549xnWH_EPQaHO
• What minimalism really looks like...: youtu.be/jrf_dMnatW0?si=x3HGidm-XlnAxonS
• Why I Became a Minimalist: youtu.be/KXsqyp08dTI?si=g_Gv_WIuNIvnJ7jx
• How I paid off $117k of debt in 4 years: youtu.be/RgVen6OcJMI?si=4gJbbXULbXcjLnZX
• I quit social media for 30 days: youtu.be/9z8_YhWoq2o?si=SwEZNxtmfvxKRqjR
• The 30 Day Social Media Detox: youtu.be/AXInjuTkjoM?si=Hf5KfHCZ594rmUiJ
• This Completely Changed How I Use Social Media: youtu.be/cNFdjP_F9sU?si=K8n9xUC6ORjwz7Xn
• Why I disappeared: youtu.be/elOvC989LD0?si=ZeEyJJyZGttpxMdd
Other resources mentioned in video:
• Minimalism documentary: youtu.be/J8DGjUv-Vjc?si=JuMuJeHapIaUF2hn
• Willpower Doesn't Work - Benjamin Hardy: https://a.co/d/hGCdC3A
• *Watches Matt D'Avella Once*: youtu.be/5FVz4vEq9y4?si=HNarALWNFHjk2LD4
• This American Life (podcast): thisamericanlife.org
• 99% Invisible (podcast): 99percentinvisible.org
• Digital Minimalism – Cal Newport: https://a.co/d/34QHWLu
• Killing Rage – Eamon Collins: https://a.co/d/0Ar2Jek
• Destination Moon (The Adventures of Tintin): https://a.co/d/4L7E3Ye
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:30 1. You can be a minimalist AND normal
02:51 2. No screens in bed
04:25 3. Minimalism is not a religion
07:14 4. Minimalism is not a magic bullet
10:19 5. Delete social media from your phone
12:43 6. It’s OK to take a break
14:16 7. The excitement fades but the value remains
17:43 Bloopers
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I went through a lot of stages in my minimalist journey. At first, I thought it was all about getting rid of stuff—decluttering my closet, keeping things that spark joy, and living with the essentials. But over time, I realized that I had barely scratched the surface. Minimalism is about so much more.
Today, I want to share the 9 stages of minimalism and reflect on where I thrived and where I struggled. These are the stages I went through, and even though our paths are all different and unique, perhaps you can ask yourself as you watch this video: where do I find myself on my minimalist journey?
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Stage 1
01:50 Stage 2
02:13 Stage 3
02:56 Stage 4
04:26 Stage 5
06:49 Stage 6
08:05 Stage 7
10:37 Stage 8
12:17 Stage 9
Resources mentioned in video:
• Essentialism – Greg McKeown: https://a.co/d/4VJDhf2
• Goodbye, Things – Fumio Sasaki: https://a.co/d/iP0xT0t
• What Is Minimalism? – The Minimalists: theminimalists.com/minimalism
• A Very Honest Conversation with Yes Theory: youtu.be/3vbZvRHpM8w
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
I Tried Extreme Minimalism for 7 Days: youtu.be/SqXgkN9OUgY
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Minimalism has shown me how easy it is to fill our lives with stuff we don’t need. Over the past few years, I’ve been letting go of many excess things to focus my time and money on what truly brings me joy.
So here are 50 things I don’t buy anymore as a minimalist, to save money and simplify my life.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:16 Item 1
00:57 Item 2
01:31 Item 3
01:51 Item 4
02:12 Item 5
02:53 Item 6
03:16 Item 7
04:06 Item 8
04:32 Item 9
04:55 Item 10
05:18 Item 11
05:42 Item 12
06:34 Item 13
06:58 Item 14
07:42 Item 15
08:18 Item 16
08:42 Item 17
09:20 Item 18
09:48 Item 19
10:04 Item 20
10:48 Item 21
11:12 Item 22
12:21 Item 23
13:23 Item 24
14:33 Item 25
15:39 Item 26
16:12 Item 27
16:19 Item 28
16:41 Item 29
17:30 Item 30
17:59 Item 31
18:42 Item 32
19:10 Item 33
20:08 Item 34
20:21 Item 35
21:11 Item 36
21:54 Item 37
22:48 Item 38
23:45 Item 39
24:20 Item 40
25:17 Item 41
25:32 Item 42
25:57 Item 43
27:50 Item 44
28:42 Item 45
29:04 Item 46
30:29 Item 47
30:59 Item 48
31:33 Item 49
32:06 Item 50
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: https://skl.sh/petercook04251
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I’m a journalist—in the sense of someone who writes a journal.
