The more I practice minimalism, the less stuff I purchase. I like to think it’s because I have bigger goals and desires which include having the time and space to enjoy my life and experiences. It hasn’t always been this way, though. Here are some of the pitfalls I’ve experienced in the past, some of which I still have to remind myself are a waste of money.
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In no particular order, here are ten things I wish I would’ve never purchased:
1. Fast food/food out for regular meals instead of as a treat. Listen, I know everybody likes a treat of eating out every once in a while, but we were eating out up to two times a day when we were in heavy home renovation mode and it was just too much. I wish I would have taken a moment to breathe and create meal plans that were simple and easy to execute. It would have been better for our budget as well as our health.
2. Subscriptions that weren’t useful. Although I’ve had many subscriptions I’ve used and enjoyed, I’ve often stuck with subscriptions I’ve never or barely used for far too long. Auto-renewals ALWAYS get me. Last month, I cancelled all auto-renewals I could think of so I wouldn’t have any sneak up on me in the coming months.
3. Gifts that were purchased out of obligation. You know when you’re going to a Christmas party and you go and buy something generic you HOPE the person will like? Obligations similar to that always snag me. Mostly because—instead of making a homemade loaf of bread or potting a clipping of one of my succulents—I always try to go with something purchased to meet social standards and expectations. Now, I try to make sure that I bring something that goes with my ideals that I also know most people would love. And I don’t try to meet any underlying expectations.
4. Items “guaranteed” by myself or the packagIng to make my life easier. I’ve spent a lot of money on stuff I didn’t use more than a few times because in the end, the item didn’t make my life any easier. It’s arguable that they made my life harder, actually; I wasted resources, time, and storage space on those unused items.
5. Makeup. I don’t wear makeup. I don’t like the way it looks or feels on me, and it’s just never been my thing. The last bit of makeup I purchased was out of self-inflicted obligations to social norms. I’ll never buy makeup again that doesn’t make me feel physically and emotionally great.
6. High-ticketed courses. I purchased one a long time ago. While it was a great course, I didn’t have the time or energy to put all that was necessary into the requirements. For now, I’ll stick to video instruction on Skillshare and YouTube.
7. More supplies than necessary for a project. I used to over-buy all the time, particularly when I was learning a new skill. I’ve learned to only buy what I need, as I need it. This makes it a lot more likely that I won’t have excessive amounts of materials hanging around.
8. “Someday” clothes. I don’t do these anymore. It’s just not mentally healthy for many to most people. In fact, when I think about it, it’s a pretty disturbing “reward” system. In my opinion, it’s actually one of the worst punishment systems when a person is trying to get healthier and changes the focus of self-appreciation, efforts, and love, to only deserving beautiful things when you’re “skinny.“ Now, I purchase cute, nicely-fitting clothing…no matter my size.
9. Low-quality furniture. There are times when I could have waited a month or two in order to purchase something I really wanted, but instead let my impatience get the best of me and ran out and purchased something low quality. I can’t think of a time I was satisfied. Now, we wait and either purchase or create the exact piece that will work in our home.
10. Stuff for the simple fact that it was a “good deal.” Mmmm. I love a good deal. But it’s something I fight. I don’t care if it’s 90% off, I really don’t need a specialty wrapping paper cutter or sweater I hate.
There they are! Ten things I wish I would’ve never purchased. What about you? What do you wish you would’ve passed on? Please leave a comment below to share!
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