I’m pretty sure that all of us have some sort of wish list, be it written down or in our head; I know I do.
My list contains big ticket items, like new dining room chairs, but also contains smaller, less expensive items, like books and prints {all wants not needs}
The big tickets items aren’t a problem, I can wait, however the smaller items are, a few clicks and they can be mine without even leaving my seat; not buying these items requires my self discipline, which I’m ashamed to say leaves me all the time; I hate dislike mindless consumerism, yet I’m a participant.
So I’m trying to combat this by putting in a four month rule; every item will go on a wish list for a least four months; chances are, after this time, the want will have disappeared, if it hasn’t then I might buy the item; I’m not saying that I won’t ever buy anything new, I just want to be able to always delay the gratification and make every purchase count.
Self discipline is a funny thing, I have it when I’m challenged and there’s a competition involved, but leave me to my own devices and it can leave me for weeks on end, something I seem to be admitting to a lot this week!
For free updates you can subscribe to this site here . Thank you for visiting
{photo credit: ilmungo}
{ 1 trackback }
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great idea! I’m trying to keep a massive wish-list of *everything*, because I do have a tendancy to the magpie effect (to wit: oooh! shiny! want!) and either buying stuff right away now because I can’t live without it, only to have the desire for it pass quite naturally (in which case it’s easier to strike it off a list than deal with the disappointment of having spent money on it!) but also, on that rare occasion that I have fun money I *want* to spend I’m invariably left unsure what I really want, even though I’m sure there’s lots…(this is more relating to book titles, cds etc…)
In an aside: itunes? I adore it, but it’s so so so bad. Two little clicks and instant music. I am not at all referring to the Glee soundtracks (see? plural! 3 of them.) I can’t stop downloading…
Sorry for the long rambly comment! xx
[Reply]
good plan for the big stuff. We’ve had a lot of small purchases this week that are adding up! Things that the kids need but we have not budgeted for this month.
[Reply]
Great idea. I’ve been doing this with books, and a few other small items. It works!
[Reply]
My mouth fell open when I saw this post, lol. I have a post qued up called “Delayed Gratification.”
Great minds think alike! I’m motivated to not buy things by 1) knowing that I’ll have to report it on the blog and 2) knowing that it’s less money I’ll be putting toward debt. Goals keep me from spending.
[Reply]
omg-Did I write this? You are definitely in my head. When I want something small… I am a willing participant in jumping in and getting it…btw, I’m hesitant to check my progress in the competition, but avoidance is not the answer
Regards, Barb Friedberg
[Reply]
This is a great post! I have a wishlist as long as my street. The problem is that a lot of things I want are stuff I see online that might sell out (prints, jewellery etc.) and so I feel like I must buy it straight away in case I miss out, even though I know that I don’t need it and life will be just fine without.
I hate consumerism too, yet I’m *such* a consumer. Eurgh. Time to readdress the balance.
[Reply]
Thank you for all your comments; I’ve lost count of the amount of things I’ve bought thinking I’m unable to live without it – at that moment – only to sell on in a few months – mindless money wasting. It’s time to change.
[Reply]
I have a wish lish on Amazon that I use for this purpose. There are books that have been on the list for over a year. It keeps me from buying things on impulse.
[Reply]