Why downscaling is harder than it sounds
We talk a lot about minimalism as if it’s just about having less. But the truth is, the real challenge isn’t getting rid of stuff — it’s stopping the urge to upgrade.
Comfort is addictive.
Each small improvement makes us want another. A better chair. A quieter dishwasher. A car with heated seats. Once you experience something more comfortable, going back feels impossible. But is it really?
Every upgrade raises the baseline. What used to be a luxury becomes the new normal — and from there, we want more.
More comfort. More convenience. More everything.
And with it? Often more stress, more work, and less time.
The lifestyle trap
We’ve fallen into this cycle ourselves. We’re not writing this from a cabin in the woods with one wooden spoon and a candle.
We live a full life — with work, hobbies, travel, passions. We cook. We hike. We host friends. We love our life.
But at some point, we started asking one simple question:
“Will this really improve our life beyond the first five minutes of joy?”
If the answer is a clear yes — we do it.
But if it’s just a momentary rush of satisfaction, a distraction, or a craving for “just a bit more,” we pause.
And usually, we walk away.
It’s not about denying ourselves comfort.
It’s about choosing it consciously — not automatically.
Downscaling isn’t romantic. It’s honest.
Minimalism, for us, is not about living with one book and a mattress on the floor.
It’s about learning to be radically honest with ourselves.
It takes introspection. And it takes courage to say:
“Maybe I don’t need this right now. Maybe I’m just avoiding something else.”
Every time we choose not to upgrade, we also choose a little more freedom.
Less pressure to keep up. Fewer work hours. A slower pace.
More time for what actually matters — and what already makes our life beautiful.
Would we still enjoy our favorite tea if we didn’t drink it in a €40 handmade mug?
Yes.
Would replacing our couch change our evenings?
Probably not.
Would it spark joy for five minutes?
Maybe.
But we’re not building a life around five-minute highs.
The Minimal Diet is about making space for what lasts.
And knowing the difference.
The Minimal Diet 
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