I'm not much of a shopper or spender...I know how to do it at expert level and I have a penchant for quality over quantity, but I have a need over want ethos and don't tend to acquire things simply because I want them...but I want these boots.
- G-dog -
Some may recall a post from back in September 2022 about a new pair of boots I bought. You can read it here and see the boots if you like. Those boots are still going strong, are beautifully worn-in, and serve my purpose very well...they're great boots and I use them to good effect...but then I saw the pair below and I want them too!
I saw these in the Merrell store - a shop dedicated to all things Merrell including shoes, boots and apparel. I'd not planned it and wasn't intending to shop, but was waiting for new boots (tyres) to get fitted to one of my vehicles so wandered over to the shopping centre to kill some time. That's when I fell in love...with these boots. Shh, don't tell my other ones.
My existing boots and those you see in this image are duty boots, designed for a purpose other than simply looking good. They're military oriented and the other available colour (black) is law enforcement oriented; they're developed to be rugged, sturdy, flexible and comfortable and when considering what a person wearing these may be asked to do, that all makes perfect sense.
I tried these on and loved them, (almost had a footgasm), and was ready to buy them but told the guy I wanted to think about it. He could see I had my 5.11 - Tactical boots on and that they're in great shape so I think he understood. I just wanted to gain a little detachment from the potential new boot-purchase to think on it more dispassionately and make the right decision. I have the money, it's not about that, but just because I have the ability it doesn't mean I need to buy boots (or anything) just because I want them. I think this way with all most purchases.
I decided not to get them and regret it am content with that decision.
Will I get them when my current ones need replacing? Maybe. My last pair lasted five years despite being used intensely so 'll have plenty of time to think it over. Will I cave in and get them earlier? Yeah, maybe that too, but only after the same process of detachment and consideration around the want or need paradigm.
What's your process when it comes to purchases? There's many purchase-scenarios where no consideration is given, but there's just as many where a person needs to determine the best course of action, or so I believe.
How do you work through your buying decisions, prioritise your purchases and justify them? Do you walk away to find space for clearer thought like I did, do you buy on the spot, or do you deliberate prior to arriving at the store and know what you'll do beforehand? What about buyers remorse - the feeling of regretting a purchase after it's made. I never feel it because I think ahead, but how about you? Feel free to comment below, I'm interested in hearing about your buying habits, your want/need deliberations and how you think purchases through.
Note: Oops...my title was supposed to read: No new boots.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default; tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind - galenkp
[All original and proudly AI free.]
Both images in this post are my own and neither is for your use.