In Essentialism, Greg McKeown wrote: “The best journalists listen for what others do not hear. They read between the lines.”
But the thoughts must first make it onto the page to read between those lines. And it’s easy to get lost in the weeds.
However, I’ve found that a few simple practices help me extract the most value from my writing. Maybe they’ll be helpful for you, too.
So here’s how I journal to clear and focus my mind.
***
Resources mentioned in video:
• Essentialism – Greg McKeown: https://a.co/d/4VJDhf2
• The Beach – Alex Garland: https://a.co/d/erzMOHE
• Five Dialogues – Plato: https://a.co/d/1XcXz0w
• Day One: dayoneapp.com
• Jenny Odell on How to Do Nothing | Offline Podcast: youtu.be/FvKuq0kcnBk?si=pAwjfRgyZXWyUq2s&t=684
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:29 Why I journal
01:33 Intent
02:46 Capture
03:56 What I write
07:03 Example 1
08:28 Example 2
09:30 Organize
09:50 Review
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Imagine your calendar is like a closet. And your clothes the tasks on your to-do lists. But what if, no matter how much you declutter and try to stay organized, the closet always remains full? Because other people keep putting their clothes in your closet!
For many people, this is what their daily life looks like...
So the question is: how can you regain control over your time?
That's in today's video: How to manage your time like a minimalist.
***
Resources mentioned in video:
• Essentialism – Greg McKeown: https://a.co/d/c5wS5Qy
• Four Thousand Weeks – Oliver Burkeman: https://a.co/d/d9NkqPk
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
There are things that many consider 'normal' that I’ve stopped doing as a minimalist. And honestly, letting go of these habits has made my life so much simpler and more intentional.
So today, I want to share 20 'normal' things many people do without thinking—but a typical minimalist avoids.
If minimalism resonates with you, maybe check in as you watch: are you doing any of these things? And what could shift if you let them go?
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:35 Item 1
01:00 Item 2
01:34 Item 3
02:01 Item 4
02:58 Item 5
03:34 Item 6
03:58 Item 7
04:29 Item 8
05:06 Item 9
05:36 Item 10
06:08 Item 11
06:48 Item 12
07:08 Item 13
07:34 Item 14
08:09 Item 15
08:45 Item 16
09:21 Item 17
09:54 Item 18
10:40 Item 19
11:14 Item 20
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: https://skl.sh/petercook11241
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I tried extreme minimalism for a week.
And it turned out, it wasn’t what I thought it would be…
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:30 The Rules
00:48 Day 1
02:20 Day 2
04:17 Day 3
05:21 Day 4
07:41 Day 5
12:21 Day 6
13:40 Day 7
Resources mentioned in video:
• The Diary of a CEO - Mo Gawdat: youtu.be/IxVNR0Om-lA?si=cwfonu13udyjzgmm&t=2903
• Haruki Murakami - Kafka on the Shore: https://a.co/d/dkcRZ32
• Oasis - ‘Definitely Maybe’ – Deluxe 30th Anniversary Edition: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definitely_Maybe
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
How To Want What You Already Have: youtu.be/sKBQC-T8o38
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Get access to free '100 journaling prompts': subscribepage.io/100journalingprompts
I love journaling because it adds so much depth to my life.
When I journal, I take a pause to record what I’ve been up to, explore ideas, and reflect on my life.
To help you get started, I will walk you through a simple guide today on how to journal for beginners.
I hope you will get some value from today's video!
