How Voluntary Simplicity Powers the Solo Creator’s Path

“Nothing is enough for the man to whom enough is too little.” — Epicurus

I’ve found that the less I own, the freer I feel.

In a world that often equates success with accumulation ― more money, more possessions, more everything ― choosing less can feel like a radical act. Yet, for me, simplicity offers a path to freedom and alignment with personal values.

Before we dive deeper, it’s important to clarify a key distinction. What I’m talking about here is not living with less out of necessity or scarcity, but rather a conscious choice to simplify my life while still ensuring my wants and needs are met. 

This approach is what Duane Elgin refers to in his book Voluntary Simplicity, and it’s the lens through which I view my own philosophy. Voluntary simplicity isn’t about depriving oneself, but rather about making intentional decisions ― it’s a mindset shift. 

It’s the realization that by letting go of excess, you create room for what truly matters.

This lifestyle isn’t something I’ve forced ― it just feels right. The more I simplify, the more clarity and freedom I find in every area of my life. 

Following My Inner Compass

I’ve always been drawn to the idea of simple living. It’s an approach that aligns with who I am and how I choose to experience the world. This wasn’t something I stumbled upon later in life; it’s been an undercurrent guiding my decisions from the start.

I was raised with the common expectation of going to college, getting a job, and retiring comfortably. The vision laid out for me promised security and stability, a blueprint for a life that many aspire to.

But as I moved along this path, I began to feel a disconnect.

When I entered the corporate world, it became even more apparent that this wasn’t the life I wanted. I spent a few years in corporate finance, and it was there that I felt more out of place than ever before.

The high-pressure, profit-driven environment was at odds with my values, leaving me questioning whether I was sacrificing more than I was gaining.

Choosing simplicity wasn’t just a rejection of the traditional path ― it was a return to myself. It’s not the most conventional approach, but it’s the one that feels true to who I am.

I know not everyone will find me relatable, and that’s okay.

But I believe there are elements of voluntary simplicity that anyone can integrate into their life, especially in a world where growing political uncertainty, environmental challenges, and economic instability make resilience and intentional living more important than ever.

Simple Actions to Align Your Life

If you're drawn to a simpler way of living, you can start by letting go of what no longer serves you ― but that doesn’t mean you have to give up everything at once.

Take a step back and reflect on how your work and lifestyle align with your values. Are there areas where you can downshift, cut unnecessary expenses, or be more intentional with your daily routines? 

Start small ― think about what feels out of place or unnecessary in your life, and consider how letting it go might create space for something more meaningful.

For me, this looks like living in small spaces, eating meals at home, and shopping secondhand instead of buying new whenever I can. It’s a conscious choice to reject the culture of excess and waste that harms the planet and keeps us tethered to jobs and obligations that don’t align with our values.

Rather than spending money on things I don’t need, I try to focus on what genuinely brings me joy, like hiking and trail running outdoors, where the primary cost is time and effort.

But there’s no single right way to do it. A life of voluntary simplicity looks different for everyone, and how you approach it is up to you. 

The most important thing is to not be afraid to question the path you're on, rewrite the rules, and design a life that feels more like yours.

Simplicity as a Launchpad for Solopreneurs

When you embrace voluntary simplicity, you naturally reduce your daily expenses, which means you don’t need as much income to support your lifestyle. 

This gives you the freedom to take risks, explore creative pursuits, and invest in your business without the constant pressure to generate immediate returns. 

But voluntary simplicity is about more than just cutting back ― it’s about living with intention. It’s a shift in perspective, where success is defined not by how much you have but by how well your life aligns with your values, priorities, and sense of purpose.

This mindset fosters creativity, allowing solopreneurs to invest time and resources into projects that bring them fulfillment rather than chasing the constant need for growth or more income.

It makes it easier to explore passion projects, experiment with new ideas, and embrace a slower, more sustainable path to growth that aligns with your long-term vision.

By focusing on less, you create space for more ― more time to develop your skills, explore your interests, and build a business that reflects your values.

Building Resilience in Uncertain Times

As AI continues to replace traditional jobs, wealth inequality skyrockets, and government programs and social safety nets shrink or vanish, there’s no doubt in my mind we’ll see more political unrest and economic upheaval in the coming months and years.

Building a life that’s less dependent on external systems and more aligned with your values will offer greater freedom and security no matter what the future holds. 

The combination of voluntary simplicity and building a location-independent business as a solo creator offers a powerful foundation for resilience in the face of uncertainty. It allows us to maneuver through the complexities of today’s world with greater autonomy and flexibility. 

The more we can simplify, downshift, and cultivate self-reliance, the better equipped we’ll be to navigate the challenges ahead. 

This is how we fight back against a system that no longer serves us.

That’s all for this one.

Thanks for reading.

TLDR: Less is more ― creating freedom and resilience in uncertain times.