On January 15, 2015, I began my “Need Less Challenge” (#NeedLessChallenge on Instagram),
which meant: no shopping for clothes, shoes or accessories for one year. The
exceptions were: 1) I was able to accept gifts from others, and 2) I was able
to buy gifts for others.
What led me to begin this challenge was pretty simple: I
wanted to challenge myself in an area of my life that I really enjoyed, yet was
unnecessary. There was not a deeper, existential meaning behind the challenge,
nor was I attempting to kick some kind of intense shopping addiction. I simply
wanted to see if I had the self-control needed to succeed…Turns out I did! My Need
Less Challenge was successfully completed on January 15, 2016!!! Go me!
It was no surprise that this experiment of self-control
allowed me to understand myself more deeply. As a psychotherapist, I often
discuss the benefits of breaking away from familiar habits and routines in
order to allow oneself to grow emotionally, physically, intellectually or
spiritually. I was pleased to find that I had learned a few new things about my
relationship with shopping…
Things I learned during the #NeedLessChallenge:
1)
Shopping
impulses are hormonal. Three months into the challenge, I was able to
recognize that my desire to shop intensified around the time I menstruated. My
increased desire to shop was directly correlated with my feelings of
irritability and emotional sensitivity that accompanied my monthly flow.
Interesting! It became clear to me that in the past I would have headed to the
mall to emotionally “feel better” by shopping. Since I did not have that
option, I had to curb that impulse in other ways, such as: cooking a healthy
meal, watching interesting documentaries online or clean my house as a way to emotionally
comfort myself and keep those impulses at bay.
2)
Classic
pieces to the rescue! I’ve realized that a great pair of skinny jeans, wide
leg slacks, nude heels, a few solid colored blouses and a great fitting blazer
makes the world go round. Skip the trendy pieces and invest in timeless and
high-quality staples that you can mix and match. You can always jazz up a basic
outfit with some statement jewelry and bold lipstick, then voila, you’ve just
gone from “professional” to “happy hour chic”!
3)
Events
don’t require new clothes. Before the challenge, if there were a special
event coming up such as a wedding or holiday party, I would immediately plan a
trip to the mall and set aside cash to purchase a new outfit. Since that was no
longer an option, I actually found it liberating to just head to my closet and
tell myself, “Something in here will have to work!” And sure enough, I would
successfully make use of some neglected dress and feel really good about not
spending the extra money during a time-consuming journey at the mall. Tip: Attend a clothes swap party or simply borrow clothes from friends when you are in a rut. My friends totally helped me out and supported me every step of the way!
4)
I began
cutting back in other areas. When you take on a minimalist mindset it kind
of permeates into all areas of you life. I quickly found myself purging my
makeup collection, old files, kitchen appliances, and toiletries. I donated
things that I hadn’t touched in over a year, and trust me there were bags and
bags of things I parted with.
5)
I took more
fashion risks. Because I couldn’t shop, I needed to make do with what I
had. For the sake of not wearing the exact same thing each week I became more
creative in my wardrobe pairings. Occasionally, I would find inspiration from
my Pinterest Style Board and attempt to recreate outfits. It became a fun
little task and I really looked forward to setting out my clothes the evening
before work.
6)
I found
other hobbies. I had no option but to spend my down time doing things other
than shop. This past year I have spent more time in the gym (on my own and with
friends) than ever before. Additionally, I have been spending more time in the
kitchen whipping up healthy meals. Also, I’ve rediscovered my love of reading
for leisure. I’ve found that a new book paired with a cute neighborhood coffee
shop is the perfect way to enjoy a few hours between sessions or on the
weekends.
Overall,
I am glad I completed this year-long challenge. In the beginning it wasn’t
easy, but gradually I was able to reset the habit of mindless consumerism and
become more aware of my shopping triggers. I am happy to report that I was able to allocate the money I would have spent on clothes to pay off my student loan! Thanks to the #NeedLessChallenge I am
more mindful about how I decide to spend my time and money.
If
we are not intentional the world will dictate our actions and beliefs. If we
live with intention we can change the world!
Xo, Sheilah
I
am looking for a new challenge this year. I welcome your suggestions :)
