100 Thing Challenge

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The 100 Thing Challenge has been my little way to personalize my efforts to fight American-style consumerism.

That said, a lot of other people are participating, too. Thanks! Keep up the good work. You can read about what media have said about the 100 Thing Challenge, listen to a few interviews about it, and more on my press page.

It would be awesome if you joined the conversation on the 100 Thing Challenge Fan Page on Facebook.

Also, it would be totally cool if you joined the conversation at my guynameddave Twitter, just remember to use the #100TC hash if you tweet about the 100 Thing Challenge.

The goal of the 100 Thing Challenge is to break free from the confining habits of American-style consumerism. A lot of people around the world feel "stuck in stuff." They feel like their closets and garages are too full of things that don't really make their lives much better. But how to get unstuck?

Reduce (get rid of some of your stuff)

Refuse (to get more new stuff)

Rejigger (your priorities)

I totally believe that living without abundance of personal possessions for an extended period of time is the first step we ought to take in order to realize that we don't need ever-more stuff. If you do this -- if you will give up your stuff for a while -- I am sure you'll never go back. You'll spend the rest of your life creating a more valuable life, instead of wasting your money and time on stuff. You will be glad. And best of all, the people around you will be blessed by your efforts to prioritize more meaningful pursuits.

***** Here are the original rules of the 100 Thing Challenge*****

Goal: By November 12, 2008 I will only have 100 personal things.  I will live with only 100 personal things for one full year, until November 12, 2009.

Rules: Remember, this is my 100 Thing Challenge.  I get to set the rules and decide when a rule can be stretched or outright broken.  Basically I'm going by the spirit of the challenge not the letter of the challenge.

1. "Personal Things" means things that are entirely or mostly mine.  Clearly family-shared and household things (e.g. dining room table, piano, bed, plates, etc.) are not considered a personal thing.  Right now my wife and daughters are curious about what I'm up to, but they prefer to observe rather than participate.


2. Memorabilia - I was going to keep a small box of memorabilia. But it turned out that I don't have much. So I'm ditching this idea and just counting a few things.


3. Books - Ah, here's the rub.  We're avid readers in our home.  And even the books I don't read thrice a year look so very attractive as they collect dust on the bookshelves.  And many of my books are kind of work related. Strange as it sounds, I have a lot of history books that relate directly or indirectly to consumerism, and thus help me with the 100 Thing Challenge.


4. A few items are counted in groups.  This includes underwear and socks.  I'm not keeping a lot of either.  We do, though, run a household.  The idea of trying to manage laundry with a few pairs of skivvies and socks is both unrealistic and gross.


5. We are keeping some household tools: hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, etc. Just last week I needed some tools to put up my daughter's gymnastics bar. I'm not using them for anything more than honey-do projects.


6. I've left myself some cushion in case I receive a gift or two over the next year. But hopefully everyone who might give me a gift knows that they shouldn't! Anyway, once I receive a gift, I have 7 days to figure out what to do with it before it counts toward my 100 Thing Challenge. I figure that should be enough time to either graciously lose it or get rid of some other thing.


7. Finally, I can get new things. But I have to always remain under 100 things total. And also if I am "replacing" something, I have to get rid of the original thing first before I get the new thing.

100 Thing Challenge List - This is my post-challenge list as of August 2010. At this point I am not worried so much about keeping the list to exactly 100 personal possessions or less. Yet after doing the 100 Thing Challenge for a year, I’ve formed new consumer habits. More than six months after my 100 Thing Challenge officially ended, I still don’t have much personal stuff. I am glad about that.

