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: 12-10-2009
Thu, 04-08-2010 - 9:46pm

Starbucks does us in every month or coffee shops. I love coffee and pasteries.

Liz

student loan paid off 2010

Bathroom remodel loan paid off 2013

Pending Car loan to be paid by the end of 2014!!!!!

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-1999
Thu, 04-08-2010 - 10:48pm

Hi Kate,
I do know what you mean. I work 35 hours a week in a very stressful job that leaves me feeling like I have ptsd all the time, and I really know what you mean about being too tired to cook. It's the cleaning up afterward that is a killer for me.

It may be none of my business and please excuse me if it's not, but can your daughter cook sometimes?

One thing I have found that helps this week is I bought a roast and cooked it monday night, so I have had a cooked roast in the fridge for leftovers all week. I cooked some sweet potatoes and parsnips with it, and a pot of rice so have been making re-fried rice with the veggies and chopped roast. That has been two nights and one lunch and probably lunch for tomorrow. I put the roast into the fridge in the roasting pan and scraped all the fat off the top of jelly when I took it out of the fridge the first time and I am using some of the jelly for my re-fried dinners to really cut the amount of oil I need to use, and also to add some flavour. Last night I just added some of the chopped up roast to a package of ramen noodles.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-24-2007
Fri, 04-09-2010 - 7:37am

Wow, Lyn, those are both really good ideas!!

Kate


empty purse

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-24-2007
Fri, 04-09-2010 - 7:48am

Hi rebeccalouise,


Great idea about the roast!

Kate


empty purse

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 04-10-2010 - 3:43pm

I find myself being the same way. I honestly need a pair of maternity shorts and at least one short-sleeved shirt to last me through June, but I wrinkle my nose at the cost. Yet, we went to chili's last night and dropped $50 on dinner (the first time eating out in just over 2 months!) no problem! I probably could have bought what I needed AND made dinner with that!! Buyer's remorse, but too late for that now...


Do you have a thrift shop nearby that might have sweats? I've been stalking mine for maternity clothes, but they never have any, and when they do, they are for tiny people. I have had some luck in the free section on craigslist lately, but not for summer clothes. Just a thought..


~Jodi
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