Frugal Mindset vs Frugal Practice
Something I think about a lot is the concept of frugality as a mindset vs frugality as a practice. Basically, it can be summed up like this - is your frugality second nature and automatic, or it is a conscious choice that you may sometimes struggle to achieve? I don’t think it is necessarily all one or the other, for there are undoubtedly aspects of frugality that one can find easier than others. But certainly, there are some people who find behaving in a frugal manner more second nature than others. Or than I do, at least.
There are aspects of frugality that I grew up with and have done all my life without much thought, so much so that I sometimes forget they are frugal things to do. My parents bought generic items at the grocery store as a general practice, and so as I started shopping for myself, I did the same. I reuse a number of items, such as plastic bags and glass jars, instead of throwing them out. And I set the heat to a low temperature, and the a/c to a high one (although my spouse is not always in agreement!).
However there are many aspects of frugality that I do as a conscious practice, that are not second nature, and I continually struggle with. Conserving my resources comes directly to mind. I am a fritterer by nature, and as easily as I find it to fritter away my time, I also can fritter away my money. I am also not generally a very savvy shopper when it comes to big ticket items (when it matters the most!). I tend to overspend trying to insure something lasts but not in a very effective matter.
I have read before that it takes a month of doing something for it to become a habit, but I wonder if that applies here as well. I think it may take much longer than a month to develop frugality as second nature and not a conscious choice. The result however, will definitely be worth it.
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December 7th, 2007 at 11:52 am
I agree. Some habits seem to come or go really easily in a month (serious caffeine addiction, for instance). But trying to be frugal—it’s probably because of how much easier spending money can make our lives. Too tired to cook? Let’s order pizza.
December 7th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
It is hard. Some frugality I have ingrained in me and other aspects are very hard. I like to think that somehow in there I find a balance. It certainly isn’t second nature to me though.
December 7th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Nice post. I found your blog from a comment on skelliewag.com just so you know.
I have been trying to live more frugally and working on building up some solid practices. It’s harder then it sounds. I try to take it one step, and one day at a time though. Seems to help instead of putting ALL of the goals I want in order to be frugal in my to-do list
Mike
December 7th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Yay another Skellie reader! I heart Skellie. I should put that on a t-shirt.
You are so correct, frugality is best practiced on small habit at a time. Since my gas bill promises to be outrageous this month I think I will start training my husband one degree at a time to tolerate less heat. heh.