1. ESV Bible
2. NRSV Bible with Prayer Book
3. Library (estimate about 300 books)
4. Journal
5. Pencil
6. Pen
7. Guitar (including, case, capo, picks)
8. Wedding ring
9. Wallet
10. Sunglasses
11. Watch
12. Razor
13. Toothbrush
14. Backpack (for work)
15. Garment bag
16. Suitecase
17. MacBook Pro
18. iPhone
19. iPad
20. Microphone
21. Headphones
22. Chair
23. Foot rest
24. Side table
25. File cabinet
26. Car
27. Skateboard
28. Backpack
29. Tent
30. Sleeping bag
31. Sleeping pad
32. Trekking Poles
33. Cook set
34. Stove
35. Headlamp
36. Water bladder
37. Surfboard
38. Wetsuit
39. Wetsuit jacket
40. Gaiters
41. Wool Hat
42. Hat
43. Mittens
44. Mitten liners
45. Fleece jacket
46. Down jacket
47. Rain jacket
48. Rain pants
49. Soft shell pants
50. Short sleeve wicking shirt
51. Capeline 1 long sleeve shirt
52. Capeline 3 long sleeve shirt
53. Capeline 2 pants
54. Suit jacket
55. Suit pants
56. Dress pants
57. Dress shirt
58. Tie
59. Brown belt
60. Brown belt
61. Casual pants
62. Casual pants
63. Long sleeve button-down shirt
64. Short sleeve button-down shirt
65. Short sleeve button-down shirt
66. Short sleeve button-down shirt
67. Short sleeve button-down shirt
68. Short sleeve button-down shirt
69. Short sleeve button-down shirt
70. Long sleeve shirt/jacket
71. Jeans
72. Jeans
73. Jeans
74. Shorts
75. Running shorts
76. Board shorts
77. Sweatshirt
78. Wool sweater
79. T-shirt
80. T-shirt
81. T-shirt
82. T-shirt
83. T-shirt
84. T-shirt
85. T-shirt
86. PJ pants
87. Socks (8)
88. Underwear (10)
89. Undershirts (6)
90. Brown shoes
91. Brown shoes
92. Trail runners
93. Hiking Boots
94. Sandals

Comments

[Green Plan(t)]

I hope you don't mind, but I swiped your banner for the 100 Thing Challenge and put it in my sidebar with a link.

Looking forward to seeing more here. :)

[Ezra Hilyer]

Hey, I admire your efforts, I have been doing much the same for a few years now, I keep trying to par things down, (not nearly to your goal of 100 things though)
It sure is tough to go shopping only to replace that shich you already have, and to try your best to resist that one more gadget that you know you don't really need!!
-Ezra
http://www.straypoetry.com

[Rev. Antonio Hernandez]

Greetings

Hopefully my introductory page with TypeKey will suffice.

The "Time" article was fascinating to read. This is truly a remarkable movement, one that will blossom beautifully for this country.

You know, the ancient Buddhist Law of Possessions (I'm eliminating any Sanskrit words) allowed us only EIGHT. Yes, 8 possessions:
1. 3 sets of Civara- Buddhist religious habit robes which actually consist of a tunic, a long kilt, a sash/belt, and underwear. It was like pulling teeth to get the Buddha to agree to underwear.
2. Begging bowl. They were gigantic.
3. Razor (no better way to be bald).
4. Needle (including needle-case).
5. Thread. Can't wear hole-y robes.
6. Mala (the original rosary we borrowed from the Hindu Brahmins).
7. Shoulder bag to carry our staggering amount of stuff.
8. This one varies. Some lists say walking staff. Others say parasol, fly-whisk, some weird conch shell for God-knows-what, etc.

Today we are allowed many times 8 possessions, because that is the way of life. I've seen monks in Tibet with huge gold watches (His Holiness the Dalai Lama likes them and fixes them too).

I've seen priests wearing rings and layers of silk robes that cost more than the pope's things. Fancy glasses, shoes and even jewelry is making an entrance into the priest's humble belongings.

Yet we are constantly striving to let go that which we fear to lose. All my life I've done the entire clean-house routine, and have donated or had to throw away tens of thousands of dollars worth of items. NEVER do we ditch something when we can give it away-- family heirlooms, for example, should be given to the loved one while we live.

My auntie says the dead take nothing with them, but they also leave nothing.

Albert Einstein was asked by a reporter what his favorite possessions were. Einstein was no materialist, and was a minimalist in life. Without hesitation he replied that he loved his violin, fountain pen, wristwatch and leather jacket (all birthday gifts, most from his 2nd wife).

