The Minimum Enjoyable Life (MEL)

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself: How much do I really need to live joyfully? It might seem like an odd question—after all, many spiritual teachers tell us that living joyfully doesn’t depend on external things, that true happiness comes from within, and so on. Yet, we often find ourselves reflecting on the real things in life that bring us joy.

If you work in tech, you’re likely familiar with the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Popularized by Eric Ries in his book “The Lean Startup”, an MVP is a product stripped down to its essential features, launched to gather user feedback for future improvements.

But there’s a variation I find even more compelling: the Minimum Lovable Product (MLP). This isn’t just about meeting basic needs; it’s about creating something that delights users—a product they love not just because it solves a problem, but because it brings them genuine joy.

So, what does this have to do with photography and self-development—the two main themes of my blog? Everything.

In our fast-paced world, uncertainty breeds anxiety, especially about money. We chase after more possessions, take on debt to acquire them, and then need even more money to sustain the lifestyle we’ve built. Sure, we enjoy our stuff to some extent, but the constant news of economic shifts and layoffs keeps us on edge.

For many—including myself—the idea of working until traditional retirement age isn’t thrilling. Early retirement sounds far more appealing. But that leads to the pressing question: How much money do I need to quit my job and truly enjoy life?

Enter the 4% rule—a financial guideline suggesting that if you withdraw 4% from your savings annually, you can cover your expenses indefinitely without depleting your funds. But here’s the catch: the lavish lifestyle we’ve constructed often demands a hefty sum. We think, “When I retire, I’ll have more time. I want to travel, have fun. Maybe I need a bit more money, so I’ll keep working a little longer.” And so the cycle continues—we work longer hours, buy more things, finance new cars, watch market fluctuations, fear layoffs, and find ourselves trapped in a vortex of anxiety.

Let’s take a step back and apply the principles of MVP and MLP to our lives. Forget the MVP for a moment—that’s the bare minimum, just surviving with food, shelter, and clothing. Would you truly enjoy life at that level?

Instead, ask yourself: What do I need to live and enjoy my life? What brings me pure, essential joy that I can’t imagine living without? It might be tempting to list many things, but focus on the essentials. Once you identify them, you’ll likely realize that supporting this lifestyle doesn’t require as much as you thought. If circumstances change or you decide, “That’s it, I want out,” you’ll have enough to sustain your Minimum Enjoyable Life (MEL). It’s “minimum” because it covers what you need to be happy—not necessarily all you could have.

By answering these questions, crunching the numbers, and exploring your options, you can significantly reduce your money-related anxiety.

For me personally, my minimum enjoyable life would be living close to nature, surrounded by beautiful scenery where I can explore and reflect. It includes reading books, taking photos, basking in the sunlight, eating healthy food, exercising, nurturing my spiritual growth, and sharing these experiences with my family.

Is that enough? Would I enjoy living that way for the rest of my life? Most likely, yes. It doesn’t mean I have to limit myself to that forever—I can always choose to do more. But knowing that I can lead a fulfilling life without constant financial stress is incredibly liberating.

Of course, you need enough money to support this level of joy. But here’s the good news: you can start applying this principle right now. Evaluate your current life and ask yourself if you really need all the stuff you have or want. The math is straightforward: the less you spend on non-essentials, the more you save, and the faster you can achieve financial freedom. Just don’t forget about your “minimum joy.” That variable is crucial. You can’t postpone happiness for some distant future when you retire.

First, life is unpredictable—tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Second, by delaying joy, you’re training your mind not to appreciate the present. The funny thing is, finding joy is a skill you cultivate over time. Enjoying life isn’t about how much money you have; it’s a state of mind. But having enough to cover your basic needs and the essentials that bring you joy can alleviate a lot of anxiety.

So, identify your Minimum Enjoyable Life, and let it guide you toward a more content and financially secure future. Embrace the essentials that make you happy, and watch as the weight of financial stress begins to lift. After all, life’s true richness isn’t measured by what we have, but by how we live.