While in a Marketing meeting, we created three questions to ensure that all of our social media posts, press releases and emailers represented our brand. Before we post anything we are to ask ourselves those three questions and redo the marketing piece if it does not fulfill the three objectives. After thinking about it, I realized this was a lesson not only in Quality Control, but also in Intention. So I wondered how this would work in my personal life.2013 YTD: I have purchased a month's worth of rent in shoes alone.
That comment deserves its own paragraph. While visiting my friend in San Francisco, she asked me if I think SATC is to blame for girls overspending on shoes. I said no. While it served a point of boosting the brand names, SATC isn't the first place I learned the name Manolo Blahnik. She then asked why I owned a pair of Manolos and I replied that I wanted some Italian Suede pumps, "and well, go big or go home, you know?" The comment seemed to satisfy her, but her question resonated with me. I wanted Manolos and Louboutins for years, and as soon as I got engaged it was like an internal clock went off: Ok, time to get my shoes. BUT Why?
I have never said the phrase "I want" more than after Pinterest launched. I want to make that. I want to do that. I want to go there. I want to buy that. Now more than ever, our material desires seem so much closer to reality.
As I round off my year of wedding planning and as to purchase or not to purchase becomes a daily question, I've created an Intention Inventory for myself. The purchase must only satisfy number 1 OR 2:
- Does this move me toward one of my goals?
- Will this benefit one or more of my relationships?
- Do I currently own something that works in its place? If yes, walk away.
- What purpose does this serve?
My friend and I have an awesome plan for December 2016, right after I leave 30 and right before she turns it, we will go on a trip together to purchase our first Chanel bags. Then my friend had a revolutionary thought: "I don't really need a $3,000 purse. Can't we save that money and use it to get us two girls trips? We can go to Paris in December 2016 and then to Maui the following year for the cost of that purse." AMEN. We've agreed to make memories together instead of purchases.
I'm not purse or shoe shaming anyone. I still own my Lous and Manolos and I will want a new purse sometime in this decade, but moving forward my purchases will be about intention.
I've got no one to impress and nothing to prove...so why should my piggy bank!?
Well said and Bravo. I live by this mantra myself and it really does make a difference in how quickly you CAN achieve your goals and not feel like you're really missing anything. Follow your NEEDS, not your WANTS. I own very little stuff, and people are always surprised at how small my wardrobe is, but I have everything I need.
ReplyDeleteYou write so well, Jodi. I instantly understand your line of thought and completely agree with so much of what you write. Charlie told me about your Chanel dreams. I suggested getting one on ebay for 1/2 the price. Maybe you can have your cake and eat it too. XO Al