She Strengthens

The High Cost of Self-Improvement

When we think about self-improvement, we often imagine a better version of ourselves – healthier, more productive, and more successful. But in pursuit of this idealized self, we often fall prey to aspirational spending. This is when we buy things that align with our desired identity, rather than our current reality.

My Own Aspirational Spending Failures

I’m guilty of this too. I once wasted $360 on a gym membership I barely used. I thought I’d become a regular gym-goer, but in reality, I prefer exercising in group settings, and my membership didn’t include classes. It was a hard pill to swallow when I realized I’d spent the equivalent of a plane ticket or several great outfits on a membership that didn’t fit my lifestyle.

But I’m not alone. I’ve accumulated a collection of unused craft supplies, unread books, and unfulfilled goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that buying something will magically transform us into the person we want to be.

Real People, Real Regrets

I asked friends and readers to share their own stories of aspirational spending, and the results were eye-opening. Here are a few examples:

• Hailey spent $100 on a meal replacement powder and workout DVDs, only to discover she hated the taste and didn’t own a DVD player.
• Brittany wasted $60 on a wine enthusiast subscription she barely used.
• Tori has spent a small fortune on hair products, searching for the perfect curl cream, but to no avail.
• Katie lost weight on a $250 weight loss challenge, but gained it back soon after, realizing the program was unhealthy and unsustainable.
• Molly bought two pairs of expensive workout pants for a class she couldn’t afford to continue attending.
• Laura M. spent money on Rosetta Stone, but never used it to refresh her Spanish skills.
• Amanda spent $40-60 per month on books she thought she should read, only to realize she hadn’t finished most of them.
• Kayla bought prescription sunglasses, but hated the tint and rarely wore them.
• Sky confessed to wasting money on e-courses and ebook bundles, despite knowing she wouldn’t follow through.
• Natasha admitted to buying self-help books on impulse, only to leave them untouched on her shelves.
• Carina fell for the clean eating trend, buying spices and ingredients for recipes she never cooked.
• Marissa bought yoga classes because the studio was convenient, but didn’t enjoy the style of yoga or the early morning schedule.
• Savanna regretted spending $150 on a juicer, using it only a handful of times in two years.

The Takeaway

Aspirational spending is a common pitfall, but recognizing our mistakes can be a valuable lesson. By acknowledging our tendencies and being more mindful of our purchases, we can avoid wasting money on things that don’t align with our true needs and goals. So, the next time you’re tempted to buy something that promises to transform you into a better version of yourself, take a step back and ask: “Is this really worth it?”