[~maryanne~]

So even before the other thread I have been asking myself WHY I have such a long list of 'I wants'. I even often call them 'needs'. Mostly things I convince myself will make life easier or my home less cluttered.

Has anyone managed to change their thinking so they are not constantly wanting something? I have reasonably good self control but my intention is to buy a lot of these things and eventually do so. I often wonder why I want so much so often and how I can feel more satisfied with what I already have?

(yeah yeah, navel gazing I know )

[CupOfCoffee]

I have poor self control, so I could use this advice also (I have a house full and a bank account empty because of all the things I 'need'.

[Saecularis Angel...]

We covet what we see. If you have a problem with wanting things you feel you would be better off (on some level) not having, curb your looking.

Don't browse websites or catalogues. Don't give attention to advertising. And try not to be around people who focus on these things.

Yes, it can be a very big shift, and it takes real discipline to be successful at it. But it can be done!

[squeekums]

Self control?
*wanders of to see what google says on that term*

[71Cath]

I have banned myself from book depository and all the other websites I love. I have moved into a new house, in a new area, and the junk mail people havent found us yet so that helps too.

I also try and think of something I really want (pay off mortgage) and compare that to the fleeting whim of a new book, shirt etc.

I do slip occasionally but it mostly works. I also find allowing myself to buy a small treat now and then helps me not feel completely deprived - you need to enjoy life as well!

[living~in~the~no...]

I suppose there is a difference between coveting and purchasing?

And if the coveting does not make you anxious or upset that you don't have it then I suppose that is ok too?

[rachel*t*p]

We covet what we see. If you have a problem with wanting things you feel you would be better off (on some level) not having, curb your looking.

Don't browse websites or catalogues. Don't give attention to advertising. And try not to be around people who focus on these things.

Yes, it can be a very big shift, and it takes real discipline to be successful at it. But it can be done!

I really agree with this I find that the less I look at the shops and online etc, the less I have on my list. It is a constant struggle for me. I also find that I have to try not to read crafty cute lifestyle type blogs as I want to do all these things, but I really need to concentrate on finishing the projects I already have under way.

I saw on Pinterest ( another place to avoid!) a quote that said jealousy comes from counting other's blessings instead of our own. I have to constantly remind myself of this.

[lifehacker]

I think about these things:

If I buy something new then I need to:

spend money on it
find somewhere to keep it - storage
maintain it, repair it
clean it
eventually upgrade or sell it - take time to take pics, list, negotiate etc


usually once I've thought about all that I no longer want it.

I also make myself wait a few weeks before buying anything, if I still really want it after a few weeks then I'll consider it more.

[mummame]

If you have a clutter problem, you have to stop buying more stuff as you will just add to the problem. This includes clutter solutions which really just clog up your home even more! I really ask myself at the shops, do I really need the item? Do I have something similar at home, that does the job? Will I use it? Usually I don't need it so there it stays, saves money too. Years ago when I had heaps of money I just bought whatever I wanted, think two pair of expensive heels in different colours...insane, I would not do this now!

This post has been edited by mummame: 08/11/2012, 10:38 AM

[Chaos in stereo]

I remember when I was travelling in my younger days and any money I earned was spent on good times or saving to have more good times somewhere else. I made a conscious decision not to care about sparkly clothes or things that would just weigh me down - I couldn't afford them anyway.

I did stop caring and it was quite liberating.

Then I came home, had nothing, and it's been a case of constant acquisition ever since. I have everything I need, I did a while ago, but I look at my couch and think: "Is that embarrassing? It's embarrassing. I'm too old to have a couch like that. Will people think I'm too poor to get a decent couch?"

Sheesh! If I took my own advice I would just read and garden. Very satisfying, and you can grow your own stuff from seed, and borrow books from the library