Don’t allow your actions to conflict with your goals
Is Minor Shopping Harmless?
They say “window shopping” is harmless, but is it? When you go to a grocery store without a list or set intentions, how often do you buy things you had no intention of buying?
For most people, the answer is often. Even when some go to the store with a designated shopping list, they still deviate at times (myself included).
We tend to buy more when we expose ourselves to more stuff - especially when we don’t have a plan.
If you’re drowning in debt, spending more time at stores to window shop or innocently “looking around” is probably not the best idea (unless you’re practicing the law of attraction), but are you really doing that, or do you have more intention to buy?
There is only so much willpower we have before giving in.
How did you get into debt in the first place? If you’re like most people, you start buying more than you can afford.
Our temptations increase when we browse social media, use online apps like Amazon, and visit the mall or stores without a practical purpose.
The best way to stick to a budget is to decrease exposure to environments that encourage spending. As James Clear mentions in Atomic Habits, keeping distractions out of sight and mind can help you implement discipline.
Paying Your Debt Will Take Sacrifice
I recall working with someone who was up to their heels in credit card debt. They could no longer buy anything they wanted without feeling the consequences of their heavy debt load. Plus, their credit cards were maxed out, which meant they were not viable.
Eradicating debt isn’t supposed to be easy; it will require a tremendous change from the habits that brought you to this point.
The five things you need to do to pay off your debt:
1. Spend less than you earn.
2. Implement discipline.
3. Practice radical focus.
4. Practice patience.
5. Follow a budget.
Replace Window Shopping and Harmless “Looking Around” With These Things
The alternative to increasing and maintaining your debt is actively paying down your debts while embracing a minimalistic lifestyle and enjoying free and low-cost activities.
Some suggestions:
- Enjoy more free and low-cost activities.
- Save for items you want in advance and pay for them in cash.
- Ensure a healthy amount of cash is being applied to your debt consistently.
- Practice minimalism. Buy less. Buy with purpose. Be a more conscientious consumer.
Give your stuff away. You may have things in your home you no longer need or use. Give your stuff away to someone who does need them, or sell items to increase your disposable income.
Reminder
It’s quite easy to get fascinated with all the stuff you wish you could buy, but is simply out of your budget for now. Instead of spending time window shopping, create a vision board and set goal dates for the items you want to buy.
If you truly want to feel out a car, an outfit, or an experience set a clear boundary with yourself — don’t take any money with you when you make the visit. Read about the experiences, watch content about the experiences. And whatever you do, don’t make your net worth negative by spending money on it.
Keep investing daily efforts into the actions that will bring you closer to what you desire, and eventually you will get it.
OR after some time, your desires will completely change, and maybe you won’t desire it after all.
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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 major financial decisions.