“Everything popular is wrong”, so said Oscar Wilde. I believe Oscar was right.
Consider what is popular in the United States right now-
The most popular vehicle in America is the Ford F Series truck. Currently a new Ford F-150 is around $45,000. That’s a lot for a vehicle; especially of you are like most Ford F-150 owners I see when I drive, that is with an empty truck bed. Why buy a truck if you never haul anything? I suggest you can buy an economy car for your commute that will be more affordable to drive, offer more affordable maintenance, and be easier to park on the street. Over a five year period you can save up to $4,475 on gas alone. Of course the car costs less too.
The most popular handbag according to an internet search, which could also be the most money making bag, is The Birkin Bag, which costs on average $20,000. That’s a lot of cash for a hand bag. Makes me wonder what the ladies are hauling to justify the price tag. I don’t use a hand bag. I have a phone case with a strap and a zippered pocket for my credit cards and cash. It cost about $20. No one confuses me with English fashion icon Princess Kate, although frankly she likely has some paid person carry her hand bag on her behalf. Being mistaken for a very wealthy person isn’t a concern for me - neither is it for you.
The most popular running shoes come from Nike, with an average price of $110. I remember when people ran in Ked’s just fine. By the way, I’ve seen some folks wearing Nikes, I can tell by looking at them they aren’t runners.
There are other areas of life that are popular, dining out at popular restaurants for example. McDonalds is one of the most popular restaurants chains in America, perhaps the world, the food isn’t wholesome or healthy. Why bother. Food is fuel; I make sure I control what I consume. By the way McDonalds is popular but the ‘cool kids’ don’t admit to eating there.
The most popular soft drink in America is Coca-Cola. Not surprising. But when you consider the number of people who are obese, have diabetes or other health challenges, I suggest that water is a better option if you need a soft drink.
The Marvel movie franchise is super popular. I’ve seen Marvel movies, they are utterly forgettable. What I’ll not forget is the Manchurian Candidate with Frank Sinatra. I won’t forget the House of Sand and Fog with Ben Kingsley. I have a soft spot in my heart for the original Star Wars film I saw with my parents when I was eleven years old.
My point is to encourage you to be mindful when you do everything. Are you jumping on a band wagon so you can impress your friends and family? Do you dive into the deep end of the pool so you can have something to tell your co-workers at the water cooler on Monday morning? I can assure you that after a couple of info sessions updating your co-workers about your exploits they won’t think you’re neat, they’ll think you are a braggart who can’t stop telling everyone how great you are.
When you are considering buying a new pair of shoes, a hand bag or a car, do you think about what your favorite celebrity is hawking? If you feel confused by my term hawking, when you saw them in a paparazzi photo wearing the latest version of a popular shoe, know that they are paid to wear shoes, carry hand bags and drape jackets over their shoulders. Think that celebrity you adore has a list of favorite things? I think they are paid to have favorite things. Don’t believe me? People aren’t wildly wealthy because they give endorsements away for free.
I never wear any item of clothing with an identifiable logo. Why would I advertise someone’s product without compensation? I’m not a billboard.
Take into account the practicality of a product before you decide to buy it. Why do you need a truck? Are you going to haul stuff on a regular basis? If that is how you make a living that’s a great tool to have. If you are commuting to an office job, a truck is not a practical option.
Why buy a Birkin bag, what are you carrying in your bag that warrants such a luxury? Are you hanging around people who would even know that your bag cost $20,000? Are you carrying a knock off that cost you a couple thousand dollars? Who are you? The queen of England? If you are a normal middle class American struggling to pay your bills, just use the bag you have in your closet for a while. Think through how important it is to show off versus having an experience that is an investment in your life. $20,000 will buy a multi city trip to a foreign destination that will change how you understand the world you live in. Changing your understanding will make you more valuable as an employee, as a friend and as a companion. You’ll be interesting to speak with and you’ll have experiences that will help you guide your life in a meaningful way.
Are you a runner? Then absolutely invest in a good pair of running shoes. Do you wear tennis shoes to go to the mall? Just get an affordable pair of shoes that protect your feet. Ever see what old time pioneers wore on their feet? They did just fine on the Oregon Trail.
If you are going to go out to eat, pick something that will be an experience you’ll remember. Make it special. Do it occasionally, not every day. Make a plan and celebrate well with someone you love.
If you like soft drinks, try water. Water is life sustaining. It’s hard to get used to in the beginning, but the health benefits are many. Water brings nutrients to our cells, gets rid of waste, protects joints and organs and helps maintain body temperature. If you simply can’t abide by the plain taste of water - try herbal tea. It comes in many flavors; you can make a pot of tea, put it in a jar and refrigerate it so that a cold drink is readily available. Tea bags are about $.15 a piece versus the cost of soda which is about $1.00 per can. By the way a tea bag will brew a pot of tea which equals 3-4 cups of tea so the cost is super low per serving. Not only are you protecting your health you are saving money.
You can find excellent films these days that include exceptional writing and have a high production value. I enjoyed “Everything Everywhere All at Once”. This film offered some of the super hero action that appeals to Marvel fans but also included a great and unique story line that was complex. Entertainment is an investment in time and I suggest you seek out investments that offer an opportunity to be surprised. Much of what big block buster films offer won’t make you delightfully surprised, you’ll come away over stimulated by action, but under stimulated mentally. Most blockbusters offer an opportunity to bombard your hearing and your vision for a couple of hours then walk away and immediately forget what you experienced. I’m still thinking about “Everything Everywhere all at Once” several months after seeing it.
My aim is to help you begin questioning everything you embrace and to be mindful about the choices you make. Even if you question your routine and find that it works well for you it’s worth it to question. Too often we live on autopilot and that’s sad. We only get one shot at life, why not make it intentional?
I have a couple of books you might find helpful. I wrote a second act career workbook, a future self visualization workbook and a frugal living workbook, as well as several journals I sell on Amazon. I find journaling helpful to reflect, to direct and to keep me on track. Check out my author page the link is in the description. I also offer a podcast and YouTube channel that you may find helpful.
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