Why do we Always Want?

While trying to stay organized and learning more about minimalism, I've realized that many people always want new stuff. This wanting and buying totally defeats the purpose of what I'm trying to do. The whole concept of less is more goes down the drain if you always want more. Always wanting the latest and greatest. So how do you stop wanting? It's hard.
Here's what you can do to help yourself. Personally, I need to do all of the things on this list! yikes!

1. Avoid advertising. As I said in my last post about Minimalism, watch less TV. In turn you won't be as susceptible to advertisements.
2. Avoid shopping. Do you really need to go to the mall? Try and use what you have. I know it's hard to do around the holidays. But this year Ryan and I did most of our shopping on-line. We made a list and stuck to it!
3. Be conscious of your lust for material objects. Ask yourself if you really need it. Can you live without it?
4. Recognize rationalizing. Are you making up reasons as to why you need it? Realize that you're rationalizing - do you really 'deserve' it?
5. Pause. Do you need the item right this minute? I doubt it. Wait a day, a week or months. Usually the desire of a want fades away with time and you realize that you didn't really NEED it, you just really, really wanted it. (In my case it was a new Louis Vuitton purse...)

Thanks for reading,