In today’s fast-paced consumer world, ads and messages to buy the shiny new toys, hippest clothes or flashy cars we deserve. But science shows there is a good reason to do so: Rather than shelling out for the latest smartphone or even luxury car, mounting research indicates that we should be spending money on experiences (a meal with friends) rather than things(mashable.com). What follows is an article on why spending money on experiences — like travel, dining out and attending concerts that deliver joy and fulfillment better than material goods.
The Impermanence of Objects
Buying a smartphone, or designer handbag, even if it means you can afford an exotic car for the first time; that thrill of something new is splendid! This refers to the initial rush, or “honeymoon phase” of ownership, where one typically experiences a short-term increase in happiness. But, like any other thing even the things we take for granted will become a routine of our daily life. This is the « hedonic treadmill » — which means that any joy you get from gaining material goods will just be temporary. And we lose the novelty of our new possessions hoping for another fix, inadvertently feeding into a consumerism spiral that seldom results in fulfillment.
Creating Memories Of Life
Experience on the other hand brings back last moments which we can enjoy for a long time to come instead of material possession. Well, it doesn’t matter if they are family vacation with the kids or a night out with friends being on solo adventure in some case… all of this memories have yet one thing is quite common that these happy tales keep our heart boastsupported for long time after. Research shows that individuals are less likely to consume tales of theirs pertaining to those happenings, fairly sharing emotions from their skilled experiences.
Social Struggle Grow from Experiences
There is also a social component to much of what we experience — and tapping into this makes life more enjoyable. In the process of combining our experiences with someone else, whatever be it sharing a home-cooked meal with loved ones or going for nightly campfires and group hikes/seemingly dancing to songs from concerts on repeat every now-and-then at clubs/concerts (with friends), helps strengthen social bonds/cultural ties/belongingness. Our mental health and emotional conditioning are dependent on this infrastructure combination, as it is the network that shapes who we are today to navigate through life.
If they are the latter, then it is known that experiences shape our identities
While possessions can be a status symbol or reflect some sensing of style, they do not define us intimately and meaningfully. Experiences however, are responsible for our identity and characterailsitices. The things we do in our life, the struggles that test us and human encounters with strangers contribute to shaping what kind of person you are. Investing in experiences is investing into ourselves, each adding to the rich tapestry of life events that make up our story.
The Freedom of Minimalism
Focusing on experiences more than material goods can also move a person towards minimalism, which has been shown to correlate with happiness. We cut the clutter in our physical lives and free ourselves from always wanting to buy something new. We can feel a new layer of freedom and fulfillment when we stop focusing on ourselves, but instead pay attention to what brings the most good into our lives.
Final Thought: Spending Money on Experiences Are Worth It More Than Possessions for Creating a Happy Life
Yes things can give you temporary pleasure but it your experiences that will last,provide appreciation and keep the fire alive in you. When we elect spending money on experiences rather than things, that’s exactly what we’re doing… We’re forging memories and solidifying relationships whilst getting a better understanding of who the hell is inside. When the urge to buy the newest gadget or new outfit takes hold, now you know what else that money could be spent on — experiences from which happiness will last a lifetime. This is a lesson I learn and un-learn in cyclically liberating shame, it computes too that the happiest we can be as human animals must ultimately come from freeing ourselves to live over being alive.
