5 steps to taming materialism, from an accidental expert

I have been in a festive mood for the past 2 weeks with absolutely no drive to work and spending tons of office time surfing the net. I was surfing aimlessly, reading online articles before I was taken to this blog written by Penelope Trunk.

5 steps to taming materialism, from an accidental expert

This blogger who calls herself the Brazen Careerist, has been writing the Career columns on Yahoo Financials for a while until she was terminated during Christmas week (not exactly the best gift to receive this happy season). 

This particular post struck a chord because it explores the human tendency to crave for material objects. Penelope (along with a whole list of readers) writes about the obsession to possess in this world of consumerism. Yes, we blame the media for charming us with great PR and assaulting our subconscious mind with subliminal advertising but rarely do we look at the mirror first. There seems to be a never-ending quest to consume, getting the latest, greatest and fanciest products before anyone else did. There is also the tendency to accumulate and hoard unused items, a legacy left behind by our poorer migrant forefathers. 

The reality is, we do not need a state-of-the-art mobile phone to talk to someone, and at the same time allows us to email, take pictures, surf the web, watch movies etc etc. etc.. Nor do we need a larger bag (or several smaller bags) to store personal items, branded wear, faster cars or more luxurious apartments to call home, especially when there isn’t anyone special to share the apartment with. We should also try to donate unused but usable items to those less privileged whenever possible. 

Hence, I have decided to do the following in the new year

a. watch my my discretionary spending

b. make regular donations to “honourable” charitable organisation

c. clear out my closet periodically and donate usable items to the Salvation Army

Another thing … Friends, please do not send me any presents this year. I really do not lack anything. Wants I have, but Needs … nothing at all. If you really feel the need to buy me something (no matter how insignificant it is), I would rather you donate to a charity of your choice. You can make online donations these days and it takes 5 minutes via credit card (much shorter time than queuing up to pay for your purchase in a mall).

New year, new resolutions … the key is to take the first step.