{"id":61187,"date":"2017-08-02T22:36:58","date_gmt":"2017-08-03T05:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=61187"},"modified":"2017-08-02T22:42:44","modified_gmt":"2017-08-03T05:42:44","slug":"before-you-buy-ask-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/08\/02\/before-you-buy-ask-why\/","title":{"rendered":"Before You Buy, Ask Why?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Spend
Spend that tax return with us! Oakland, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m a consumerist, and I love to buy stuff.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

\"Man
Man standing at bar. Prague, 2015.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I feel (or falsely believe) that buying a new… something… will make me a better person. It will make me happier. More joyful. Meet more of my potential.<\/p>\n

I am a sucker for Apple products. I want to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153think different\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and I think buying a new iDevice will help me think \u00e2\u20ac\u0153outside the box.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\"Porsche.
Porsche. Seattle, 2015.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The truth: no device, or consumerist product will help you be more creative.<\/p>\n

How to be more creative:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Be frustrated with shitty stuff in the world, and endeavor to make something better. Aka, scratch your own itch. Or be the change which you wish to see in the world. Or seek to build things that you<\/em> would like to use. <\/li>\n
  2. Use shitty tools: For me, using shitty tools helps me innovate myself out of the restrictions. For example, using an old or shitty camera forces me to shoot monochrome and simplify my photos. Also, when my devices get old and slow, I need to UNINSTALL superfluous apps, or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153bloatware\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d which actually helps me focus on my work, and not get distracted playing dumb games or screwing around with new apps. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Why, Why, Why, Why, Why?<\/h2>\n
    \"Walgreens.
    Walgreens. 2 Liters of Soda only for $1. Oakland, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Always ask yourself \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d At least 5 times before buying something.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    This will help you get to the ROOT of why<\/em> you want something, or need something.<\/p>\n

    Do you buy stuff for a status symbol? To unlock your creativity? Because you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re bored, and want excitement in your life? Why, why, why, why, why?<\/p>\n

    Know Yourself.<\/h2>\n
    \"MacBook
    MacBook Air, and charging devices. Berlin, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    There is no \u00e2\u20ac\u0153right\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153wrong\u00e2\u20ac\u009d reason to buy stuff.<\/p>\n

    I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m also not telling you to not buy stuff. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m just telling you,<\/p>\n

    \n Know your own personal motives, truly, honestly…why<\/em> you want to buy something, before you do.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    This will help you have less buyer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s remorse, and realistic expectations of the stuff you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re buying.<\/p>\n

    And ultimately, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m just giving you advice that I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m giving myself.<\/p>\n

    BE STRONG AND PROSPER,
    \nERIC<\/p>\n

    Join ERIC KIM FORUM<\/a> if you need help buying a new camera, gear, or need feedback.<\/p>\n

    \n

    HOW TO CONQUER GAS<\/a><\/h1>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    GAS: (Gear Acquisition Syndrome): wanting to buy new cameras, because you feel like your photos aren’t good enough, because your camera isn’t good enough:<\/p>\n