I Tried a No-Buy Challenge: I Failed
I failed at my No-Buy January – And Here’s Why It’s a Win
New Year’s resolutions often involve grand gestures of change, but mine was a bit different this time.
In line with my ongoing project to declutter my life – reducing the chaos and cutting down on the excess – I set myself a unique challenge for January: to cut back on spending and bring less into my home by taking on a No Buy Challenge.
The aim was simple: to focus on what’s necessary, eliminating the splurges that clutter not just my physical but also my mental space.
Here are the ground rules for my No Buy January:
- No New Clothes or Shoes
- No Manicures or Pedicures
- No Takeaway Coffees
- No Takeaway Food or Eating in Restaurants
- No Beauty Products (avoiding the latest miracle cream!)
Could I Really Stop Shopping?
During my first week of this challenge, the impulse to buy, buy, buy was real. Given my state of mind and clear preoccupation with shopping, I worried the entire month was going to be a disaster. I had to consider a very real thought: Did I have a spending problem?
I decided the only thing to do was to use the avoidance technique. Steer clear, and do not even kid yourself: You can step into a shop or mall for any reason!
For the first few weeks, this ingenious plan worked! Not surprisingly, not being in the shops made it very easy to avoid impulse purchases and spend less.
However, on a particular Saturday, feeling bored and wanting to escape the relentless summer heat, I convinced myself I could hit the mall just to wander and look, just look and not buy anything.
[cue waa-waa music]
I Came. I Saw. I Spent.
Before I knew it, I walked out of my favourite store with $100 of clothes. There’s no kidding myself. These weren’t necessities.
But they were enlightening.
I couldn’t deny the obvious: The thrill of a new outfit lifted my spirits and got me out of my funk. I had to admit to myself that I take comfort in shopping when feeling low or bored. Clearly, a valuable insight into my shopping habits. My emotions are tied to my spending. (shock!)
The rest of the month had more “fail” moments. I met a friend for a long breakfast early in the month. We had set this up well before the challenge and decided it was essential to recognise the importance of maintaining friendships for mental health. So yes, spent money in a restaurant but caught up with a great friend!
On the last day of January, I broke my rules again with a pedicure that I ‘needed’ just before a wedding we were attending two days later. (Trust me, if you’d seen my toes, you’d probably have okayed this too!)
You Win Some, You Spend Some
While some might view these moments as slip-ups, I see them differently. This month was more than just an attempt to limit spending; these ‘fails’ provided me with more insight into why I spend the way I do.
I must admit, I started to find power in stopping and asking myself, “Why do you think you need this? What will it actually do for you? Do you really need another black top???” Posing these questions to myself did actually make me evaluate the compulsion to want to buy more things I simply don’t need.
All the ‘fails’ aside, I must pat myself on the back for one big win: Not once caving and buying a takeaway coffee. Not even once! Anyone who knows me well knows this was definitely the biggest win! It also showed me that I can actually control my buying impulses and make deliberate choices. (well, well, well…)
So, all in all, what I spent on clothes and other non-essentials this month was significantly less than what I’d usually splurge in a ‘normal’ month. I feel like this was a break in my normal habit and is helping to rewire my usual, mindless spending.
Another positive outcome was my change in response to the urge to visit the mall. Previously, I’d find any excuse to go – whether to wander, escape the heat, or pick up something I considered essential.
This month, I avoided the shops (more than usual), a significant step in actively acknowledging my ongoing battle with shopping temptation and the wisdom of sometimes just steering clear.
Is This No-Buy Challenge a Failure?
So, did I fail my No Buy Challenge? If you’re going by the letter of the law, then yes. But looking at the bigger picture, it was a different success. The key win? I brought far fewer items into my home, helping in my overall mission to declutter. I saved some money, but the real victory was breaking the constant purchasing and accumulation cycle.
This month, which might seem like a failure at first glance, I actually found quite empowering. I gained valuable insights into my spending habits and experienced moments of true happiness that didn’t rely on buying new things for that brief hit of excitement.
So, what’s next? I’m not stopping here. I’m feeling more determined than ever, so I’m gearing up for a No Buy February, following the same rules. This isn’t just a one-off experiment; it’s becoming a part of my journey towards a more mindful and decluttered lifestyle. Who knows, if I keep going one month at a time, maybe I’ll end up doing a whole no-buy year! (maybe)
