Why You Should Buy Life Experiences Not Material Things

We’re all in the pursuit of happiness right? …and we know that money can’t exactly “buy” happiness as such, although it can make you happier. It’s what we spend our money on (which for many is a limited resource) that can determine our state of happiness.

World travel – Diving with sharks – Jumping out of an aeroplane with a parachute
OR
The car you have always wanted – The latest iPhone 6s+ – Those limited edition Nikes you have to get custom made.

WHATS BETTER? It’s hard to say.. But here’s why I believe money is much better spend on life experiences, vs material things.. (a totally bias review)

#1 Material things are short lived

One of the biggest enemies of happiness is adaptation..

We buy things to make us happy right, which it does! (I still remember my first surfboard) But it only makes us happy for a while. Why? Because we adapt.

What once excited us, soon becomes normal, normal becomes boring, and boring is NOT happiness. (I remember looking in surf shops at brand new surfboards that I wanted after having my old one for just a few months, and still owing my dad $350 to pay it off.. I was bummed, and decided not to go into debt again)

Realising that the “new” iPhone 5 is now many models out of date with that 6s+ in all of your friend’s hands, it makes you wonder how long you will be content with the material things you already have..

#2 Get A Story For the Grand Kids

Life Experiences on the other hand are different… How many times have you heard someone say “now that’s a story for the grandkids”? Chances are, that moment has come from an experience you just had that is so great it will be locked in your memory bank for a lifetime!

Travel will naturally do this to you

#3 Anticipation

Have you ever found working on a Friday afternoon more exciting than on Sunday afternoon during the weekend?

It’s because as you anticipate the weekend, you find yourself more excited for what’s to come over the next two days. Then on Sunday, with half a day left, the thought enters your mind that all you have to anticipate the next day is a grueling week work ahead.

The same happens with life experiences.. Lets use a year trip around the world for example.

Once you’re booked in and set to fly out, the anticipation and excitement begin to kick in. Months leading up become this frenzy of excitement, preparation, and anticipation regarding what’s to come..

Throughout the whole experience from the time you book, until years after you return you will have increased your happiness much longer than any material thing ever could. The people you meet, things you see and do, and photographs you have taken will provide memories that will last a lifetime.. Material things get old, outdated much quicker than memories.

OK.. I have the latest iPhone, and it’s great!

But if you’re tossing up between doing something “outrageous” or buying the latest “thing”..

Go for the experience over that material thing!

Are you someone who values experience over material things? Maybe a world of travel is right up your alley… Join our group of lifestyle enthusiasts in the Intrepid Entrepreneur’s Community, and start building your dream lifestyle today!

Or share this post with someone who understands the value of great experiences…