http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/10/buy-experiences/381132/
I read an interesting article this week that explained how buying experiences can make us happier than buying things. The article also talks about how a wandering mind is not a happy one, if the mind has experiences it can think back on it is happier. Now money is not essential for happiness, and not all experiences have to be bought. I do agree with the article though. Going and maybe paying for an activity with friends or family can be more satisfying than buying something. Buying things can bring temporary happiness, but I feel like experiences bring happiness for the rest of our lives.
My wife often talk and remember our honeymoon, and other vacations and activities we have done. Thinking back on past experiences and talking about them with others brings back memories and happiness. I do however like to buy new things, and I am very happy with my purchase of a new phone, that happiness fades away soon though. So let us seek out activities and experiences we can have with others, it will make us happier for years to come.
Have a great week everyone!
We recently talked about this same topic in my recreation management class, and how we should focus on providing experiences for people and not simply providing goods. Consumers are looking for complete experiences. For example, think about a birthday cake. For not very much money you could buy flour, sugar, and a few other ingredients and make your own cake from scratch. For a little more money you could buy a box cake from Betty Crocker. For even more money you could buy a personalized cake from a grocery store. Finally, for significantly more money you could go to a party venue where they provide the cake, the entertainment, and the overall experience. Each of these situations revolves around a birthday cake, but in each one the consumer has a vastly different experience. I agree that we don't need money to create memorable experiences, but at least in the rec management program we're focusing on getting consumers to spend a lot more money so that we can provide them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteI entirely agree with this! Last summer, I slowly became aware that I have too much "stuff" in my life. So much I have is unnecessary for what I need. So, I simplified. I've never regretted that decision, though it's a constant struggle to keep it simple :).
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of what I value most about who I am and what I've done, possessions are never what I think of first. I think of my family, my travels, my achievements and things I've learned. I think of all the spontaneous trips I've taken with friends and random things I've done on late nights in Provo. Granted, I think of my guitar, but that's just because it represents a lot of emotional things to me. So, honestly, I'm richer because I've spent money on things I won't physically keep with me. Thanks for the post.