Every time I get something new (phone, computer, etc) and get a little excited (read proud) about it, I remind myself that a man in ancient Rome was once very proud of his new chariot. This makes me laugh and realize just how ridiculous material possessions can be. Many of these possessions will be worthless and seem laughably out of date in a few years. That gives me perspective. It also keeps me focused on possessions as tools. What is this object doing for me and what does it help me do more effectively?
Warren Buffett says, “Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”
A high-end desk chair may seem like an expensive splurge. But if it’s comfortable and you spend 6+ hours in it every day, 200 days a year, it may be a good value. Likewise, an inexpensive chair that hurts your back and has to be replaced every other year may be a poor value.
When making buying decisions, the “Will this help me do my ‘job’ better?” filter is a useful one.