Oct
Impulse Buys
Impulse buying is an industry all its own. There is a ready market for all of the little trinkets and novelty items that are kept near the checkout counter. It does not matter if it is a grocery store, greeting card shop, supermarket or hardware store. Little items of questionable usefulness are placed near the last stop in a store because they sell.
The trinkets and novelties are appealing, at least briefly. That is as long as it takes for a customer to add one to his or her order. At a second glance, most of these items will later inspire the phrase, “What did I buy this thing?” So it is that another trite item goes in the junk drawer or right into the waste basket.
Impulse buying feeds on the urge for instant gratification. Thoughtless acquisitions seem small, but they add up quickly. The damage is not just in wasted money, but in idle thinking. It takes only a second to ask oneself,” Do I really have a use for this item?” By the item folks reach the cash register, they put their discretion aside. It is as if reaching the checkout line is a signal to stop thinking.
Impulse is not a good way to live. Whether it is making a major life decision or buying trinkets at the supermarket checkout line, impulse is the mood of the moment overriding common sense. A purposeful choice is a far superior option to impulse. Deliberate and thoughtful actions have far better results than those based on whimsy.
Take charge! Think it through. Those who live thoughtfully are those who live victoriously.
