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Once you make up your mind to get rid of something…

“Once you make up your mind to get rid of something, there’s very little you can’t discard. No – not very little. Once you put your mind to it, there’s nothing you can’t get rid of. And once you start tossing things out, you find yourself wanting to get rid of everything. It’s as if you’d gambled…” quote by Haruki Murakami
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““Once you make up your mind to get rid of something, there’s very little you can’t discard. No – not very little. Once you put your mind to it, there’s nothing you can’t get rid of. And once you start tossing things out, you find yourself wanting to get rid of everything. It’s as if you’d gambled away almost all your money and decided, What the hell, I’ll bet what’s left. Too much trouble to cling to the rest””

Haruki Murakami

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Letting go of possessions begins with a decisive mindset; once started, it can lead to broader decluttering and freedom from material attachment.

In simple terms: Deciding to discard leads to shedding more and more.

Key Takeaway

Commit to a clear decision and act on it.

Themes

minimalism psychology habit formation

Mood

reflective determined

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • moving house
  • digital cleanup
  • life transition
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

attachment cognitive dissonance decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • What items truly add value to your life?
  • How do you balance letting go with preserving memories?
A Different Perspective

Over‑discarding can cause loss of useful items or emotional distress.

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