You know this one, the one where you trick yourself into buying something or spending more money than you’ve actually got because “you deserve it”. I’ve done it and I’d be willing to bet you have as well? I especially see this in the kitchen and bath design process. Sometimes it makes sense, but many times it doesn’t. And the root of it all is an impulsiveness tied to the emotion of envisioning an ideal reality.
I caution this to clients when making purchasing decisions on certain items in their kitchens and bathrooms. Think carefully about where you’re placing your money and on what items. Does your appliance budget deserve to be 4X your cabinet budget? Is it a good idea to surround a high end appliance with a low end cabinet? I stress balance in a project to try and avoid these situations where you have inappropriately matched materials, and sometimes labor.
Now this isn’t always a bad thing- you certainly DO deserve nice things and to enjoy yourself in this life, but I’d recommend for caution when weighing whether or not you deserve something and whether it’s appropriate for a project. I have found that when I notice I am talking myself into something, that I’m doing just that- talking to myself to try and convince what I know to be false, to be true.
The most important part being the realization of the self, trying to talk itself into something. If you can begin to master this interruption of impulse, I think it will lead to increased future happiness.
Simply being aware of what’s happening in the moment itself, is most times enough to interrupt the moment so you can step back and see it for what it really is.
And if it still seems like it’s a good idea to buy that thing, then go for it, but the interruption is key.
Photo by Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash
FI Kitchen Guy 