***
Resources mentioned in video:
• The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron: https://a.co/d/1YMOwbG
• Day One: dayoneapp.com
• Essentialism – Greg McKeown: https://a.co/d/4VJDhf2
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:40 Why journal?
03:54 What to journal about?
07:08 How to journal?
13:28 Q&A
This video is sponsored by Skillshare.
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
In today’s society, being outgoing and sociable is highly valued. Introvert characteristics like craving solitude and quietness are seen in a less favorable light.
As an introvert, I’ve struggled with this my whole life. Why couldn’t I be as outgoing as others? I felt handicapped by my personality.
Over time, I developed better social skills, even to the point that extroverts confused me for one of them. But I always maintained a desire to spend a good chunk of my time on my own. And over the years, I’ve come to appreciate solitude more and more and even started seeing it as a superpower!
So today I want to give an introvert’s perspective on the power of being alone. If you’re someone who feels pressured to be more outgoing than you’re comfortable with, I hope this video will encourage you to stay true to your values and not deny yourself what you deeply crave inside.
And if you’re a total people person and were dumbfounded when you first found out your partner or friend enjoys doing something dull like spending time alone, this video might give you some insight into their reasons. And that alone time can be good for anyone, introvert or extrovert.
Resources mentioned in the video:
• Inside Out (2015): imdb.com/title/tt2096673
• Lead Yourself First – Raymond Kethledge and Michael Erwin: https://a.co/d/dKzwl2F
00:00 Intro
01:24 Being alone is not the same as loneliness
03:45 Find your authentic self
04:46 Understand others better
06:09 Strengthen your relationships
08:01 Increase productivity and creativity
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why Stillness Is The Key To Happiness: youtu.be/JFp-YiO9BRw
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Get access to free '100 journaling prompts': subscribepage.io/100journalingprompts
It’s almost 2025. Today, I will share 25 simple habits you can start practicing each day to radically improve your life in the next year.
I hope one or two of these habits will help you create meaningful change next year!
***
Resources mentioned in video:
• The Everything Store – Brad Stone: https://a.co/d/6jmakpS
• Deep Questions (podcast): thedeeplife.com/listen
• Jacob Collier Explains Music in 5 Levels of Difficulty ft. Herbie Hancock | WIRED: youtube.com/watch?v=eRkgK4jfi6M
• Start Something That Matters - Blake Mycoskie: https://a.co/d/4DRHuW8
• The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh: https://a.co/d/aS8ZZyr
• Queer Eye (Netflix show): netflix.com/title/80160037
• This American Life (podcast): thisamericanlife.org
• The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor: https://a.co/d/3x6K7TN
• 68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says UN: un.org/uk/desa/68-world-population-projected-live-urban-areas-2050-says-un
This video is sponsored by Skillshare.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:10 Habit 1
00:25 Habit 2
01:11 Habit 3
02:23 Habit 4
03:08 Habit 5
03:49 Habit 6
04:25 Habit 7
05:04 Habit 8
06:11 Habit 9
06:47 Habit 10
08:15 Habit 11
09:32 Habit 12
13:00 Habit 13
14:14 Habit 14
15:25 Habit 15
16:29 Habit 16
17:33 Habit 17
18:23 Habit 18
19:06 Habit 19
20:00 Habit 20
20:30 Habit 21
21:15 Habit 22
22:00 Habit 23
23:14 Habit 24
23:49 Habit 25
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
My home country The Netherlands is known for its beautiful canals, tulips, windmills, bicycles, and delicious stroopwafels.
But I’ve lived abroad for over a decade, where I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for some simple Dutch habits that contribute to living a happier, healthier life. And I want to share 5 of those with you today.
