Joshua Becker – Minimalism isn’t about removing things you love. It’s about removing the things that distract you from the things you love
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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I’m your host, Andrew McGivern, for January 13th.
So, let me ask you: how does your desk look right now? Be honest. Are you gazing at a serene workspace, or are you nervously eyeing that leaning tower of papers threatening to crush your coffee cup? Today is National Clean Your Desk Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to tackle that mess and set yourself up for success.
Before you roll your eyes, let me share a quote that fits beautifully with the theme. It’s from minimalist advocate Joshua Becker, who once said:
"Minimalism isn’t about removing things you love. It’s about removing the things that distract you from the things you love."
Take a second to let that sink in.
A cluttered desk is more than an eyesore—it’s a metaphor for the distractions in your life. Each sticky note, stray pen, and old coffee mug is a tiny cry for attention. When you clear the clutter, you make room for focus, creativity, and progress.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Andrew, cleaning my desk isn’t going to magically make me hit my goals.” And you’re right. But what it does do is create an environment where you can start.
Think of it this way: your desk is like a launchpad. If it’s cluttered, the rocket might still take off, but it’s not going to be smooth. Clear the space, and suddenly, you’re ready for lift-off.
And here’s where it gets even better. January 13th isn’t just National Clean Your Desk Day—it’s also National Make Your Dreams Come True Day. Coincidence? I think not.
By decluttering your desk, you’re making a symbolic first step toward decluttering your mind and your life. You’re making space for your dreams, whatever they may be. Maybe it’s launching that business you’ve been dreaming of, writing the book you’ve been putting off, or finally tackling that mountain of emails marked “important” from six months ago.
So, here’s your challenge for today: spend 15 minutes—just 15 minutes—cleaning your desk. Toss out what doesn’t serve you, keep only what sparks joy or productivity, and see how it feels.
And then, use that momentum to take one small action toward your biggest dream. Who knows? Today could be the day you turn “someday” into “today.”
Thanks for joining me on Clean Your Desk Day... Remember, minimalism isn’t about less for the sake of less—it’s about making room for what truly matters so you can go on to make your dreams come true. I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for today and while I still have your attention, hit that follow button, and I'll see tomorrow for another Daily Quote!