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Over the years, I have used many planners and journals, from pocket to HP Classic sizes, hourly to vertical layouts, Mohawk to Tomoe River Paper, journals with daily and weekly prompts, and none. I've used brands like Mead all the way to Louis Vuitton. I've tipped my toe in the planner and journal waters and jumped head first, obsessed. I've let FOMO get the best of me, and I have even abandoned planning and journalling altogether at one time. My mindset has changed significantly, impacting my planning style and thinking. I'm ready to limit my planner purchases and commit to planning that fits me, not trends. I'm working on my 2025 planner stack and will post that as soon as it's completed. And to be perfectly honest with you, I may go down to one planner. For now, let's talk low buy.
LOW BUY WHY
I practiced a low buy earlier this year, and it went well. I saved a significant amount of time and money. Once I was off the low buy, I noticed that I was in FOMO mode and, therefore, wanted everything. This led me to resent myself because I was giving in to this. I did a lot of reflection and realized that I was dealing with stressors by shopping and comparing myself to others. I had to snap out of it because this would not work for me or my wallet.
LOW BUY TOOLS
I had to decide to change my attitude and evaluate my planner tools. I did a massive inventory of my planner stash and kept things I knew I would use and those I wouldn't. I also kept items that I could use to shop my stash. I'm also using the Gabby Coaching App and journalling to help me with my mindset. I am choosing to see all of this differently.
MY LOW BUY RULES
Keep sub-boxes from Cloth & Paper and 8Lotus. This will be the buying I do. I will say this now: I will subscribe if Rosie Papeterie ever comes out with a sub-box. I love those three companies so much! I may reduce my sub-boxes in the future, though. It is a lot of money, and I could also save that portion. I'll evaluate this as the year progresses.
Black Friday is coming, and I will only buy planner supplies from Cloth & Paper during that time this year. I hear 30 items are coming, but who knows? I'm not going to buy just to buy, though. It has to fit in my planner style and be something I can use to "shop" my stash and use over time. What if my dream color of a mauve or cream cover is launched? I'm not missing that!
I will not buy extras (tabs, stickers, etc.) until they are all gone, and I find an alternative in my stash before I buy again. I want to use as much of everything I already have as possible.
I will mute Instagram accounts if I start to feel pressure to buy. Let me clarify: this is a me-problem, not the account. Because no one, at the end of the day, is making me buy. I am the one who pulls out the credit card, not the company or the person sharing. Do I believe there is overconsumerism? Yes, and we'll tackle that topic another day. However, I need to develop a stronger mindset regarding buying and FOMO for my well-being.
I hope that this helps someone who has been thinking about doing a low buy. Remember to do what is necessary for your life and do your best to leave the comparison and doubt at the door.
LET'S CONNECT!
I'm Janie, a Certified Self-Love and Self-Care Coach, here to support your self-care planning. Follow me on Instagram @healingselfcareplans for daily affirmations, tips, life updates, planning tools, and more!
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