Question Your Materialistic Desires
Do You Want It? Do You Need It?
Walk into my house, and you'll see barely anything.
Why?
I realized at a relatively young age I don't need a lot of things.
Things are frequently a waste of money unless they add genuine purpose and meaning to my life.
Most things don't do it for me. I rarely get fulfillment from things. I get more fulfillment from giving away things.
Things are simply another form of attachment.
We frequently only need some of the things we own.
Every time I walk into my home, I’m always on the prowl for what classifies as superfluous. I don’t need all that extra BS we’re constantly being advertised. It’s mostly all meaningless.
Attachments Are The Enemy To These Two Areas
The average person has many attachments to things, affecting them mentally, emotionally, and frequently financially.
Money
Anyone who owns a storage unit because they have too much "stuff" is throwing away money monthly that could be invested into their future.
Anytime you move, and you own a bunch of sh*t, the move takes longer and requires more resources.
Time
Ever wonder why and how your place gets messy so fast? It's likely not because you're lazy (well….) but because you have too much stuff. Time is your most valuable asset. Too much time invested in repetitive cleanings is not a valuable use of this non-renewable source.
A colleague from Europe told me the following statement years ago:
“Americans don’t use their garages to park their cars.
They use them to park their stuff.”
Why Do You Desire Your Desires?
Many of your desires might come from societal messaging that X (e.g., the latest iPhone and Apple watch, Tesla, and Jordans) equals Z (i.e., higher status, more success, and likability).
These things may be true.
I've seen how people interact with me when I dress in my homeless attire and drive my 14-year-old vehicle versus someone who drives a new car and dresses better.
But is that all you're striving for?
Likeability and "success" on paper?
Many people who are successful on paper and likable are miserable and broke or financially anxious because they have to work or they might lose all of their precious items.
Question Everything is one of my favorite articles because it encourages people to question their motives, desires, identity, ideals, and beliefs. Who we are is usually an amalgamation of everyone else.
Why do I want to drive that car versus a lower-end car?
Why do I want to upgrade my phone every 1–2 years?
Why do I need to fly first class for a 2-hour flight?
Why do I want to earn x versus y?
Many of your desires are taught. They're not even yours. I used to desire many things until I realized those things didn't resonate with me. I had to extract my identity from underneath the layers of enculturated bullsh*t I've acquired over my life.
What Is Your Lifestyle Costing You?
A broke couple finally stopped buying crap all the time. They finally realized they were sabotaging their financial destiny by consistently buying unnecessary items when they were already up to their knees with debt and financial responsibilities.
A guy lost his home after years of overspending. Was all of that impressive spending worth it?
A woman maxed out at $50,000 in credit card debt — hoping all the shopping would never catch up. But at least her wardrobe looks nice, right?
A guy leased a luxury ride but barely had any investments and frequently spent his money on frivolous purchases.
You must ask yourself, what is your lifestyle and habits costing you?
For most people, it costs them financial freedom and forces them into financial servitude. If they don't work, they will lose everything and won't be able to acquire more.
I have desires just like anyone, and some of them I will acquire, but many of my desires I will not indulge.
When you don't indulge, you allow the opportunity for a desire to dissipate into oblivion.
Who's In Control: You Or Your Desires?
When you force yourself only to acquire what you want AND need, you spend and live differently.
You could buy ten pairs of shoes, upgrade your phone every year without needing an installment plan (yup), travel in the most opulent fashion, and live with multiple luxury cars but choose not to because you realize you don't need to.
Two of my friends have iPhone 8s (one has modest means, and the other has above average means). I laugh at them not because their technology is outdated but because they're some of the most intelligent people. They hopped out of the matrix. They're in control. Not technology. Not societal standards. Not status. Them.
To live and have less is a superpower in today’s day and age.
Question your materialistic desires, and don't allow desires to wreak havoc on your finances. You'll be okay without that purchase. I promise. Discipline is your best friend. Overindulging in any desire will never end well.
Thank you for reading | destinyh.com
This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Not all information will be accurate. Consult a financial professional before making any significant financial decisions.
I agree with your points. My little sin is my coffee machine. But that shiny black thing adds comfort and taste to my life.