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Avoiding Temptation

November 30, 2022 Something that stands out lately are the number of outlets competing for one’s time, attention, and especially our hard earned money. I don’t know about you, but it can be exhausting dodging solicitations and avoiding temptation left and right, especially around the holidays! It seems I can’t make a move without a text, email, phone call, commercial, mailer, advertisement, etc. attempting to draw me in on the next latest, greatest thing I supposedly ‘need’ to buy. Ah, consumerism. Deals, discounts, shiny new upgrades and the like call to us at every moment and are accessible with a mere touch of a button. Ugh. It’s so easy to give in! In fact, I think it’s a successful victory that I didn’t participate in Black Friday. I actively stood my ground! But overall, how does one navigate mass consumerist culture more successfully and remain steadfast amidst temptation? Here are some of the tips that have helped during this time:
  • Silencing unwanted notifications
  • Removing one’s contact information, blocking, or unsubscribing from retailers’ communications
  • Deleting emails from companies and retailers as soon as they come in (stop flooding my inbox!)
  • Pausing and asking, do I really need this? Where would I put this? Can I see it in my home? etc.
  • Knowing the difference between a need and want/a nice to have and need to have
  • Creating an ongoing list of practical, useful or important things you need/want and turning to that for no guilt (or less guilt) shopping
  • Setting a price point or range in advance and if I find ITEM A or come across ITEM A at B price then I’ll pick up ITEM A (you’re not saying no but you’re setting boundaries, letting it simmer to make sure it’s still worth it, and taking a practical approach) 
  • Knowing when to say “no” 
  • Reminding myself of things I’d rather spend that money on versus if I were to spend it right now
  • Also, asking, “do I need a drink, bite to eat, etc. or can it wait till I get home?”
Society literally bombards us with temptation and advertisements strive to get into our headspace and obscure our thinking. There’s a whole industry built upon influencing and swaying people to consume, want, crave, desire the next best thing. It drives me crazy. Do I need the newest iPhone when I just bought one last year? Do I need a larger TV or is mine sufficient and working just fine? Do I really need to upgrade my vehicle or can it wait? Do I need yet another pair of earbuds, leggings, kitchen gadgets, etc.? Probably not. All of this is to point out that it isn’t necessarily about suppression or denial but rather asking the self if it’s something that’s actually needed. It’s about setting yourself up for success with intention and a more meaningful approach. Do you find yourself struggling with this? What are some methods you use to help you stay on track and avoid temptation? You might also be interested in Whew and wow! This has been quite a challenging and eye-opening process! It has been very hard to do this project as part of a couple when both of us appear... During the week of November 23, we wrote about how we were going to look into options for cost-saving measures. One of those measures was to analyze any... This past weekend, we took our annual trip down to Chicago, which was also paired with a trip to the theater. With being in Project Money, have been more... Something that stands out lately are the number of outlets competing for one’s time, attention, and especially our hard earned money. I don’t know about... If it wasn't so cold out right now, we might not believe that the end of the year is fast approaching, but alas – it is! With that, we have been starting... Initially, we weren’t sure exactly what to write about for this week’s blog post. However, the subject came to us this past weekend as we were reviewing... Many of us enjoy hosting parties with friends and family for seasonal activities and Holidays but don’t want to break the bank doing so! For me and Krystal... I don't know about you, but I, Krystal, grew up in a pretty cold house during winter. We lived in a rural-ish area where natural gas did not run, thus... One thing we’re still working through is being a bit more proactive about unexpected house costs. Sure, we have small savings account for house expenses...