Although the challenge has positive intent it does have the side effect denying the pleasure of immediate gratification. The challenge is about less rather than more.
How do I keep motivated and show results? While the seven things challenge is partially about reduction, there is a cumulative total that helps measure progress. It is the external indicator of inward progress.
Enter the "savings" jar. Each time I overcome the temptation to buy clothing which pre-challenge would have come home, the value of the item goes into a jar. This creates a visual reminder of progress and ensures there will be cash on hand when the perfect garment appears or to pay for repairs I can't make myself or buy materials to transform already owned garments (there are some tops and shoes which need dying).
The money for the three items I only just resisted in January has been thrown in
- some Very Silly shoes. $7
- a black top in a favoured brand but which had a couple of buttons missing and some signs of wear. $5
- an evening frock, BNWT which fitted beautifully and was tempting to have as a standby for the wedding in April as cool weather option. Despite the great fit the colour was not quite right and could not be dyed so after much debate I left it. $17
6 comments:
Oooh that is a BIG challenge - initially I thought it was only 12 items of NEW clothing, but clearly this challenge covers op shops as well! 0_o Best of luck, and enjoy seeing that jar of money grow!
Just 12 things in all?? Wow, I don't buy much clothing because I sew, but it doesn't include underwear does it???? The savings jar is a god idea, I did it retrospectively when I had to replace the indicators on my car @$400 a few years ago. I denied myself things until I reached the target. I like your way better!!!
Jejune - it would be totally a doddle if it was new clothes only. I think the I only bought 4 things new last year.
Cindy - I used to make all my own clothes, but the influx of cheap large sizes on the retail market happening at the same time I had even less free time means I've stopped. I've also lost a lot of weight since then and will have to play around with patterns instead of using the same 3 I'd made to fit. I'm not including undies in the challenge, but they are normal undies not the ooh, that's a cute, wear only in the bedroom lingerie set! The guidelines for my challenge are here http://need2knit.blogspot.com/2011/01/12-in-11.html
You're doing so well. I like the idea of putting aside the money you 'save' by not buying the things that tempt you - though in my case I think that would bankrupt me!
Great idea with the jar - really fab.
I've been avoiding looking at stuff so I don't know how much I've not spent - but I think I'll do it if I umm-and-aah over anything in particular. After a lifetime of buying cheap/sale clothing, I'm going to find it hard to spend money on expensive, better quality items - but if I had most of the money in a jar, it would be easier to justify it -- rather than five cheap things, one good quality item that will last.
Lyn - I'll send you one of my BIG jars. ;)
Louisa - I know what you mean. I rarely spend much on clothing and it is difficult to imagine doing so. I will probably continue to buy second-hand but this is helping me make better choices. Shoes on the other hand, no problem. I usually go for quality in shoes and while I prefer to get them on discount, will shell out for the right pair of shoes if I know they will last.
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