The "I just need..." syndrome

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-1999
The "I just need..." syndrome
25
Thu, 04-01-2010 - 10:54pm

I've just realized that I have the "I just need..." syndrome.

And I have just realized how badly it sabotages me.

This realization was inspired by the "use what you have" thread. I have a ton of food. I need to use it up. For the last few weeks I've been thinking/realizing I don't need to do a real grocery shop. But I'll think "I just need..." and it is $30, $40 or more. Then I buy bits and pieces on my lunch breaks all week.

So today I realized I **DON'T** "just need" anything. I don't "just need" cheese or ANYTHING! from the grocery store.

What I need to do is re-train my brain to think "I need to eat what I have". So I don't "just need" cheese to go with pasta. I need to eat the rice and beans I have. Or the cereal. Or you name it, it's probably on my shelf or in my fridge.

Does "just needing..." something that seems minor and no big deal sabotage your goals? What do think "you just need" that you really don't need if you thought about it? Could this mean more snowflakes to put towards your debt?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Fri, 04-02-2010 - 8:41am

Can you repeat that phrase LOUD enough so I can hear it in Tennessee!


I purchase several blouses lately to wear to work and last night I purchase three pairs of capri pants.

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2010
Fri, 04-02-2010 - 1:02pm

I try to for us to eat out of the pantry for a week about every couple of months.

Robyn CL- Debt Support Group


Community Leader
Registered: 08-25-2006
Fri, 04-02-2010 - 1:19pm

Rebecca,


Wow!

Serenity
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-28-2006
Fri, 04-02-2010 - 2:15pm
Me too! I have no clue what my problem is lately but I am bleeding money BAD! And can't find a band-aid.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Fri, 04-02-2010 - 4:20pm

When you figure that one out........PLEASE let me know!

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2005
Fri, 04-02-2010 - 5:02pm

Can you repeat it REALLY LOUD so my kids will hear you in California? LOL.


I swear, I have spent so much money on food this month.

Wedding
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2006
Fri, 04-02-2010 - 8:03pm

I'm going to print this message and stick it to my kitchen door.

I am a lot better than I once was at avoiding the "just need" at the grocery store as I make my meal plans around what's in the cupboard and on special. It's not fail-proof but it does help.

My biggest 'just need' at the moment is drinks from Starbucks. I get 20% off through staff discount but that still doesn't mean that I need a drink from Starbucks. The only thing I need is to be more organized so that I'm taking a drink with me when I leave home.

Lyn

Lyn

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2005
Fri, 04-02-2010 - 10:11pm

I'm hearing you loud and clear

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-24-2007
Sat, 04-03-2010 - 10:37am

I'm in the same boat.

Kate


empty purse

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2010
Mon, 04-05-2010 - 4:23pm

Starbucks... I share in that problem. And God forbid I just buy a simple cup of coffee. No way, I have to buy something that I need altered in about 5 ways to make it how I want it.

When it comes down to it it is the "I need" talking to me when I buy coffee, all the way from the beginning to the end. Not only do I need the coffee but then I need the extra shot of espresso or the extra pump of chocolate, because if you're already spending 6 bucks on a cup of coffee you may as well pay another dollar to have it exactly like you NEED it. The silly things we can convince ourselves of.

By the way, I'm new here, so hi! :)

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