E. 11 - Our Complicated Relationship To Our Stuff - Part 2: We Already Have Too Much But Why Do We Want More?

Hello So Deep Peeps!  

Welcome to That’s So Deep.  This is the podcast where we try to root out loneliness one conversation at a time.  This is the second episode in a series where we explore Our Complicated Relationship To Our Stuff.  Today we are talking about Why We Still Want More Even Though We Already Have Too Much.

 Some deep things we cover:

1. Blame it on Evolution: Humans have a scarcity impulse and we are wired for survival.
2. Buying Feels Good: Keep the dopamine hits coming!  Buying stuff lights up the pleasure centers in our brains and we can’t get enough.
3. We Feel Special: Our inner treasure hunter feels validated when we find an item that no one else has.
4. We Seek Novelty: We get bored and often want something new to keep our lives interesting.
5. We Are Vulnerable to Advertisers: Advertisers exploit our insecurities and know how to use products to make us feel inadequate and keep us wanting more.
6. The Target Effect: You know how it is.  You go into Target for some batteries and come out with a new pair of shoes and some sunglasses.
7. Control Restoring Activities: Instead of buying something to cheer ourselves up, what alternate activities could we choose to restore control and improve our mood?
8. How Touch Impacts Our Buying: Look with your eyes, people, not with your hands!
9. What is the relationship between Bargain Shopping and Being Frugal?  We unpack how these two behaviors are NOT one and the same.

 Take-aways:

1. Understand the Deeper Why Of Your Buying Habits: 

• Do you have a strong scarcity impulse?
• Are you a dopamine fiend?  Does the rush of a purchase feel good?
• Do you like the feeling of winning?
• Do you buy because you feel sad?

Understanding the deeper why is the first step in figuring out if your purchasing habits help you get more of what you want in your life.   

2. Try to Self Regulate. Before you make a purchase, ask yourself 2 questions:

• Do I need this item?
• Will I use it in the long run?

3. You don’t have to do this alone!  Grab a friend and listen to our podcast together.  Discuss, connect and grow together and then tell us all about it.  Here is how you can reach us:

Voicemail: 805-288-0884

Email: [e-mail]

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We love you and we can’t wait for our next deep conversation!

Yours in Becoming, 

Phyllis & Julie

Resources and articles we referenced in the episode:

1. Want Stuff? Why We Are Driven to Buy More | Psychology Today
2. The Psychology of Bargain Shopping | PYMNTS.com
3. Old Spice | The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
4. Why does shopping feel so good? - BBC Worklife
5. Frugal Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
6. Extravagant Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster