Stuff and Life

Why am I doing an MBA? That is a question I am challenged with on a daily basis as I wade through the journal articles, chapters on marketing, material on how to turn unhappy employees into attentive team members and so on so forth. I figured the MBA would turn me back to my previous thoughts which would be considered conservative by today’s definition. However, I find myself becoming increasingly unhappy with the models of today’s world. I find myself struggling with the idea of marketing a product not because it will make the world better and help someone but because it will return value to shareholders.

Our good friends, Brett and Laura Holt, have shared with us a website which plays a short film that has struck a chord with Terra and I. I would highly recommend you visit the website: The Short Story of Stuff. Watch the video and think about the ways you can change your lifestyle with just a bit of planning and forethought.

For some time now, Terra and I have said, “We rather have experiences over possessions.” Fifteen years ago, I aspired to have stuff. Now, I aspire to have a life rich in experience and a lifestyle that allows me the ability to spend time with my family and help others. To avoid poor economic choices, we have looked hard at our consumption both as a function of budgeting and as a function of being a good global citizen. Did you know that in the US and UK that the average family throws away 50% of their monthly food purchases? Much of which is unopened and could still be used. The examples of waste are astounding and it truly is having a devastating effects on our world.

As the Holiday Season approaches, I would kindly ask that you think about your purchases very carefully. Your act of purchasing tells the establishment so many things. Do not buy something because you feel obligated. Be creative and look for ways to create an experience especially for those people who have everything. How does a new plastic gadget really improve life?

By the way, for my MBA program, I have already been reading some of the articles from the 1950’s that this woman in the film speaks of. Our definition of life really has become based on consumption. Regardless of your views, I implore you to watch this short film. It is only 20 minutes of your life and may start you thinking about how you too can be a better global citizen.

Feel free to post ideas below for others about ways to be less consumption oriented if you have already thought about how to change your lifestyle.