Consumerism And Contentment: What Does It Take To Be Content And Happy In This Culture?

Want to get more out of consumerism contentment does take without the guesswork? Below we walk through the essentials in plain language, with practical steps you can use right away.

Key Takeaways

• We wish bigger and better, and we wish it now.
• Oh, and put it on the credit card.
• Worth noting: on the radio, on TV, in magazines and online.
• To some degree, consumerism runs rampant in our culture.

How Consumerism Contentment Does Take Really Works

SharePin7Tweet40Share1461 SharesOver the last 30-40 years our culture has seen a subtle shift, from one where we were more concerned about paying for each day items and taking care of each day tasks, to one that is at no point stationary or content - consistently obsessed with the next large aspect. The latest iPad, the newest luxury vehicle or the latest designer labels all catch our interest, and we genuinely can’t get away from them wherever we look.

• Why are we continuously after the next large aspect?
• Since on some level I think that we think that they can assist to fulfill a deep seated require in our lives.
• More importantly, the require to feel happy, to feel key or to have some sort of meaning in our lives.

Getting the Most From Consumerism Contentment Does Take

Having that new car says something about us - that we’re successful or key. Having those new clothes does something similar - it tells others that we care about our appearance, and that we’re well off enough to afford them.

• In the end, those “aspects” in our lives genuinely can’t make us happy or content.
• Remember that they present a moving target, one that we can at no point quite hit.
• We purchase that new car, but as soon as we do a newer better one comes out.

Tips That Make a Difference

We purchase the iPad, but as soon as we do, iPad 2 comes out with new highlights! We require to be more in tune with what our true situations are.  We require to have a realistic concept of what our true means are, and what kind of a lifestyle we can truly afford with those means, while still saving and planning ahead for our future.

• As a rule, a recent guest post on GetRichSlowly.org inspired this post - and touched on the concept of having realistic expectations leading to greater happiness: Psychologists recently discovered that having a realistic expectation of financial means and lifestyle pays untold dividends toward greater well-being and happiness.
• To the extent that there is greater discrepancy between financial reality and financial expectations (a.k.a. financial desire discrepancy [PDF]), there’s greater risk to your sense of well-being.
• Put another method, being satisfied with what you have will reap invaluable rewards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Researchers found that those who were intrinsically motivated, and who didn’t require the acceptance or approval of others outside of themselves, were much happier in the long run since they were much more in touch with their core values, and what makes them happy. In short, those who were extrinsically motivated, and who looked to outside entities for approval and happiness in the long run were much unhappier.

• Biblical Focus On Contentment What does the Bible have to say about happiness, contentment and consumerism?
• In essence, it says that we require to learn how to be content, no matter what our material circumstances - since contentment doesn’t come from aspects.
• True contentment can only come through a personal relationship with Christ.

Is Consumerism Contentment Does Take Worth It?

Worth noting: i am not saying this since I am in require, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in require, and I know what it is to have plenty.

• Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with numerous griefs.
• But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.1 Timothy 6:6-11 We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it, and the material aspects beyond our basic necessities like food and clothing are not necessary for contentment.
• More importantly, in fact in numerous cases having those aspects - and wanting more - can lead to “numerous griefs”.

Where the Real Savings Hide

Instead we’re encouraged to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness”.   In other words, be motivated by your core values, and live a selfless, serving lifestyle, not one where you’re constantly striving selfishly for the next material possession or accolades from the people in your life. Seeking Contentment Seeking and finding contentment is a serious problem.

• How can we pursue a serving lifestyle that breeds contentment and happiness?
• Remember that how about this week we all turn off the outside influences - the TV, magazines and internet consumerism - and instead seek out opportunities to assist others whether it is through volunteering at a local food shelf, or packing meals for the hungry in foreign countries.
• Look for opportunities to assist and serve others, instead of thinking about the next large aspect we’re going to purchase.

A Closer Look at Consumerism Contentment Does Take

I genuinely do believe that it will assist you to live a happier more fulfilled life. What do you think about the concepts of contentment, consumerism and happiness that I’ve discussed in this post?

As a rule, do you agree or disagree with the aspects I’ve said here? Tell me your thoughts in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on consumerism contentment does take?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. The latest iPad, the newest luxury vehicle or the latest designer labels all catch our interest, and we genuinely can’t get away from them wherever we look.

Is it worth shopping around for consumerism contentment does take?

Usually yes. Why are we continuously after the next large aspect?.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. Since on some level I think that we think that they can assist to fulfill a deep seated require in our lives.

Smart Ways to Save More on Consumerism Contentment Does Take

• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.

Final Thoughts

Put these ideas to work and consumerism contentment does take gets a lot less expensive. Bookmark this page, check back for fresh deals, and let the savings do the talking.

Originally published at biblemoneymatters.com.