You wouldnt know it by the frequency of my emails or posts, but I regularly think about what kinds of things my readership would be interested in hearing from me. I have started to re-think the wisdom in sending out my Tips and Tricks because time after time I see them printed out and laying in piles on my clients desks or table tops. The last thing I want to do is create MORE clutter in your homes and offices!
So – my new method of communicating with you is to discuss just one concept that doesnt require printing an email (promise me you wont print this out!). Just one concept that you can let percolate in your brain and consider applying into your daily lives, if you so choose. Sound good?
Todays concept to consider is one that Ive been practicing for a few weeks now and am feeling really good about the results so far.
When you think you NEED something or you are tempted to BUY something, just wait – dont react to the stimuli – just wait. Some people even have a notebook that they write out the items theyd like to buy and then wait a week or a month or whatever length of time (even a day) – and if they STILL want the item, then they can get it. But 9 times out of ten, they realize that they can live without the item.
So – take my waterproof shoes that I wear every day to walk the dog in the morning. I notice that the heel is starting to wear out. So the first thing I do is go on line and see all kinds of waterproof shoes – some that are REALLY nice (much better than the cheap pair I have) – some that are REALLY expensive…and the rationalizing begins (oh, I dont often splurge, I should treat myself to those, after all, I walk the dog ALL THE TIME and its important that I have great footwear, blah, blah, blah). Well – the number of choices were so great that I felt overwhelmed for the moment and decided to postpone the hunt. I later looked at my current shoes and saw that it was just a cosmetic thing – theres no leakage yet, the top of the shoe is perfect….and now its been several weeks and Ive decided to not make any purchases right now. In these times of tightening the belt, it feels good to not spend when I dont HAVE to spend. The other thing I am SO PROUD about is my chicken. I buy very good chicken at the supermarket – every week – 4 packages. I thought I HAD to buy this particular chicken because it was the best for me. Well – I noticed at Sams Club last week that they sold a weeks worth package of chicken for $6.63. Ive been spending $25-30 a week on MY chicken. I didnt know if the Sams Club chicken would be as good but thought Id give it a try. Well guess what – its even BETTER than the other kind – imagine that! And I feel really proud that well save $1000+ over the course of a year in chicken. So maybe I can afford those waterproof shoes after all.
Happy trails and just say “NOT YET” when the urge to buy hits you (unless youre considering a needed service like getting organized).
Heres to us, as we all aim 4 order one day at a time.