I’ve been doing a clothing no-buy for a month now, and it’s changed the way I look at personal style. I love fashion and creativity, but I’ve realized that no matter how much I intellectualized my favorite pastime, I was still driven by this need to be “the perfect version of me,” someone who would be satisfied when I finally had xyz. I knew in my brain that was bullshit, but the no-buy is helping my heart finally catch up.
Now I just need to address my eating out habits 💀🙃
This is such an interesting perspective. I’m writing about something similar at the moment and haven’t quite been able to put it together but this could be the missing link! I’ve been thinking a lot about how eco-trends that start with genuine intention to change behaviour to reduce our impact on the environment often get hijacked by brands with a product that’s a “solution” and then those items are over-consumed. I’m thinking a lot about the psychology of this; how it’s possible that a person is sitting with the discomfort of some new knowledge like microplastics are harming baby seabirds, then the first action taken is buying something like a reusable water bottle. And then the discomfort is relieved by the dopamine hit and they lose the motivation to actually change behaviour or do something more impactful. I think this links a few of your themes around environment, finance and psychology but I’m still trying to work out how to write it. This piece is really inspiring and the interview and book are great resources. Lots to think about here. Thanks for sharing!
That's so interesting Georgia. And really complex indeed. I think there's a really positive thing our brain is doing when we see a problem, take an action, and then move on [even if it won't solve everything] because it helps us get rid of the huge anxiety that this problem is causing us. In the case of climate change for instance, some people suffer so much from eco anxiety. It's not just a little thing on their mind. It can be all consuming, it can create real suffering. So in a way, our brain is helping us when we face something like a climate issue like the one you mention [micro plastics in the sea] and pushes us to take action [buy a reusable bottle] and allows us to let go. I know it doesnt help solve the wider climate issue. But painful eco anxiety either. It can be debilitating actually. I just want to say that for me it's important to take a compassionate approach to what happens in our brain when this happens. It can be helpful to let go of that anxeity. The question is (I don't have the answer and I'm looking forward to your piece so much) is how do you stay motivated without feeling the horrible anxiety?
I’m five months into a no-buy and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I started to save more, use my money mindfully and spend less time and energy shopping/pining. I didn’t expect such psychological effects but I have found I have less financial anxiety, value what I have. I have found by removing the search of perfect item, the chasing of my ideal self, I’m more able to appreciate what I have and feel more settled in who I am. The pining, desperate, lacking feeling is greatly reduced and I feel much more at ease.
Wow Aya, 5 months! Well done and so happy for you this is how you feel. I love that you're putting in the same sentence the search for the perfect item and the chasing of the ideal self.
Really love this! I’m doing a project pan because I just have waaaaay too many products. Despite my products being eco friendly, vegan, etc, I have just accumulated so many items. Such a bad habit and it has been so helpful to make a goal to use all my products before I buy anything else.
I started the year telling myself I can only buy clothes secondhand or rent. It’s stopped my impulse buys and definitely kept me off trends because I found I was buying things and rarely wearing them. I find I’m more creative with what I have.
I’ve been doing project pan this year as I know it suits me better- I’ve been tracking my use of things (specifically cosmetics, toiletries and cleaning supplies) that I know I overbuy. I can’t buy more until every option is used up, and I’m learning which products I actually prefer and am wanting to spend money on. It’s making me so much more mindful in so many aspects, from spending to eating to how I structure my time!
Hehe clicked on the article only to see my own comment quoted! That was fun. Great article, it is interesting how the psychological "why" can seem so meta - not buying to not buy. Even if you don't care about other reasons, breaking the cycles can be huge!
I’ve been doing a clothing no-buy for a month now, and it’s changed the way I look at personal style. I love fashion and creativity, but I’ve realized that no matter how much I intellectualized my favorite pastime, I was still driven by this need to be “the perfect version of me,” someone who would be satisfied when I finally had xyz. I knew in my brain that was bullshit, but the no-buy is helping my heart finally catch up.
