It has been two days since my life lab has ended now and I have to say it is pretty inspiring.
During the last thirty two days I have constantly been thinking about just doing this for other things that I need to fix. For instance, I pick and chew my nails. I think during January I am going to go the whole month without picking or chewing.
Even writing this reflection I feel a somewhat bitter-sweetness to it. I am stoked that I don’t have to write the three hundred to five hundred words a night don’t get me wrong. However, I miss the constant feeling improving my life/ habits brings.
There is no doubt in my mind that this project has jump started better spending habits for me. During November I found myself searching through my closet in amazement as I glanced at the number of impulse purchases I had made. There were numerous items which I have worn only a handful of times. Had it not been for the miniscule amount of restraint I put on my self I can almost guarantee that I would have made another one of those dumb impulse purchases.
Even though I still bought things during November I did actually think about the items before I bought them. It has been months since I have wanted something but actually thought “Do I really need this?.” As an example, the day I bought the jacket, I contemplated also buying jeans. I tried them on and like them. When I got out of the dressing room a thought crossed through my mind. “Do I really need more jeans?” You know what my answer was? It was yes.
As I have mentioned I recently dropped a pant size. Therefore I have only one pair of pants that fit. Justification for new jeans? Normally yes, but no. Even though I needed new jeans I realized that pants that fit correctly are a luxury, not a necessity.
If they had been cheaper though I would probably be wearing them right now.
I ended this month with just over two hundred dollars in the positive. If you read my introductory page than you would know my goal was to save around that much. So even though I cheated multiple times I consider this a small victory.
I prevailed because I curved my spending habits.
I prevailed because I saved money.
I prevailed because I think before I buy now.
During the month I also noticed how spoiled I am. My discount is amazing. After talking to other people who work in clothing I feel very fortunate. I started to notice that the people I hang out with and see everyday at school re-wear their shirts more often than I do.
My Mom was even some what invested in this project. It actually spawn the start of what could be a very smart choice. My Mom and I are now looking in to putting money away in a bond or CD in order to gain interest on it and make me money in the future. We also contemplated the stock market although decided against it because of its inconsistencies right now.
What I am hoping will happen, due to the life lab, is that the miniscule changes I am made in this prior month will snowball into some bigger radical money management skill that I will obtain at a later age.
As for now though, all I can do is steer my self down that road.
So Thank you Mr. Greenslate for inspiring what could be a very useful tool in my future. This has been easily one of, if not my, favorite assignment I have ever had in an English class. Thank you for giving us an assignment that is not just reading a book. And thank you for just being an overall good teacher.
And with that I bid you adieu Word Press. Maybe I will start a new blog. As for now who knows.
Thank you for reading.
Sincerely Tyler Colvin
