Looking can lead to wanting. Wanting can lead to buying.
The allure of looking at things to buy often translates into wanting, and wanting things to buy, in turn, leads to buying things. It’s precisely why stepping into pet stores has become a forbidden temptation for me.
By starting my No Buying Year Experiment, I’ve recognised the need to eliminate the triggers that make me want to buy.
There are so many ways products are marketed to consumers. There are overt advertisements, such as on YouTube or Spotify, catalogues in the mail, or emails in my inbox. Then, there are the covert advertisements intertwined into movies and media, etc.
I’ve taken a few steps to resist temptation.
Step 1 – Declutter My Mailbox with a ‘No Junk Mail’ Sign
There is a bit of a story to this step. The ‘no junk mail’ sign actually went up before my No-Buy Year. My husband is a fan of the blog Becoming Minimalist (https://www.becomingminimalist.com/) and was inspired to halt the influx of junk mail into our home.
I was initially VERY resistant because I LOVED getting catalogues.
We had an amusing disagreement, where I tore off the ‘no junk mail’ sign from our mail box and threw it in the bin.
Yet, over time, I realised the benefits – fewer distractions, one less weekly task, and a clutter-free mailbox. So, after eating some humble pie, I purchased a replacement.
Now, I’m genuinely grateful for the second ‘no junk mail’ sign.
Step 2 – Streamline My Inbox by Unsubscribing from Advertising Emails
One of my best lifestyle decisions was unsubscribing from advertising emails. The massive reduction in daily emails has allowed me to focus on what actually matters, minimising distractions and concentrating on emails of importance.
Step 3 – Break the Habit: Stop Going to the Shops and Online Shopping
This is clearly and obviously an essential measure. Steering clear of stores has proven crucial in curbing my impulsive purchases.
Omitting this activity from my routine has granted me the freedom to dedicate time to activities I genuinely love.
Embarking on a No-Buy Year is more than just financial restraint—it’s a positive journey (mostly) and a shift in mindset. By purposefully removing sources of temptation, I’ve created space for change that brings peace and joy into my life.
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Great steps. I wish you good luck. Step 2 is a no brainer for me. We have lived in our house for 20 years. We never get junk mail including the local free paper in our mailbox. One of my colleagues used to bring hers into work and I could look through them. I do appreciate not having them to dispose of too. I could however declutter my inbox and unsubscribe to a few companies….