We are now well into the new year, so how do you see yourself accomplishing your goals in 2016? For you, does living better mean acquiring the latest tech, appliance, or maybe a home reno? Maybe being happier and healthier comes with a new gym regime and improved diet. All of these make perfect sense - ultimately how you make 2016 great is uniquely personal with no wrong answer.
But let's say for a second, being the best version of yourself in 2016, meant less things and more experiences. It could be as simple as foregoing the purchase of that new tablet, for a weekend family excursion, or deciding to hold off on a small reno to discover a new culture abroad. Whatever "experience" means to you, making personal growth a priority and creating memories, is never a negative.
So, in the spirit of personal development and betterment in 2016, here's our 5 Reasons To Buy Less & Experience More In 2016.
Taking Risks Keep Us Growing.
It's been proven that by testing your boundaries, taking risks, and exposing ourselves to new experiences, we become more creative and better able to handle adversity. Think back to when you achieved something really great - were you just going through the motions or trying something new? Likely you were stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether you're defintiion of risk is trying an adventure travel vacation or taking up a new hobbie - by pushing your personal boundaries, you're growing.
Things Collect Dust.
It's really a no brainer - things get old, break down and become obsolete. In most cases we shelve them, where they collect dust after a few short months after the novelty wears off. Experiences however, take on new life by becoming stories, and stories rarely collect dust - told countless times in years to come to your kids, friends and relatives. Life experiences endure - things don't.
Creating "Good Stress".
There's no doubt, moving into uncharted territory and trying new things can be stressful. Believe it or not, a little stress is good for your body. According to Daniela Kaufer, associate professor of integrative biology at the University of California, Berkeley. "Some amounts of stress are good to push you just to the level of optimal alertness, behavioral and cognitive performance." (credit: Berkeley News) In other words, moving out of your comfort zone puts your brain and your body into a position of peak performance. Some exciting travel, trying a new sport, or even testing the waters in a new career, can benefit your brain and body.
Strengthening Relationships.
We've all heard the old saying "A family that plays together, stays together". This especially rings true when opting to invest in experiences over things. By going beyond your own front door, and moving your eyes from a device to the real world, you're not only taking in new people, places and things, but you have the opportunity to share and enjoy them with family and friends! With tech making virtual experiences more accessible every day, we run the risk of distancing ourselves from those around us. It's so important, now more than ever, to unplug, create memories, and strengthen relationships. Not sure where to begin, especially in the frigid temps? Here's a hot tip
Redefine Yourself.
Not all of us, but many of us in North America, have become defined by our possessions. It's almost impossible not to get wrapped up in the newest, biggest, and fastest of what companies churn out on, what feels like, a daily basis. But what travellers will tell you, is that when they escape this - then return to it, they go through a sort of "reverse culture shock". By trading things for experiences, you can't help but risk an entire redefinition of what you see as valuable. The latest Ultra 4k HD 60" TV no longer has the same appeal after hiking the rim of the Grand Canyon or taking a self guided bike tour through Piedmont wine country.
