Those who use Amazon have probably see the Add to Wish List button but they may not have looked at all the options or they may just have a simple, public list. There are also many other companies such as Elfster that allow people to make a wish list for any occasion. Wish lists can be powerful drivers for each of us to provide others with ideas, to grow your own dreams and to be aware of your impulsive purchase tendencies.
Give Others Ideas
If someone wants to get you a gift, it can be tempting to put them off or encourage them not to spend money on you. However, this is neither fair nor kind. Giving is good for your heart and brain.
If you’ve ever gotten a mood boost watching a child go crazy over a gift you’ve given, you know how joyful it can be to give the perfect gift. By making your list visible and letting folks know exactly what it is that you want, you provide them the chance to give you just what you need and want. Giving a lame gift is sad; getting something you don’t want or need is depressing. Share your list if you get asked.
Feed Your Dreams
Even if you never share your list because you set it up to be private, you can build yourself a dream list of the life you’re building. If you struggle to save money and used to be entertained by shopping, having a private wish list will allow you the charge gained from choosing the item and adding it to your private list will help you stay the course.
These wish lists can stay private forever. Set it up as a goal list. If you are trying to build healthier habits and want to give up your daily candy bar habit, take five minutes and add something to your private wish list to enjoy a thrill without all the sugar. Buying is a rudimentary process, but shopping can be creative and fun.
Your private wish list can actually be an extension of your vision board. If you want to travel, put up a photo of your destination on your bulletin board and load your virtual vision board with
- an ideal suitcase for your trip
- a passport wallet
- shoes for hiking
or whatever gear you need for your trip.
Fight Impulse Shopping
If you tend to be an impulse buyer of things you may not need, set up a “think one more day list” and add what you think you want to this list. The next day, or a week from the initial selection, if you really want it, you can buy it. However, you may find that you don’t really want it now.
In a world filled with advertising, we tend to seek out products that allow us an inclusion into a private club. If you buy XXX shampoo, you will have glossy hair and all of your friends at the beach will admire your hair. The itch to purchase this product is not just about healthy hair; it’s also about looking great in a bathing suit and hanging with cool people at the beach.
For those who are working hard to manage their spending effectively, the beach hair urge will go away pretty quickly. If you review the characteristics of any product and find that it will suit your needs, by all means, make the purchase. However, a day to shed the lessons of the advertising around the product can help you buy exactly what you need precisely when you need it.
Your virtual shopping list can be a tool for yourself and for others. Create a private list so you can break away from impulse purchases that don’t serve your life. Shop as much as you want, but only buy when you have a need with the right wish list.
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