You've re-started an ancient tradition, and I think it's possible that THIS is what churches mean by the term "tithe". Give what you can, what you have. And I recall Jesus quoted as saying if someone asks for your coat, give him your tunic as well.

Keep doing good work. I know I will, and you have recharged my enthusiasm!

[Seth]

Nice to find someone else doing this as well. I just recently had the same epiphany and blogged about it

http://www.sethsblog.com/lightening-the-load

I didn't actually think to count what I have and set a goal although I think that's a project I'm going to look into.

Take it easy.

[Hollz]

Wow, Congratulations! i could NEVER get down to 100 items, even if i could cure my shopping addiction. I don't think i could get down to under 100 items of clothing.

Best of Luck

[travis]

he didn't list underwear. Does this guy just go commando, or does that not count as a possession?

[SR]

Do you own no books?! I'm sure I could never get down to fewer than 100 books, even :)

[Dave Bruno]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be updating the list often, though our family is preparing for a camping trip soon, so I might be distracted for a few days.

[Y. Lou H. B.]

So... This is interesting. I counted the things I live with. There are currently 356 of them (of which only about half belong to me, the rest is the landlord's). And I live well. And I am quite wealthy, to boot. But I am sick with this "buy-all-the-crap-you-don't-need" society. I am not thrifty, just a good "conservative".

However, my wife (who still lives in the US, while I live in Zurich, Switzerland. Yeah, we're sort of career-oriented), is a natural compulsive hoarder. She just can't help it. It's also a matter of upbringing. I was raised in a poor family from the boonies of France, while she was raised in a rather well-off Michigan family. Unlike her, I learned from a young age to content myself with little.

Next month, I'll be spending 6 weeks at our house in Michigan, and I know I'm going to purge much of the shit she has recently bought (e.g. a grab bag of 100 paint brushes in various sizes, a 4th vacuum cleaner, a 17th leash for our 5 dogs, etc...).

Anyway. The world needs to change or it will perish. We must return to a simpler lifestyle. I'm lucky to live in Europe right now, and I can buy most of my food directly from nearby farmers*. I hardly ever set foot in the tantalizing grocery stores.
Yet, I think I can do better. In a few years, once I have set aside enough money to live the rest of my life off of my savings, I will buy myself a small countryside house (most likely in Michigan). I'll produce my own meat, vegetables, fruits, eggs, dairy, etc... I will sleep at night and work during the day. We will live off of love and fresh water.
The hardest part will be to convince my wife. I'll have to work her out in less than 10 years. Definitely before we turn 40.
What about my relatives abroad? Simple. When they want to see me, they'll have to travel to Michigan. Man, I'm going to be so happy!!

Lou

* you may find that hard to believe, but it's true. 20 minutes by bike from my apartment, there's many small farms behind the hills surrounding Zürich. For example, I go every other day to get my milk *directly from the cows*. I even get to milk them myself, just like when I was a kid. It's sheer pleasure.

[Debbie]

This has become my new hobby...letting go...it talks in the Bible...there is a time for everything...a time to let go and a time to hold on...a time to laugh and a time to cry...this is one of those important "times" in our lives. Nothing is forever as it once was.

[c]

I'm going to try and join you on this and I've got to say, I'm really glad socks and underwear are grouped! Good choice on dealing with books too. I appreciate the compromises you've made without destroying the original intent. I don't have much to begin with so I think its going to be easier for me. Good luck!

[NOgirl]

Has anyone done this? Is there a photo? Id love to see what 100 look like; I sea 10000 every direction in my home. Not visuable (word?). No.

Photos please!!

[Dave Bruno]

Pictures are coming...

[Miguel]

Inspiring. The other challenge for purifying the mind is to live in a 10 sq m hut [10'x10' or 100 sq ft]. Then all 100 items in there would make you want to pare down even further. It seems hard to imagine, but if we could, we can see how peaceful it would be compared to what we normally do - hmmm ??? Why do we do this, anyway?!?

Thanks for bringing us to a modern day Walden Pond.

[karen menegay]

good job!it sure makes you stop and think what is really important.thnx

[Kelsey]

I am getting married in one week and I am inspired! I've been thinking more and more about clearing things out, reducing down to the things my fiance and I use daily or at least nearly daily.

