Americans are concerned with the pursuit of happiness and living successful lives. This means growing up and getting an education in order to earn a lot of money and have more to spend.

What if the American dream wasn’t for everyone?

There is a lot more to life than bills, money and work. You can’t blame us, though, in our society, buying is implanted in our heads because that’s how our society runs. We have a consumer mentality, and we allow it to run our lives.

If the goal is to grow up and be successful for money and things, then why are people spending faster than they are earning it?

I believe at some point, the goal shifted from wanting to have the luxury of spending, to spending in order to gain happiness. Women seem to be a great example considering we basically invented the phrase “retail therapy.”

In many cases, it becomes our source of happiness and people become materialistic. “The more you have the more you want.” We find ourselves buying what we don’t even need.

This is a problem.

Some would argue materials cause the opposite of happiness, things cause clutter and clutter causes stress. When you’re surrounded by so many unnecessary things you feel overwhelmed.

You might have heard the phrase, “less is more.” This is the principle of minimalism, which is what I believe is a simple solution to the current attitude our society has.

Minimalism is about living with items that are necessary and bring you happiness. It teaches you to value the things in life that really matter.

There’s a sense of relief that comes with realizing that you don’t have to lose to gain. Lose, meaning anything from money to the true definition of being content.

This lifestyle requires you to think twice before wasting your money.

I find myself becoming a happier and simpler person as a minimalist. My quality of life is richer when I started to pay attention to how little I really needed and how much more room I had to care for myself and those around me.

You start to realize that yes, the grass is greener on the other side, and that’s because on the consumerism side it’s fake.

SEE ALSO: Actually, Minimalism Only Works If You're Rich

Minimalism is not a one-dimensional lifestyle, however, not only does it change your outlook, but it decreases your toll on the environment. It creates less waste that would otherwise have a negative impact on the environment.

Minimalism also helps anxiety, being someone who suffers from anxiety disorder I have seen a great change in how I feel when I am in a clutter-free home and have less to worry about.

For example, with organization and things as little as what to wear, minimalism makes me less anxious because I have less to choose from--it feels liberating.

Decluttering your junk drawer, purging your wardrobe, evaluating your last five purchases, writing a gratitude log and creating a relaxing space are all things you can do when starting a minimalist lifestyle.

It's also important to remember that manners, friendship, morals, happiness and honesty cannot be bought.

Food for thought:

“He who buys what he does not need, steals from himself” – Swedish proverb