[spodek]

After I figured out my priorities (took years of challenging myself and introspection) I figured out how to spend my time.

Now I do what's important and don't waste my time with other things. I don't try to "life-hack" or make myself as efficient as possible because if I'm only working on my most important things I know I'm spending my time well.

I cut my working hours down to one or sometimes two days a week, sometimes more when they need me more. I don't need more money than that -- and I live in Manhattan (no kids).

And my life is better than ever.

Nothing special about me. Anyone could do it.

(I recently had an idea I'm passionate about and may put in long hours for it, which will be following my passions. Making your time your own lets you.)

EDIT: to dragons' question of what I do, I work at the company I founded. My compensation is no higher than anyone else's. Working one-fifth time gives me one-fifth pay.

The more valuable question is how low are my expenses. I've found much more freedom in needing less than in having more. Cutting out what doesn't add joy to my life creates freedom and joy. That's what I meant by nothing special about me. Anyone can cut waste. Not many seem to.

[torstesu]

Since 1981 the real wages have risen with 65 % in Norway, i.e. people can buy 65 % more stuff now than back in 1981. However, if the growth in buying power instead of being used to fulfill materialistic 'wants' was translated into leisure time, that would mean three day working weeks. That put things in perspective, albeit might be considered to be a fallacy since the growth would probably not be as great if people did not increase their consumption since 1981.

[mattgreenrocks]

You say to want less; do you have specific examples of how you apply this?

[spodek]

Here are some examples.

Having less stuff: http://joshuaspodek.com/less_please. By this point I cringe when someone gives me a material gift, knowing I'll want to get rid of it soon. Most friends have learned I prefer a bottle of wine or scotch as a gift to anything to stick on a shelf.

My exercise regiment has me in as good physical shape as I've ever been (including when I ran marathons and competed at Nationals level in Ultimate Frisbee). Here's how I work out every day with no gym membership, cost, or equipment, enjoying it: http://joshuaspodek.com/how-begin-workout-routine and http://joshuaspodek.com/knew-minute-day-workout

Personal development for free, the equal of any multi-thousand-dollar seminar: http://joshuaspodek.com/vipassana-meditation

Lots of other examples if you dig through my blog.

[Drbble]

Buying consumables instead of durable isn't really having less, it's keeping less. It's not necessarily less expensive.

[cmwelsh]

Sometimes there is a mental expense associated with having more physical items in your life. I find minimalism very relaxing.

[dragons]

> I cut my working hours down to one or sometimes two days a week

What do you do for your income?

[Groxx]

If I had to guess: make more meals instead of buying them, pay less on medical problems caused by not taking care of yourself and being unhappy, use less gas because you have time to walk or bike, and buy fewer time-saving gadgets.