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.
Jenny says
And “do I have another way of doing this with what I already own?” – I had to to ask myself this today when I almost bought a super fancy new curling iron. I thought, maybe I should try to use the basic one I already have first.
Steph says
Absolutely! I am the same and just glad to see someone else say it! It’s an exercise to stretch the mind! We tell kids to use there imagination all the time but so often adults solve there ‘troubles’ by buying something that anyone can pick up at the store. I’ve been working hard to solve my “should i by this?” by thinking what do I have already in my home that can solve that issue, be dual purpose, or be totally repurposed to do something new and/or unusual ? I’ve done a lot of neat things that haven’t cost a penny or added one more Thing to our home. I love it!! And recommend it to everyone.
Amy@MoreTimeThanMoney says
A great way of putting each purchasing decision into the big picture. Sure, buying something might meet a goal but what a great a great idea to also consider what goals could be met by not buying it. You can then make an informed and considered trade-off.
Frances Mays says
My only rule is “If it doesn’t say “Buy me! Buy me!”, don’t buy it. It works most of the time.
Jenny says
I have anxiety/depression and find that spending money is a source of comfort. It makes me feel happy (for that moment) and in control. I’m trying to cut back but old habits die hard…
Colleen Raney says
Try paying cash for things. It makes it way more work to go into the bank. No debit card… You’ll stop buying stuff on line you don’t really need. Spend your time getting rid of what you have but someone else should be using because you’re not. I get it tho, promise!
Gillian says
Hi Jenny, you might think that buying things is helping your anxiety and depression but my guess would be it actually keeps the cycle going. When I stopped buying and cleared all my belongings to create a calm home and work environment I found my anxiety lessened considerably and I was better able to handle life’s ups and downs.
I find the best solution to anxiety and depression is exercise, walking in nature, visiting the gym or losing myself in a book or film.
Living with a pile of clutter and ever increasing debts is a recipe for disaster.
If you do need a little pick me up perhaps a scarf or shower gel.
Donating a box of household goods or clothing to a charity store actually makes me feel better now than buying new things !
Hope that helps????
Linda says
Hi Jenny, I too suffer from depression and anxiety and have oftentimes shopped my way to a quick fix. Here’s the thing I noticed tho, shopping and treasure hunting are just as much fun without really buying anything. Oftentimes just getting dressed and leaving the house and being around people is the real key to feeling better. I will shop for a while and fill my basket or whatever with all kinds of finds and then simply return them to the shelves when I’m through. As I look carefully at each item I realize that the fun I had selecting it is really all I need and I don’t really even need to make a purchase. I tell myself that if I really want it and can’t live without it I can come back and buy it the next day or the next time I’m out. It really works! Scientists now say the endorphins in your brain are released whether or not a purchase is made. Before you know it the need to shop to feel better may be replaced by something healthierand cheaper!
Jenny says
Great comment!
Jenny says
Oh this is a different Jenny btw. Sorry for the confusion!
Amanda says
I like this idea
Kames moore says
I have been doing minimal for many years its like a drug addict or alcoholic u just have to stop there is no easy way u will feel much better when u do.
barbara says
I wish my husband can understand this
Candice Porter says
I appreciate your knowledge and your sharing of that knowledge to help us. I’m blessed to have come acrossed your blog and FB page.
Cindy Cimetta says
This resonates with me ESP this time of year! “With every purchase we make, we sacrifice a small amount of freedom.” Thanks for the #truth.
Maryam says
I love your article . I keep asking my self the same question and feel so hood when I do not buy stuff to prove my worth every time.
Loigy says
Remarkable article! Great question to ask if we are confronted with materialistic inclinations. I think I have to add this question “but what if I don’t” to “does it make me less of who I am if don’t have it?” cheers????