We live in a world filled with empty consumeristic promises.
- To get the girl, buy this cologne.
- To be the life of the party, get this television.
- To impress your friends, buy this watch.
- To turn heads, drive this car.
- To raise a better family, buy this bigger house.
These promises bombard our senses incessantly—even within the comforts of our home. And more than we realize, these messages begin to shape our conscious and subconscious thoughts.
As a result, too often, we buy stuff we don’t need. Our closets become crowded, our drawers overfill, our garages can’t fit our cars, and our homes fill with countless products we thought were a good idea at the time; but in reality, rarely get used.
Our lives soon become buried under everything we own.
To counter these empty promises, I want to offer a simple, life-transforming question—five simple words to ask before making any purchase.
The question is this: But what if I don’t?
Whenever you feel the pull of consumerism, simply ask yourself the shortened version of this thought, “What might I be able to do if I didn’t make this purchase?”
Every purchase contains an opportunity cost. The question, “But what if I don’t?”, forces us to recognize and articulate it.
For example:
If you don’t buy that large screen television, how much debt could you pay off?
If you don’t buy the bigger house, how much more money would you have to travel?
If you don’t go clothes-shopping today, how could you build up an emergency fund?
If you don’t make this purchase on Amazon, what good could you accomplish in the world with the money instead?
You know what you’ve been promised if you buy… but what if you don’t? How would your life improve if you said ‘no?’
With every purchase we make, we sacrifice a small amount of freedom. This one, simple question helps us recognize exactly what it is.
Lee says
Thanks for the post. This is indeed a powerful question but be careful how you use it. For avoiding being drawn into purchasing that ‘must have, don’t really need’ item it is great. If you use it to question actions you need to make for positive changes it may take you down a less valuable path. Use tactical questions wisely. I suppose this comes from me reading Tony Robbins at the moment.
Harvey Meale says
I’m someone who is of the anti-Cynic philosophy. I prefer indulgence over abstinence. But I’ve enjoyed your blog and plan on reading some more to help me strike that balance.
Kate says
What I am doing know if to assign a dollar value for some of these items and asking myself if I would utilise it a corresponding number of times.
It’s actually allows me to think through my every potential purchase and is extremely helpful to assess them.
I have blogged about it here.
https://minimalistinthecity.com/2016/09/07/one-dollar-for-each-utilisation/
spence says
Did you ask yourself that before you bought your “cupcake frosting knife?” People in glass houses ….
Max Panzer says
For me, each time an unnecessary purchase is avoided it’s another click on the dial of self-determination in this life. It is a measure of self control and discipline that leads to freedom and independence.
deb@booktalklady says
I think the most expensive cost is taking care of whatever I buy. Maintaining the pool, storing the boat, cleaning the house. When I had to downsize for financial reasons, I was surprised that life got so much easier!
Michael says
Hi Joshua,
That is a great question to ask oneself.
I follow a 21 day rule – if I feel the need to buy something, I just postpone it the purchase by 3 weeks. If I still feel the need for it, and I believe that I still need it, then I go ahead with the purchase.
I haven’t bought much of anything unless it is really worth it following the rule I set for myself.
–Michael
Kris says
I think on of the issues is the thought of scarcity. People just think there isn’t enough stuff to go around so they just hoard. The spirit has a better chance to fly if it isn’t tied down with a bunch of possessions.
JR says
I’m new here-I have been on a de-cluttering path for about 12 years now and when I see ads on TV or get flyers in the mail 50% off New Fall Styles . . . . I mentally rephrase it “50% off clutter” It works for me, perhaps it will be helpful to someone else.
btw: Joshua this is a really excellent blog!
Joyce says
When I used to get the ads in the newspaper, i trained myself to look at them as a reminder of everything I DO NOT NEED… And the reminder of things that are already blessing me.
Danny says
I love minimalism. Minimalism is freedom!