***
Resources mentioned in video:
• Happiest Countries in the World 2024: worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/happiest-countries-in-the-world
• 6 Simple Dutch Habits for Happiness, Health and Self Care – Simply Happy Zen: youtu.be/SA1WAMJJTEA?si=JttXp_qacLtF5Nrc
• Buienradar: https://www.buienradar.nl/
• Time Spent Using Smartphones (2024 Statistics): explodingtopics.com/blog/smartphone-usage-stats
• 12 Countries With The Highest Rates Of Part-Time Employment: worldatlas.com/articles/12-countries-with-the-highest-rates-of-part-time-employment.html
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:33 Uitwaaien
03:23 Niksen
07:13 Act normal
11:11 Gezellig
14:13 Efficiency & Punctuality
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: https://skl.sh/petercook11241
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Essentialism by Greg McKeown is one of the books that profoundly impacted me. The key takeaway from the book is to ask yourself: ‘What is essential?’ And then eliminate everything else.
In today's video, I share 7 ways Essentialism has improved my life. I believe that even just implementing one of them may significantly benefit you.
***
Resources mentioned in video:
• Essentialism – Greg McKeown: https://a.co/d/4VJDhf2
• The Power of a Positive No – William Ury: https://a.co/d/1EHpZWS
• Day One: dayoneapp.com
• Grand Hotel Europa – lja Leonard Pfeijffer: https://a.co/d/4Ds0Nbw
• The Goal – Eliyahu Goldratt: https://a.co/d/aJErtbK
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:18 Less but better
01:55 Almost everything is noise
02:46 Options: control vs choice
04:08 Multitask, don't multifocus
06:00 Be a journalist of your own life
08:26 Identify the Herbie
09:28 Edit your life
This video is sponsored by Skillshare.
– LINKS –
📥 Sign up for my newsletter: subscribepage.io/petercooknewsletter
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
When we feel the itch to buy something—especially when we don’t truly need it—it often stems from dissatisfaction with what we already own. Whether it’s a car, a pair of pants, or a desk, if it’s new, it automatically feels more appealing.
This mindset is so common that we’ve coined phrases to describe it like 'shiny object syndrome' or 'the grass is always greener on the other side.'
But does 'shiny' always add value to our lives? Is the grass on the other side truly greener?
Minimalism is a powerful tool for decluttering and eliminating life’s excess. Yet, if you don’t address the root of your spending habits, no amount of decluttering will prevent you from filling your space back up.
What if you could simply want what you already have?
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why You Want Things You Don’t Need | Diderot Effect: youtu.be/uUlVN2ioTZE
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Minimalism has positively affected how I use my digital devices and do my work online. I’m by no means a productivity master, I get easily distracted, and on some days I’m unmotivated.
But the practices I share in this video help me to stay focused and get the things that matter done. I keep it simple, I only use Notion. Here is how I stay organized and productive as a digital minimalist.
Resources mentioned in the video:
• Eisenhower Matrix Notion Template: https://www.notion.so/templates/eisenhower-matrix
• Deep Work – Cal Newport: https://a.co/d/4xRM73u
• Ness Labs: nesslabs.com
• Why Procrastinators Procrastinate: waitbutwhy.com/2013/10/why-procrastinators-procrastinate.html
• SelfControl: selfcontrolapp.com
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:34 1. Keep it simple
00:58 2. Calendar + Eisenhower matrix
03:39 3. Batch tasks
05:09 4. One big thing per day
05:41 5. Plus Minus Next
06:48 6. Limit distractions
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
How to Improve Your Focus (And Enjoy Life More): youtu.be/bmuXpDFZi50
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Work hard, play hard sounds good right? It’s catchy, companies like to use it to describe their fun work culture.
But only one half of the “Work Hard Play Hard” promise is true. And it’s not the half you’re hoping for…
The only reason a company needs to tell you to "play hard" is to sugarcoat the fact that you will be so squeezed for time that you'll have to get most of your social interactions from that job itself.
What if there was a more sustainable approach to work? One that takes into account that we work to live, not live to work?
