Surprised by advertising, surprised by all the crap we don’t need and still buy, we live lives where only materialism counts.
The fact is simple:
“We spend money we don’t have on things we don’t want, to impress people we don’t like.”
We hardly think twice and buy almost everything just from pure emotion or according to mentality — now it doesn’t matter anymore.
My apartment, for example, was so full for a long time, I didn’t know where to put all the things I didn’t really need. Let’s be honest with each other, how much is at home with you that you have never needed before?
In the meantime, I spend my money a bit more carefully, buy less, even reject offers I can’t refuse. (I’m thinking of top reduced tech stuff or beautiful clothes)
Which brings me to the next point. Most people think that if they buy a t-shirt reduced to 30 Euros instead of 50 Euros, for example, they will save 20 Euros. That is not true. They spent 30 euros.
Materialism has only limited satisfaction. More stuff has not made us more satisfied so far.
And will not do so in the future.
What I need instead — and maybe you too — is more white space in life, more clarity, more air to breathe and be.
Here is a little guide you can follow if you want to live more minimalistically.
1. Why do I really want to buy this?
Often we are not even aware why we want something. And often it is irrational fantasies and fears. I have bought many things just to belong, or to distract myself from my pain or to strengthen my self-esteem.
That would almost be okay if it at least worked. But material things neither heal our own heart nor bring us closer to those of others.
2. What does the purchase lead to in the long run?
In the short term, in the here and now, almost every purchase is wonderful, a small or large rush. But we should have more in mind than just the moment. What does it bring in the long term?
A bad feeling, because we actually know exactly that we hardly use the device or that we only wear the clothes for one season and then let them rot and rot?
The question can be applied to even the smallest everyday purchases. Fast food, for example, tastes good in the short term. On the other hand, we feel stuffed in the hours after. In the longer term, we gain weight and put strain on our organs.
3. Is the money better spent elsewhere?
In healthy food instead of fast food, in beautiful experiences instead of video games, in personal development instead of senseless time wasting … or simply on the account, for a long-term quieter life?
Invest your money in hard assets. Learn to understand how money works. Make it work for you.
Examples of this are: gold, real estate and, of course, Bitcoin. Learn more here.
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WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT WITH LOVE AND PASSION!
