I’ve realized something over the past few years that I’ve never put into words before. I don’t believe I’m unique in this area, I believe there are others who have the same habit. Perhaps reading about it from your side of the computer screen will cause you to have one of those “Ah-ha!” moments and could possibly save you thousands of dollars and much wasted time. For me, putting this into words will help me to cement in my mind something I already know to be true.
My brother once said to me, “I have saved thousands of dollars by procrastinating.” He then explained, “When I see something I want, I don’t buy it right away. I wait, put it off, sleep on it, think about it for a few days, and in most cases, I decide I don’t really want it after all.
At the time, I thought he was crazy. I was more of a “seize the moment” type of person. I would buy whatever I wanted, whenever I felt like it. I would buy all sorts of things because I believed that having them would make me happy. Maybe you do the same thing.
What I eventually learned was that in many cases (70% or more), once I bought something, I no longer wanted it. This isn’t a big deal with little things, but lately I’ve been thinking about getting a new vehicle. I made a list of the types of vehicles I thought would make me happy, then I started looking for those vehicles in the newspaper, on Craigslist, on EBay Motors, etc, etc.
Now here is the strange part--
Since I didn’t buy right away, I eventually got bored with the search and realized that I don’t really want a new car any more. Isn’t that interesting? I saved thousands of dollars and I learned that I’m already happy with what I already have.
Something to think about, isn’t it? Now go take on the day!
Peace, out.
Check out Duane’s YouTube Channel
Hi Duane,
ReplyDeleteI found this out a couple of years ago too.
I usually get obsessed with a subject, become excited about it, investigate it thoroughly, and it might become a hobby or part of my life.
In the past, when I had plenty of cash, I'd spend money on the hobby in the first three or four weeks, in the midst of this obsession.
Now I hold off....And wait. Eventually most obsessions slacken off, or even die, and I can forget them, saving me lots of money.
It's less immediately gratifying, but has a certain satisfaction to it.
The last obsession was to buy an African drum called a Djembe. I joined forums, read websites, browsed catalogues, learned about maintaining them, everything. Then I waited....Torturous! But I came out the other side minus a drum, and saved at least £100.
This is the story of my life honestly lol. I become totally obsessed and then bored very quickly there after.It's almost like I build things up to the point where the "thought" of it becomes much more satisfying then when I actually acquire whatever it is. Hmmm you made me think Duane good job.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point here. Never hesitate to procrastinate!
ReplyDelete