Recently, I was watching a documentary on Netflix called the Minimalists. The documentary resonated with me as I had been feeling a little lost and confused. The documentary highlights the neurosciences behind our happiness and why we continually feel dissatisfied.

“We are programmed to be continually dissatisfied”- The Minimalists.

This rung true. When I finished my psychology degree, I felt dissatisfied. So I begun studying my MBA. After completing my MBA, I again felt dissatisfied. So I began to study law. I put this down to my ongoing desire to learn and grow- which is partially true as it creates purpose for me. However, looking at the baseline behavioural pattern and comparing it to other aspects of my life, it is a constant. Especially when it comes to my wardrobe and my desire to purchase home decor for a house I do not even own yet. This is all no surprise. I am constantly being marketed to. I log on Facebook and in my news feed is a number of fashion boutiques… obvious right? However, my friends are marketing to me too. Who scrolled through there Facebook news feed over New Years and found yourself looking at other peoples new years outfits and saying ” I wish I had that”. It is an epidemic. It encourages compulsive consumption.

We are constantly looking at new things and desiring them. We never really feel fulfilled with what we have. In the documentary, they use the analogy of the first car bring some joy, the second a little bit less and so on. Do we ever really stop to ask ourselves if we “need” it? As a talent shopper myself, I can confess to shopping being my de-stress activity and I am the owner of many, many clothes that I probably do not really need. Did you know fashion goes through 52 seasons a year? Nauseating right? The rate of consumerism is sky rocketing! Three generations ago there, there was four clothing seasons per year.

Aside from the environmental concerns and the sweat shop labour societal concerns, one of the biggest is individual impact this is having. People are constantly feeling that they are not good enough. The rate at which we compare ourselves to others is phenomenal. We are conditioned by marketeers and social media, that if we do not have the latest products, we are behind or failing. Consequently, we are putting so much pressure on ourselves financially to support all these material possessions. In order to substantiate our lifestyles, we need to earn money. The more we want, the more money we need, the more we need to work, the less time we have to enjoy life. Therefore, the more stress. Then if purchasing things alleviate our stress… guess what? More spending. You can see the circle here.

So how do we break free of this circle?

Whilst I agree with the fundamental psychology of minimalism, I still believe we need to have some things we desire that do not serve a purpose like a chair or table, or are not needed. We need to focus on the value that those things bring. For example, if you have a coin collection and this becomes a topic of conversation in a social sense. Then keep buying coins.

Be a true materialist; care about the actual material of the goods and it’s purpose. Focus on your consumerism and the rate at the which you purchase. Ignore the fashionably and social value of items and focus on their practical habits. No matter how much you buy, or how many different styles you buy- it will not fulfill you. Learn how to let go. Let go of attachments to material items.

Rick Hanson said “You can never get enough of what you do not want“. So focus on what you really want, what will really make you happy. And invest your time and money there. Invest your money in memories and things you can do/share with others– Hello Holidays! This will bring a sense of connection.

That’s life according to Kim- Until next time xoxo

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