I Bought These 6 Things and My Motivation Came Back

I’ve recently come to a depressing realization. No matter how hard I try to avoid it, I am a materialist. That is not an easy thing for me to admit. I’ve always fashioned myself to be an independent thinker. Someone who can see through the PR bullshit. Yet, here I am defeated. For years I’ve seen articles with the headlines “The Products You Need to Be Environmentally Conscious” and laughed at the premise. “You don’t need MORE THINGS to be environmentally conscious you idiots! You need less stuff!” Although I still see the logic in that statement I can no longer pretend to be above the criticism. 

For the past few weeks I have been an absolute bummer. I wanted to exercise. I wanted to read. To listen to new music. To watch movies. To write. To excel at work. And yet I stayed on the couch. I will note this was not depression. I don’t need any keyboard therapists telling me to get a therapist. I have one. This was just a…funk. We all struggle with motivation. Luckily I found a cure (even if short lived). Unfortunately, that cure makes me a bit of a hypocrite. What I needed, what cured me, was BUYING more stuff. 

I’ve come to terms with it and I think I shouldn’t feel guilty. It’s ok to enjoy buying something for yourself. Yes, I am still going to be critical of the overly glamourized commercial world. So what if I enjoy some of those products on my own time. If you’re having a bit of a funk yourself I recommend you take a little time to treat yo’self. Donna and Tom from Parks and Rec had it right. You don’t need it once a week, or once a month, but every so often you deserve a treat. I decided to upgrade my work and workout style. You work hard for your money, you might as well enjoy it.

Treats for Work Motivation

I decided I needed to upgrade my daily commute. After some hours of research I settled on this backpack from Bellroy that will be perfect for a day about town, any urban vacation, and especially bringing the must haves to the office. I splurged for a new Repel umbrella which fits perfectly in the Bellroy’s water bottle pocket just to know I’ll always be prepared. Finally, I got a pair of Doc Martens. Because treat yo’self. 

Treat for Running Motivation

Part of my lack of motivation was focused on working out, something I hadn’t done in months. So I thought maybe if I looked good I’d be more willing to get mobile. I went and got a pair of the brightest pink Adidas I could find. After breaking in the shoes I was still struggling to get up and go. So I decided it was finally time to go wireless on my runs. I did a little googling and discovered EarFun were about the best bang-for-your-buck in ear bluetooth headphones you could get. I partnered those with a SPIbelt running fanny pack to hold my keys and phone. Now I am hands free on my jogs through Central Park.