Resources mentioned in the video:
• What companies really mean when they say "work hard, play hard" – Mia McPherson: linkedin.com/pulse/what-companies-really-mean-when-say-work-hard-play-mia-mcpherson
• George Wilson tweet: twitter.com/realgwilson/status/1563206212766035968?s=20
• Time to reconsider 'work hard, play hard' motto: https://www.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/142014/time-to-reconsider-work-hard-play-hard-motto/
• Job postings can reveal signs of trouble ahead with a potential employer or role. Here are the red flags that candidates should look for: businessinsider.com/red-flags-to-look-for-in-job-posts-compensation-requirements-2022-5
• Long working hours increasing deaths from heart disease and stroke: WHO, ILO: https://www.who.int/news/item/17-05-2021-long-working-hours-increasing-deaths-from-heart-disease-and-stroke-who-ilo
• The Most Important Piece of Career Advice You Probably Never Heard: calnewport.com/the-most-important-piece-of-career-advice-you-probably-never-heard
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
What a Notary Taught Me About Slow Living: youtu.be/4z4E97VQLH0
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Welcome to my temporary minimalist apartment. It’s a 549 square foot (or 51m2) one-bed, one bath.
I’ve lived here for three months now, so let me show you around!
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
My Minimalist Apartment Tour: youtu.be/oKmns-mVojU
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
How often do you check your phone? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the constant urge to check your social media notifications and respond to messages?
I personally love the convenience of my smartphone. It allows me to connect with family and friends all around the world. Apps like Instagram and TikTok are fun and entertaining. Yet, my phone can also be a timesuck and make me feel disconnected.
That’s why I set up boundaries to be more intentional about my screen time. And I feel so much better now!
In this video, I want to share the steps I took to break my phone addiction. To inspire you to do the same and develop a healthier relationship with your phone.
Resources mentioned in the video:
• Recreational Screen Time Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S.: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8123581
• Digital Minimalism - Cal Newport: https://a.co/d/1quENHe
• Max Cavallari – Loneliness: https://www.maxcavallari.it/loneliness/
• Eric Pickersgill – Removed: ericpickersgill.com/removed
• Experts Can’t Agree on How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Adults: time.com/6174510/how-much-screen-time-is-too-much
• Robert Creating – What's on my Minimalist iPhone? youtube.com/watch?v=MIARKzJ3UEw
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:49 Phones are not evil
02:35 1. Turn off notifications
03:30 2. Remove the apps that most distract you
04:42 3. Set your phone to grayscale mode
06:08 4. Put your phone out of sight
07:10 5. Choose an alternative
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
The Art of Doing Nothing: youtu.be/_hFmagRoiA8
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
It’s been almost 10 months since I last published a video on YouTube.
But…I’m back! And I’m excited to start creating new content again.
Some of you probably wonder: why did I disappear for so long?
***
Resources mentioned in video:
• Why a Clutter-Free Environment Is Important for Introverts: introvertdear.com/news/why-a-clutter-free-environment-is-important-for-introverts
• The Way Out – Alan Gordon:
• Tell Me About Your Pain (podcast): curablehealth.com/podcast/your-pain
• The Untethered Soul – Michael Alan Singer:
• The Gastritis Healing Book – L. G. Capellan:
• Boulder Back Pain Study: jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2784694
• In Praise of Slow – Carl Honoré:
• Life of Riza: youtube.com/@LifeOfRiza
• Natalie Lynn: youtube.com/@nataliexlynn
• Jake Frew: youtube.com/@JakeFrew
• Erik Lenz: youtube.com/@iamericlenz
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:16 No Home
01:50 Health
09:33 Niche
12:38 Monetization
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
So I’ve got some sad news: I’m leaving my minimalist apartment.
This video is a way for me to reflect on the years I’ve lived here and express my gratitude.
I’ll share how I ended up in this apartment, as well as how I became a minimalist here. I'll also offer up some reflections on my feelings about leaving, and what’s next.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:26 Why I'm decluttering my apartment
01:16 Why I became a minimalist
02:22 Having a clear end goal makes decluttering easier
04:26 Say thank you to sentimental items
07:02 When one door closes, another one opens
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
I Got Rid of 90% of My Stuff: youtu.be/6oQ_kyEQqfQ
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I just decluttered 90% of my stuff. I am leaving my apartment after 4.5 years and will be living out of a single suitcase for a while. So I had to clear out all corners of the apartment, go through bathroom cabinets, kitchen shelves, and stuff I stored under the bed. Declutter everything. Go full extreme minimalism.