Now I just need to address my eating out habits 💀🙃
oooooh the need for "perfection" (whatever that even means!!) is such a good one to mention. (Im just going through this book for research https://www.amazon.nl/-/en/Sharon-Martin/dp/1684031532)
Ooooo, now that is a workbook I need 👀
This is such an interesting perspective. I’m writing about something similar at the moment and haven’t quite been able to put it together but this could be the missing link! I’ve been thinking a lot about how eco-trends that start with genuine intention to change behaviour to reduce our impact on the environment often get hijacked by brands with a product that’s a “solution” and then those items are over-consumed. I’m thinking a lot about the psychology of this; how it’s possible that a person is sitting with the discomfort of some new knowledge like microplastics are harming baby seabirds, then the first action taken is buying something like a reusable water bottle. And then the discomfort is relieved by the dopamine hit and they lose the motivation to actually change behaviour or do something more impactful. I think this links a few of your themes around environment, finance and psychology but I’m still trying to work out how to write it. This piece is really inspiring and the interview and book are great resources. Lots to think about here. Thanks for sharing!
That's so interesting Georgia. And really complex indeed. I think there's a really positive thing our brain is doing when we see a problem, take an action, and then move on [even if it won't solve everything] because it helps us get rid of the huge anxiety that this problem is causing us. In the case of climate change for instance, some people suffer so much from eco anxiety. It's not just a little thing on their mind. It can be all consuming, it can create real suffering. So in a way, our brain is helping us when we face something like a climate issue like the one you mention [micro plastics in the sea] and pushes us to take action [buy a reusable bottle] and allows us to let go. I know it doesnt help solve the wider climate issue. But painful eco anxiety either. It can be debilitating actually. I just want to say that for me it's important to take a compassionate approach to what happens in our brain when this happens. It can be helpful to let go of that anxeity. The question is (I don't have the answer and I'm looking forward to your piece so much) is how do you stay motivated without feeling the horrible anxiety?
I’m five months into a no-buy and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done. I started to save more, use my money mindfully and spend less time and energy shopping/pining. I didn’t expect such psychological effects but I have found I have less financial anxiety, value what I have. I have found by removing the search of perfect item, the chasing of my ideal self, I’m more able to appreciate what I have and feel more settled in who I am. The pining, desperate, lacking feeling is greatly reduced and I feel much more at ease.
Wow Aya, 5 months! Well done and so happy for you this is how you feel. I love that you're putting in the same sentence the search for the perfect item and the chasing of the ideal self.
@Dahlia Stroud thought you would appreciate this
Really love this! I’m doing a project pan because I just have waaaaay too many products. Despite my products being eco friendly, vegan, etc, I have just accumulated so many items. Such a bad habit and it has been so helpful to make a goal to use all my products before I buy anything else.
I started the year telling myself I can only buy clothes secondhand or rent. It’s stopped my impulse buys and definitely kept me off trends because I found I was buying things and rarely wearing them. I find I’m more creative with what I have.
I’ve been doing project pan this year as I know it suits me better- I’ve been tracking my use of things (specifically cosmetics, toiletries and cleaning supplies) that I know I overbuy. I can’t buy more until every option is used up, and I’m learning which products I actually prefer and am wanting to spend money on. It’s making me so much more mindful in so many aspects, from spending to eating to how I structure my time!
really enjoyed reading this framing — and I feel it in my bones!
Thank you for taking the time to tell me Kate. It can feel lonely out there behind my screen :) and it makes my day to read it resonated with you!!
Hehe clicked on the article only to see my own comment quoted! That was fun. Great article, it is interesting how the psychological "why" can seem so meta - not buying to not buy. Even if you don't care about other reasons, breaking the cycles can be huge!
It was you!! :) I'll edit the piece to include your name now KJ. (but let me know if it bothers you, obviously)
That would be very cool, thanks!
Loved this one!!
Esther! Thank you, means a lot.