It's time!

Thank you for chronicling your progress - I needed a little kick in the butt to get going. :)

[Clark666son]

I am having some of the same issues you are, I play in a band as well as doing magic semi-professionally.
I own 10 guitars and 4 amps--yikes!
and as far as performing magic I have like-- 100 decks of cards.
Dumping my excess clothes, extra computer and all that unused kitchen crap was easy but getting down to 100 things? gonna be rough.

[erin]

i am in ~ at least i am sort of in ~ i am going to do the "if i have not used it for a year get rid of it" first. getting down to 100 things seems overwhelming. so i will start here. i have been talking about this for forever this has challenged me to just do it, dang it!

[Socio GaGa]

Found this blog post via a del.icio.us link to Time... Hopefully your 100 Thing Challenge, will at least make some people think. Our current age of materialism for materialism's sake is quite sick in our opinion. Thanks for the wake up call as to what's "important" and what "isn't".

[oxalus]

Fuck yeah!! That's impressive man!!

So you say you prefer your 'Dress' clothing and going out to climb, or camp than eating??

I can't see a list with your kitchenware. And nor with yout toiletware.

It seems very easy to you making a list with material goods, but it's not so easy for me. Unless you just include those things that are not [[REALLY]] necessary, of course.

So, your list could have 0 items, folk. Isn't it?

That or you're just another fuckin' hipocrite yankee.

Bunch of greedy imperialists ... Shame of you!

[vicki sumner]

I would just to say if more men would do what u r a-lot of homes would be cleaner. keep up the good work.

[whatever]

first i thought 100 things is not much, but now i'm reconsidering, and i'm comming to the conclusion i'm living with less things and anyway feeling decadent... so what's the point of your "challenge"? to come out as a consume-addictive that wants to punish himself with one year of abstinence? ...or what?

anyhow, you're right with your main point, but sorry, there's too much useless stuff in your list

[miche]

I have wanted to declutter for years..it is so hard! When the clutter gets depressing, I shop for new things, which brings us more in debt, which is more depressing! What a cycle. Fortunately we live in a modest and small home that we love, which should encourage minimalist behavior. Unfortunately there is an equal size basement underneath the home that collects all of our stuff. I have felt controlled and overwhelmed by stuff for so long, I hope to find inspiration from your Challenge. I need to remember the fact that I have never regretted anything that I have given away. I don't know where the "stuff" habit comes from, only that it's bad and it leads to worse things. Wish me luck and good luck to you!

[Barclee Huggins]

I am going to do this. I am going to live off 100 things. This is one of the coolest ideas I have heard of in a long time, I have a lot more questions and comments...could you email me an email address I could reach you at to ask a few things? Thanks so much,

Barclee

P.S- I chuckled to myself when I saw a John Piper book in your "library", this sounds like something he would do.... :)

[Alex]

We live this life.
Few possessions beyond the necessities.
Enough to take care of things.
Nothing we don't need.
No frivolous purchases...

We live on a small island in the Virgin Islands.
Family of five living like swiss family Robinson.
Not much is needed.

So make sure what you do own is well made.

I make an exception for some tools - they are tools - you use them to fix things. Not having tools so you can live minimally is incorrect. Use the tools so you don't have to hire a plumber. Use tools. They let you repair your home.

As to the trains. Keep them.
They are not the things of your life, they are a piece of your history. Sequester them. Limit them. They may be cherished. You can keep things that you cherish, things that elevate your spirit...

I also make an exception for the furniture my parents gave me... and things with special emotional content... You do not need to acquire MORE... but what is already there is OK to own.

I make a similar exception for books - this is wisdom and history and knowledge... so that order of book is OK. But they don't need to own you. You can donate a lot of books to the library and still have them and share them too.

Come visit our islands sometime... life is very simple and little is needed to live on an island..

Cut off form the malls and stores you quickly discover that you don't need any of what they are trying to sell you...
If you never go to the store, you never buy things....

So the trick is to buy nothing..

Alex Randall
www.water-island.com
alex@islands.vi