In his book The Untethered Soul, Michael Singer writes: “We’re really not trying to be free of our stuff; we’re trying to justify keeping it.” I realized how true that is when I had to minimize and declutter all my possessions.
in this video I want to share what it was like, how it felt, and some of the lessons I learned in the process.
00:00 Intro
00:26 Why I'm decluttering my apartment
1:16 Why I became a minimalist
02:22 Having a clear end goal makes decluttering easier
04:26 Say thank you to sentimental items
07:02 When one door closes, another one opens
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
My Minimalist Apartment Tour: youtu.be/oKmns-mVojU
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Not too long ago, I made a video about things I no longer buy as a minimalist: branded clothes, items on sale, and paper books. Minimalism helps me to stay grounded, an organized space is an organized mind. But what I’ve also learned is that minimalism is not about owning as few possessions as possible, but about creating space for what’s truly important. To live a more intentional life, one with more happiness, fulfillment, and freedom.
I am not an extreme minimalist, there are still things I spend money on. The difference from how I was living before is that I now am much more intentional about my purchases. They’re not impulse buys.
So here are 7 things I still buy as a minimalist.
Enjoy!
Resources mentioned in video:
• Kazuo Ishiguro - Klara and the Sun: https://a.co/d/2ztdWMU
• Kazuo Ishiguro - Never Let Me go: https://a.co/d/2ztdWMU
• Oliver Burkeman - Four Thousand Weeks: https://a.co/d/4pNNjFp
• Michael Connelly - The Lincoln Lawyer: https://a.co/d/1zne970
• WHOOSH! Screen Cleaner Kit: https://a.co/d/4PV9rAL
• Aeropress: https://a.co/d/1JN4461
• Skillshare (try 1 month for free): skillshare.com/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=control
00:00 Intro
00:40 1. Coworking membership
02:32 2. Digital books
04:49 3. Eating out
06:10 4. Screen cleaner
06:55 5. Gym membership
07:53 6. Specialty coffee
09:32 7. Subscriptions
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
5 Things I No Longer Own as a Minimalist: youtu.be/-JezGmrUvuo
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
In the movie Yes Man, Jim Carrey makes a covenant with himself to say yes to every opportunity that comes his way. But I think that the problem many of us have is not that we don't say no enough…
Saying yes comes at a price. When you say yes to one thing, you’re also saying no to something else. And when you say yes to everything, you really aren’t saying yes to anything.
But if you learn the power of saying no, you create the space to say yes to things that align with your values and truly commit to them.
So today I want to discuss the art of saying no. When you say no more often, you’re actually saying yes to living the life you want to live. And at the end, I’ll give you a few actionable tips on how to say no effectively.
Resources mentioned in video:
• Yes Man (2008): imdb.com/title/tt1068680
• The Ultimate Productivity Hack is Saying No: jamesclear.com/saying-no
• The Art of Saying No: forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2013/03/11/the-art-of-saying-no/?sh=5a13574ca892
• A Very Honest Conversation with Yes Theory: youtu.be/3vbZvRHpM8w
• The Power of a Positive No - William Ury: https://a.co/d/2pHfTRV
• Four Thousand Weeks - Oliver Burkeman: https://a.co/d/4pNNjFp
• How to Live a Rich Life: iwillteachyoutoberich.com/how-to-live-a-rich-life
• The Art Of War Paperback - Sun Tzu: https://a.co/d/cwsKvI1
00:00 Intro
00:57 Why do we say yes so often?
02:47 The power of saying no
05:57 How to say no
05:59 1. Figure out your underlying yes
07:33 2. Have a plan B
09:06 3. Build a golden bridge
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why Stillness Is The Key To Happiness: youtu.be/JFp-YiO9BRw
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
This is a day in my life as a slow living minimalist.
Join me as I shoot videos in the forest, work from a coworking space in the afternoon, and relax at night.
I try to live with intention. Taking it one day at a time. I try to do things that feel meaningful and joyful to me. To build a life I can reflect on in old age with a smile.
Enjoy!
