KNOWING WHEN TO SAY NO
Still, we all have our weak spots, things that make it easy for us to get caught up in our own excitement. My system seems to have worked well for me over the last few years, with one exception: e-commerce livestreams.
From beauty products to, home gadgets, there always seems to be a constant countdown, limited-quantity offers, and hosts who know exactly what to say to make my self-control disappear.
I’ve often caught myself hovering over the “buy now” button during a livestream, feeling like if I didn’t act in that moment, I’d miss out on the best deal forever. On these occasions, my trusty utility cost framework often ends up taking a backseat to impulse. I start spending emotionally rather than intentionally.
Once I realised this, I stopped tuning in for the sake of my wallet.
That’s not to say livestream shopping is bad. In fact, I’ve found some great deals this way. But if continually exposing yourself to your weakness leads you to busting your budget more often than you’d like, it’s time to re-evaluate that self-exposure.
After a while, I started tuning back in to livestream shopping again – but only when I was sure I could remind myself that not every “good deal” is good for me.
Now, whenever I find myself gripped by the urge to grab yet another “exclusive”, “limited time” offer, I ask myself: Was I already planning to buy that item before entering the livestream? If the answer is no, then chances are I don’t actually need it.
