Photo by PlayfulLibrarian via Flickr
You know, I’d love it if you all thought I had nerves of steel and an iron will, but the truth is that I don’t. And while it has been mostly easy to save the money and downsize our possessions, there are times when my willpower is tested.
This week we got a catalog for Crate and Barrel. We don’t get many catalogs, but because we bought our couch there we are on the mailing list. And normally it goes right in the recycle bin. But this time I flipped through it and saw several things that caught my eye.
And we are selling the house, so it makes sense to stage it, right? And those pillows and bowls would look so perfect in the house. And we could use the cute bowls for entertaining, and (you can see where this is going)…
I think it goes this way for many of us. As long as temptation is removed we do fine, but the minute one of our old triggers shows up we get weak in the knees. We start negotiating with ourselves and justifying why we need something.
CLUE: You don’t need to talk yourself into things you really need. You just get them.
It makes no logical sense to buy something for a home I am selling, especially when all the possessions in it will be gone soon, too. But the lizard brain doesn’t recognize logic, does it?
The smart thing is to remove the temptation completely, which is why the catalog is now in the recycle bin and I’m writing a post to purge my demons.
What do you do when when temptation strikes?
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Whenever I’m tempted to purchase something, I sleep on it for a night. Usually within hours, I’ve completely forgotten what it was that I wanted. If I wake up the next morning, and I still “want” the temptation, I try to decide how it will enhance my life and if I really need it or if I just want it. And, I only buy used, so if the item is not used then it’s really a simple choice.
But, you’re absolutely right. I’m only tempted when I’m surrounded by things that tempt me. For example, I love to shop, and as long as I’m at Goodwill or any number or thrift stores, that’s ok. But, if I step foot into a shopping mall then I’m in trouble. But, I can simply apply the above rule, and everything works out in the end. I also have a rule that if I buy a new clothing item, I have to donate something from my closet. Always one in, one out. And I’m trying to apply that to everything in the house, so the rule helps with temptation, too!
This is such a good rule, Amber. I’ve used it many times and rarely go back to buy something. I think it is just the rush you get of having something new and working out how you will use it in your life. If you go ahead and do that without actually purchasing right away, maybe you won’t be tempted to go back and get it. At least that is how it works out for me usually.
I think I’ve just naively thought that the temptation would go away after a while, but I guess it never does.
My temptation? (aside from chocolate brownies and peanut butter cookies) Coach purses and shoes. And I’ve got a lot of each (I have a separate little fund for the Coach and I always buy at the outlet—don’t think I’m a money bags!).
I typically don’t buy used or 2nd hand. So what do I do? If I REALLY have second thoughts about the item, I leave it and think it over.
If I’m still thinking about it in the morning I buy it and keep the receipt. If I feel horrible guilt for days, I’ll return it.
There’s no feeling worse in the world (little exageration) than leaving something behind, going back the next day, and finding it’s gone. Which is why you should always give in to temptation. Less stressful!
Reese, you are the devil trying to talk me into temptation!
I usually do have what I call a “spending hangover” after I’ve bought something I know I don’t need. Which is a lot worse for me than regret at finding something is gone when I go back (actually, I almost never go back).
Of course, your Coach fetish is the same as my travel fetish. I’d do almost anything to be able to travel, and I can’t think of a place I don’t want to see at least once. Everybody’s got their somethin’.
I do think that if the urge is for a candle (or a few dozen), you should honor that. Good for staging too…