Something I Don't Think I Want to Understand.

Something that I don't understand, and yet I'm frequently exposed to; a particular view or approach people take to material possessions. They set out to buy a new item. The item is usually some sort of electronics. They buy it and they seem quite satisfied. They may even show it off because they think it's awesome and or they are so proud to have it. (Maybe they are fulfilling some deeper psychological need in doing this. Perhaps getting a sense of importance and self-worth by having and showing off this item. I'm not sure.) A newer model comes out a few months or maybe a year or so later. The new model may have a new feature. And suddenly the item they have is undesirable and unappreciated. The new model is everything because...well, it's new and it has that one or two new features! 

I don't understand deriving satisfaction from having the latest or greatest when it comes to gadgets. My approach is: I'm not rich. I don't have a lot of money that I don't know what  to do with. Anything that costs over $50 gets analyzed to its usefulness and how much I need or want said item. When considering buying electronics, I do a good deal of research so I know what it is I would like to get. Know what features are important to me and which are not. If there is a particular model  of an item that I want, I save for that model. I'd rather wait and save for the item that I really want then get something that isn't really what I wanted. Because I have solid reasons for getting a particular item, have probably saved for a while to have it, I find I'm usually satisfied with it for a long, long time. A new model comes out and it doesn't diminish the value I put on the item I already own. If an item breaks or it no longer serves the purpose for which I got it, then I look into replacing it. I read to see what options are out there and what is important to me. 

In general, I try to avoid talking to people about material possessions. I especially avoid it with people who have the attitude that I mentioned at the start of this post. I try to remain satisfied and appreciative with what I have. I can't understand when people are always dissatisfied with what they have materially. Especially when if they really thought about it, there are people who can't afford the old model and would be grateful just to have that, let alone the latest. 

Anyway, so this has been on my mind off and on for a long time. Thank you to those who read through it and let me rant. 

This Year

As this year wraps up, I've been thinking back on the goals I set back in January and what I've accomplished.

One goal I set was to read 20 books this year. Before setting the goal, I'd read maybe 2 books in a year. I've always enjoyed reading but had gotten away from it. Instead, I was writing a lot. I wanted to improve my writing skills and heard reading a variety of things was a good way to improve. Of the 20 books, 9 were novel length. So I feel a sense of accomplishment about that.

A couple times during the year I faced very challenging situations in regards to controlling my anxiety. For most of those situations I was successful. I was able to do what I set out to do, and get through the situation with relative ease.

I was also able to help with saving money so that me and Heather could go on a trip to California. A lot of the planning was my job. So I read over a lot of travel books, checked flights, read hotel reviews and such. The efforts paid off because we got to go. (I've been working on some posts about it. Just stuff that I thought about it that just showing the pictures wouldn't tell you. Besides, most who might read this have seen the pictures.)

Another goal was to get in better shape physically. I'm still 5 pounds from my goal but I've already lost 20 pounds this year. Managing that, I feel like I can continue to set goals in that regard and reach them.

There were other goals that were important to me that unfortunately I didn't reach. For example, I really wanted to make reading the daily text part of my routine. At most I'd do about 3 days in a row. :(  What ever goals I didn't reach this year are probably going to be set for next year. Some I might have to analyze why I didn't reach them. Perhaps with some of them, I didn't take the right approach. If I change my approach, perhaps I'll be more successful.

I feel like I learned some important things about myself as well this year.

I hope whoever reads this has also had success this year with their goals. :)

(Since I'm trying really hard to only present the positive in this post, I'll end it now.) Thanks for reading!