#007 ✰ Two questions to buy better.
A usage and a story.
Good day to you!
While the number of people joining our waitlist has been growing intensely the past few days 🎉, the thing I get most excited about is to read every single genuine, fascinating answer about the relationship you guys have with your stuff.
We strongly believe that in order to embrace the lifetime challenge of buying smarter, one must be their own decision-maker. The relationship between you and your possessions are intimate, and so is the act of buying itself.
I hate being told what to do. So I’d hate to become this person that tells you what to do. (Although I must admit sometimes crossing this thin line is really tempting, especially when you only have good intentions. But the road to hell is paved with good intentions, as one knows.)
The role we want to play, at myStvff, is to empower you. With the right tool, and the right set of questions. At the end of the day, answers are yours and yours only.
So I thought I would share with you the two simple and straight forward questions I decided to ask myself next time I am tempted - compulsively or not - to purchase an item, be it new or second-hand. This day might come sooner than later 😎
My bet is that using these two questions will help me resist the temptation of buying things that ‘spark joy’ instantly but don’t serve any purpose nor have a story I can be proud to share.
This is a work-in-progress, so bear with me. I will probably look back at this in a few weeks with interesting learnings.
Am I buying a usage?
Before purchasing something, how about asking myself what is the need I am trying to fill in my life. Is this a real need? What is tough today that could be smooth tomorrow? Will I be saving a considerable amount of time or money purchasing this item? Alternatively, can I think of a creative way to fix, repair or pimp the existing? Am I influenced by a conversation, a photo, an ad? What’s the reason I didn’t think about it a week ago but now I’m close to being obsessed?
If the answer to the main question is a clear yes, and if I can express this need precisely, well, there’s a chance I will have positive feelings looking at it and using it (until it no longer can be used). Because it actually serves a purpose, a usage, be it ridiculously common.
E.g. I need a new pair of running shoes to go train every week, mine are destroyed. I’ll probably purchase a new pair of the Nike Free. And that’s ok.
… or, am I buying a story?
Have I met with the craft-man? Visited their atelier?
Does this brand value (and does!) things I care about? Locally made, handcrafted (by adults), fair remuneration policy, chemical-free materials, animal-testing free,… you name it.
Are the makers people who inspire me? Hustlers, experts, activists,…
Put it differently: does it speak to my heart? Will I be proud to share it out loud?
If the answer to the main question is a clear yes, well, there’s a chance I might have positive feelings looking at it on the long run, and feel good about having this stuff around me.
E.g. I am visiting this potter atelier. He’s telling me everything about how he learnt his art, why he does it, how he makes a living out of it, … and I end up buying a vase that, on a purely rational point of view, doesn’t serve any essential usage (see 👆) but the experience I am having, the memories I will keep are priceless and make me happy.
This question can be tricky because advertising is here to bias us. Do I want a pair of Jordan’s because I admire the player or because of what Nike is?
Ultimately : am I buying a usage that has a story?
In the long run, here’s where I’d like to stand, for most of my stuff: being able to answer a clear YES to both these questions: something I actually need, that has a story I relate to and I am proud of.
Trigger 👉 I need something for a specific usage
Solution 👉 I buy a story that speaks to my heart
And for this, my intuition is that we’re stronger together. This is why we’re building a community [join us here]. We want to enrich each other with all the good initiatives that are being built here and there. We want to offer inspiring alternatives to the trivialized act of buying.
E.g. I do need a new pair of running shoes. I want the item and I want the story. So it might take longer to pick up the brand I relate to, but my bet is that it will make me proud.
💡the “24-hour rule”! A tip to trick compulsive buying.
(from a discussion with one of you who will probably identify himself 🙃)
=> always give yourself at least 24h between the moment the ‘want’ pops in and the act of buying. Doesn’t really matter what kind of item we’re talking about.
Ultimately, it’s less about becoming a radical minimalist than about owning a higher ratio of thing you truly, really like.
What do you think? What are the questions you’ve been asking yourself before - or after 😅- a new purchase?
Let’s keep the discussion rolling [join us here], or as always feel free to hit reply to this email!
Have a beautiful day! 🤸🏻♀️
Mathilde
