I am so guilty of this. I spend money, needlessly. Not a lot of money, but more than I need to. Way too often I decide that I need that platform/device/template/app/whatever to create the life/work/peace/balance that I’m looking for. Recently, I’ve begun to assess all the “stuff” I’ve accumulated and have had to really search my soul to decide what was really needed and what was wanted, and what, quite honestly, I purchased to fill a void.

You know what I’m talking about, right? That perfect dress, earrings, shoes, handbag to complete your look. The next great smartphone, tablet, app to take your business to the next level. But do we really need them? Or are we just perpetuating a lie? A false sense of “need”, when in fact we have everything we need, already.

Is there some void that we’re trying to fill that will never be satisfied with “stuff”?

Don’t get me wrong. I think stuff is nice. I love my stuff! I’m talking about the purchases that actually keep us from taking the next step. For example: Say I’m ready to up my social media game. I know what to do, I know I need to take my business as seriously as I do my clients’. But look at this super cool template I just found, look at this new (to me) app. And instead of jumping in and doing what I know needs to be done, I set myself back a couple of days, weeks, or even a month setting up this new system and not actually moving forward in what I know needs to be done as well as spending money needlessly.

Similarly, I have at least ten pieces of clothing in my closet with the tags still on them. They’ve been hanging there for at least two years. Will I ever wear them? I don’t know. Should I donate them? I probably will.

I sure wouldn’t mind having some of that money back in my pocket, though.

How about you? Do you use shopping as a way to avoid something else? Is it impeding your progress?

Let’s talk about it.