Resources mentioned in the video:
• Hernan Diaz – Trust: https://a.co/d/gpWWCXT
• 2019 World AeroPress Championship recipe: youtube.com/watch?v=fILYaT2jgIM
• Camino de Santiago Documentary | Walk Through Fire: youtube.com/watch?v=U2mrbhPhASA
• Bone Valley podcast: lavaforgood.com/bone-valley
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Evening Routine of a Slow Living Minimalist: youtu.be/4MbwCrDs6ek
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
The other day, I watched an episode of Hoarders. This is a show that profiles people who have accumulated so much stuff that it has completely overtaken their homes.
The conditions these people live in are often tragic and even dangerous. I felt anxiety just watching this show, and I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in a place like that.
Minimalism has had the opposite effect on me. Decluttering a lot of my possessions has created space in my life, both in my home and in my head.
Today I want to share why owning less can lead to less stress in your life.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:35 No visual overwhelm
01:56 Save time
02:51 Save money
04:42 Clear mind
05:50 Emotional release
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
How To Declutter Sentimental Items | Minimalism: youtu.be/JQGkkwTfpcM
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
I’ve read many books in my life. But there are some that really resonated with me, that greatly improved my life once I started applying their core ideas. So in this video I want to share three books that had a great impact on me and continue to guide me on my journey.
Books mentioned in the video:
• Mindset - Carol S. Dweck: https://a.co/d/i1DWjOT
• In Praise of Slow - Carl Honoré: https://a.co/d/0R3h77f
• The Untethered Soul - Michael A. Singer: https://a.co/d/6zrn1HS
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:23 Book #1
03:51 Book #2
09:21 Book #3
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
How To Build a Reading Habit (7 Easy Tips): youtu.be/UK6HN-n1xVo
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why You Want Things You Don’t Need | Diderot Effect: youtu.be/uUlVN2ioTZE
If it's to replace something you already own, what's wrong with what you have? Do you want to replace it because it doesn't match with this other new thing you just bought?
One thing the Diderot effect teaches us is that, often, our identity is tied up in the things we own. And by trying to find unity in our possessions, we're really trying to convince ourselves that our identity itself is uniform.
But your possessions do not define you. Your life is too valuable to waste chasing material possessions.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why You Want Things You Don’t Need | Diderot Effect: youtu.be/uUlVN2ioTZE
I've been going on a lot of hikes lately. It helps me to slow down and get out of my head.
In Japan they have a word for this: forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku. It means healing through being immersed in nature.
It’s about taking your time, wandering, listening to the birds singing, smelling the pine trees, and feeling the breeze on your skin. Taking in the forest through all your senses. Connecting with nature in this way can be a bridge to instant joy and calm.
Join me on a solo hike in the Pirin Mountains (Bulgaria)!
– ABOUT PIRIN NATIONAL PARK –
Pirin National Park, known in Bulgarian as Национален парк "Пирин", is located in the Pirin Mountains. It was originally named Vihren National Park and is located in the southwest of Bulgaria.
In 1962, when Pirin National Park was established, it covered 67.36 km2. Over the years, its territory was expanded many times over, until it reached its current area of 403.56 km2.
This park holds significant importance, as it is one of the three national parks in the country, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park.
It has been honored with UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1983.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Slow Living in Winter: How Snow Calms Me Down: youtu.be/4rTeiULHS6Q
– LINKS –
☕️ Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/petercook
♪ TikTok: tiktok.com/@slowlivingminimalist
🖼 Posters: iampetercook.gumroad.com/l/posterpack
💻 Try Skillshare for free for 1 month: skillshare.com/en/r/user/petercook?gr_tch_ref=on
📚 Interesting books to read:
• Stoicism For Beginners: https://a.co/d/hPU8GTX
• Minimalism 101: https://a.co/d/bJkA6Lt
• Declutter Your Life: https://a.co/d/carqttB
DISCLAIMER: Some of the links are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
It's just the Diderot effect playing out. This human need of trying to find unity in our possessions and, by extension, trying to convince ourselves that our identity itself is uniform.
Companies exploit this human tendency, to sell you more stuff.
