By: Usman Mehmood
We exist in a world that keeps challenging us to purchase more. More upgrades. More trends. Added to that are more things that promise to make us happy or more convenient, or to make us a better person. Consumerism in excess does not come in with a bang; rather it creeps into our life in its guise of self-care, productiveness, or even necessity.
Spending is automatic instead of deliberate before we know it. To avoid the overconsumption, one does not have to renounce the modern world or live without luxuries. It requires awareness. It starts by observing why we spend and not what we spend.
It is not usually only about spending. It is usually concerning our desires in terms of feeling. Comfort after a long day. Distraction from stress. A sense of belonging. A reward of another hectic week survived. Once we realize this we will be able to cease judgment of ourselves and begin to listen.
Deliberate expenditure tempts us to make a break before we buy and set ourselves a nicer question: What need am I attempting at this moment? In some cases the solution is pragmatic. Other times, it is emotional. The acknowledgment of the difference helps us to make decisions more consciously instead of being reactive.
The culture of consumers exists on discontent. We are never told we are missing a newer model a better version of chic. The issue of intentional spending is an obstacle to the story as it redefines what constitutes enough on a personal level. Comparison is not about enough. It is about alignment. When we no longer spend under the spur of outside influence, we will automatically reduce our rate.
We learn to give more consideration and value to quality instead of quantity, usefulness instead of novelty, and longevity instead of impulse. This change does not occur in a day. It occurs over time because we get to learn to value what already serves us and forget the constant urge to change it.
A space is a way to escape too much consumerism as it is among the most potent means. Time between viewing and purchasing. Time between the desire and action. A moment of hesitation can transform a hasty habit into a conscious one.
That is the space which we can pose such important questions: Will this add value to my life? Will it solve a real problem? Would I even enjoy it within a month? These are the questions that are not to limit happiness; these are the questions to keep it safe.
Intentional spending does not mean spending less by any means. It is about spending better. As money augments our values, then it becomes a tool and not a cause of stress. This can be an investment in experiences and not things, ethical brands, or simplicity.
It can also imply spending liberally in those areas that really count and dropping the sense of guilt regarding saying no to the rest. Satisfaction comes instead of regret when expenditure is within values.
No strict life change is required to get out of excessive consumerism. It is a mindset shift. It will include lapses of spur of the moment buying; purchases influenced by emotion, and non-completely aligned purchases. That does not undo progress. Meditative living accommodates humanity. Every conscious choice, however, big or small, creates awareness.
After some time spending becomes less responsive and more intentional. It is aimed not at eating less in order to be restrained but to eat with clarity, will and self-respect. Spending in a mindful way, we get not only to get our cash back, but also our focus, our efforts, and our harmony.