Buy Experiences, Not Possessions
Posted: April 3rd, 2009 | Author: Joy | Filed under: Featured, art + creativity, food + travel | 5 Comments »A new study demonstrates that experiential purchases, such as a meal out or theater tickets, result in increased well-being because they satisfy higher order needs, specifically the need for social connectedness and vitality — a feeling of being alive.
Having grown older, I’ve started to think about this and I finally found ‘validation’ in a scientific study that my hypotheses were correct. It doesn’t take a genius, only a closer look at myself and my behavior. It’s no secret that when I was younger, I was more inclined to purchase an expensive piece of clothing or bag. These days, I’d rather spend it on traveling, a good dining experience, watching a show, or an activity. I find that the satisfaction and good memories from these events are far more lasting than buying something that I might sometimes still find in the box or bag that I purchased it in months later and then thinking, “I really did not need that. What was I thinking?”
It’s so easy for me to pass up a thousand dollar bag in favor of a thousand dollar trip for a vacation, and see friends and eat good food. The good memories haven’t disappointed me yet. :)
I agree :) Saving up for that next trip already. Experiencing new things, new cultures, new places are the things you remember your whole life.
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Joy Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 12:14 am
@Theresa, Exactly! :) Where are you headed? Your recent photos have brought back my wanderlust. Tsk, tsk…but I have to deal with taxes first.
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Tea Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 8:03 am
@Joy, Not sure yet! We were supposed to go to Europe again but I think that plan has fallen through :(
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I completely agree with you! Of recent months we have been clearing out our apartment ready for another adventure, and have found that even incidental inexpensive purchases also need to fall to the wayside.
Before Andy and I took our first long trip together some eight years ago, I had tendencies to buy expensive cosmetics and shoes. Having then passed 4 months with a whole 4 outfits (if you mixed and matched!) and showering with one bar of simple soap I learned I could do without a lot. It was the most life changing trip I’ve ever taken, and it was the simplest way to go. I’ll never forget the Christmas we passed with other campers in Southern Mexico eating al fresco by our tent homes. On the other hand, I have probably forgotten about most shoes I’ve ever owned.
Happy experiences to you! :)
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Joy Reply:
April 8th, 2009 at 12:19 am
@Emily, Those memorable experiences make traveling so worth it. I forgot all the stuff that I bought already. I only remember them when I see them. These days, I take a step back before buying things I don’t need.
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