Purchasing power vs. purchasing insecurity

Here in Sweden Black Friday is a week-long affair (officially known as Black Week), so I decided I would not send you an email to add to the noise in your inbox.

As someone whose products and services are aimed at building confidence, I had nothing to say during a sales event that often plays on insecurity and FOMO: have you bought the latest this or that yet?

Sure, I appreciate the discounts as much as you do, and I used the offers to stock up on winter clothing after we had our first snowfall two weeks ago.

But it made me wonder how self-aware we are of our purchasing decisions in a consumption-heavy society.

When we as women are focussed on our appearance, how much of it is influenced by the fun and creativity that goes into dressing up or how much comes from the pressure we face to pay attention in our appearance?

When younger generations (perhaps all genders, not just women?) on one hand face anxiety about climate change, but feel pressured to attain social currency from presenting themselves as well-travelled individuals?

My inspiration for you today is to review your spending over the past few months and reflect on which of your purchases, investments and savings were dedicated towards building your confidence and which ones are more directed at resolving your insecurity or calming down your FOMO.

I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer, but I know that I personally want to be more clear about what influences my purchasing decisions going forward. 

And how every choice I make in my life empowers my self-esteem, rather than taking it away from me.