The "I just need..." syndrome
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| 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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this is the support group for people with this syndrome,
Hi & Welcome!
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
$3.49 every ten to twelve days is great - that won't even buy you one fancy drink at Starbucks! The following link may be of interest to some, especially with summer coming ...
http://savorysweetlife.com/2009/07/afternoon-coffee-break-recipe-for-frappuccinos-at-home/
This is where having one vehicle & being stranded at home works out well for me. I get no chances to go grab a few things, and by the time I get through my day I'm too tired to go anywhere at night!
However, a trip to the $ store for easter stuff for 3 kids eneded up being $95, because there was so much stuff I "could use" for my dayhome...
On a positive note, the kids "baskets" were these cool rubber-ish baskets with handles and big holes, which I "suggested" that maybe the easter bunny thought they would be great for our sand/beach toys for camping, and the kids loved....sneaky sneaky me lol.
~ Mom to 5 ~
Ohhhhh, I needed....this to kick me in the pants!
I told myself I neeeeded new golf clubs. Well I went and looked and that is not going to happen! If I can find them used I might buy them! And in all honesty, I needed the new jeans I have or I might be pantless as well from splitting my old ones down the bum because I am so fat. I didn't neeeeed that extra supper or the stupid dessert at all!
I do have a problem at the grocery store occasionally, especially if I have guests coming. Perhaps if I spent less money here I could fit my old pants. Ho hum, I'm working on it with a new work out DVD and more walking.
I have been trying really hard to not throw food out. I have been going at it in two directions. Don't buy as much and don't make as much. But then I love my left overs for lunch which also saves me money so it can be a bit of a conflict. I will say I have gotten much better this year at it. And I am learning quantity differences from when it is just BF and I and when the kids are there. It is a learning process.
Mustard in the hand?! I just about spit out my coffee on this one. I'm still grinning!
Great post!
Does dear sis realize this could be a turn on to DH?????
Norma
"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus
Hi, ne_cowboy.
Thanks for posting and welcome to the board!
Robyn CL- Debt Support Group
Wow, both you and andi almost ended up pantless.
Kate
Kate, I'm working part-time and studying full-time so I know what you mean about being too tired to cook. I find what helps with that, is to choose one or two days per week when I do a whole lot of cooking so that I have meals to last me until the next cooking day. That way if I'm too tired to cook, then I don't have to resort to fast food.
In terms of reducing food waste, I found starting a book where I had to note what food I was throwing in the bin (and how much that food cost me) reduced my food waste really quickly because I became aware of how much money was being wasted.
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