When you buy an iPhone, it's now more tempting to also get a MacBook. It's the same Apple ecosystem, you can airdrop files, take phone calls on your laptop, it all works so well together.
And when you visit Ikea, they have these complete rooms set up in a certain style. You came to buy a new chair but in that room, it's next to a matching sofa, a coffee table, a rug and decorations, and together, they represent a whole new identity or lifestyle.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why You Want Things You Don’t Need | Diderot Effect: youtu.be/uUlVN2ioTZE
In his book Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport writes that we didn't sign up for this digital world we live in. We sort of stumbled backward into it. In this era of hyper-connectedness, we need to adapt. And we need to be more mindful of what we do online and when we should go off.
One habit I have is to not check my phone for about an hour after I wake up. Instead, I get dressed, go for a walk, and read a book as part of my morning routine.
I also limit my screen time at night. I often put my phone away or I listen to a podcast to unwind before going to sleep.
Having endless information available at our fingertips isn't something we should take lightly. We need time away from our devices to see the bigger picture.
The off-switch is as important as the on-switch.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why Stillness Is The Key To Happiness: youtu.be/JFp-YiO9BRw
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why Stillness Is The Key To Happiness: youtu.be/JFp-YiO9BRw
Today, it stands as a testament to Gaudí’s vivid imagination as well as his faith. It earned him the nickname "God's Architect.” He is even buried inside.
On a visit, you might be taken aback by the number of tourists. I know I was!
But this is just one of those bucket list sights you have to see once in your life.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
How Gaudí Built Slow Living Park Guëll in Barcelona: youtu.be/Jc_g0oDDj6w
Slow Living in Barcelona (Spain): Is It Possible? youtu.be/t82SRDYBv78
A 2008 study done by researchers from the University of Michigan found that people who were given a concentration-sapping task after going for a walk in nature performed up to 20% better than the comparison group who had just walked through a city.
And this finding held up when they switched up the groups one week later!
Why is that?
Well, concentration requires directed attention. But this is a finite resource. Walking on busy city streets requires more of your focus than being in nature. Yet, a walk in nature still offers enough interesting stimuli to keep your mind sufficiently occupied. This state actually *replenishes* your directed attention resources.
This finding aligns with the core idea behind slow living, which is to maintain balance between spending and recovering energy. So next time you feel mentally drained, go for a walk in nature!
Study referenced in video: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19121124
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
3 Simple Habits That Calm Me: youtu.be/6owgFm8h1cs
The key is that you focus on your own thoughts and experiences, instead of reacting to information created by other people.
You can be alone in the woods but reading tweets, or listening to a podcast. Those are inputs from other minds. On the other hand, you could practice solitude by sitting on a crowded subway, simply looking around.
Check out the book: Lead Yourself First - Raymond Kethledge & Michael Erwin: https://a.co/d/5YlqRgc
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why Stillness Is The Key To Happiness: youtu.be/JFp-YiO9BRw
I value personal growth.
I love learning new things, thinking about what makes a good life. I also value my time.
Time is our most valuable non-replenishable resource. And if I'm gonna trade my time for money, I ideally want to spend it on something that I care about, that I value. Something that allows me to express myself, be creative, learn new things, that's enjoyable, and also allows me to help others.
I know, bills need to be paid. But it's good to have a North Star. Something to aspire to. And that's where the question of how much is enough comes into play. The less you need, the more attainable your dream life will be.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
How Much Is Enough? | Financial Minimalism: youtu.be/fXXcO77sBjY
I can definitely relate to that. Who cares about legacy when you're gone? Being healthy and alive is much nicer.
We don't like to think about our death. We've got all these things we want to do and achieve. And life appears short because we're in a hurry to go do or get those things.
Contemplating death sounds pessimistic. It's not a fun thing to do.
But what I take away from it is that by understanding my time on Earth is a gift, with an expiry date that's unknown to me, I get clarity on how I want to spend that time.
How to live a fulfilling life.
– WHAT TO WATCH NEXT –
Why You Never Have Enough Time ('Four Thousand Weeks' Review): youtu.be/7P-kIgJ5GUo


