Since my family’s shopping ban became internet news, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation.
Maybe you’ve been looking for ways to cut back, save money, and reduce waste in your life.
Maybe shopping for stuff you don’t need is one of your primary hobbies.
Maybe you have debt to pay off, or other big financial goals ahead of you.
Maybe you use shopping as a band-aid to feel better when you’re sad, stressed, or lonely.
Maybe you’d like to give back more to your community, but you find yourself stretched for time and money.
I know the feeling. I’ve been there.
If any of these are you, I’d encourage you to take the Shopping Ban Challenge. If you’ve been waiting, this is your chance!
Step One: Decide the Rules
The great thing about this challenge is that you get to decide the what to give up and the duration. The idea is to give up something that will be difficult. You should notice a difference in your spending and your free time. I gave up buying clothes for a year, and I noticed a huge difference. But if you don’t buy a lot of clothes, perhaps you could give up buying books, concert tickets, or takeout coffee. Whatever little luxuries that you do buy.
Try to decide these rules yourself ahead of time, and be as specific as possible. For instance, you could allow yourself to buy replacements if something wears out. But I’d encourage you not to make too many exclusions. The “all or nothing” approach worked best for me. I found it easier to say “I’m not allowed to buy that right now” rather than wrestle with wondering “should I or shouldn’t I?” every time I wanted to make a purchase.
Step Two: Commit
Deciding to do it is half the challenge. Once you’ve got the details and the duration locked down, you’re nearly there!
Write it down. Simply writing down your goal will make it feel more concrete and irreversible.
After that, go check out this post I’ve written with some shopping ban tips you might find helpful.
Step Three: Get Support
Let someone know that you’re doing this challenge! Tell them the rules and details so they can hold you accountable…or at least not invite you to go shopping!
Contact me if you’d like. I won’t share your information with anyone, and I’d love to know if my story has inspired you!
Then tell the world. Post, tweet, share, and tell everyone what you’re doing. They may not all agree with you, but even naysayers can help hold you to a challenge. This isn’t just for support, but for accountability.
You can share monthly check-ins and updates along the way. You can keep track of things you wanted and didn’t buy and add up your savings. You never know who you might inspire along the way!
Congratulations!
Now you’re on your way. Enjoy that free time that you’re not shopping. Get a new hobby. Go for a walk or ride your bike. Invest in relationships. Dream about what to do with the money you’re saving.
The idea isn’t just to finish the challenge. The idea is to change your behaviors. If all goes well, this experience will shape you as a person. A beautiful, simple life, free from the carousel of overconsumption is within your reach!
Let’s do this!
Through My Lens 