Let's minimize spending & scrolling

An invitation to the Contentment Reset.

Do you ever get to a point where you realize you must make a change?

I was there last January. I feel like I’m getting there again.

Our spending was getting out of control (Amazon was delivering pretty much daily) and I didn’t like how often I was scrolling my phone.

For me, social media and spending go hand in hand. I’m a marketer’s dream - show me cute and comfy clothes, give me a solution to a minor inconvenience or an organizing item and it’s in my cart + ordered before I fully comprehend what happened.

Although these devices and marketing tactics are strong, I’m stronger and I love a challenge.

I had gone on random social media breaks here and there. I’d delete the apps for a day or so and then get them back for one reason or another. It was helpful, but not the disconnect that I truly needed.

Some people do well with moderating. I do best with abstaining.

In an effort to get a handle on my spending and scrolling, I created what I called the Contentment Reset. I’m probably not the first person to do this, but I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. I knew I needed something more intentional than a no-spend challenge or logging out of some apps on my phone.

con·tent·ment: a state of happiness and satisfaction.

The Contentment Reset is a spending and social media freeze. This is a commitment to spend mindfully and refrain from using social media for at least one month.

**For the purpose of this challenge I’m not considering Substack a social media platform to refrain from although I can totally see the argument that it is. I may change my mind on that, but I do intend to write and post throughout the month.

Whenever you make a change you want to stick with, it’s important to consider “why.” Some whys that came to mind when thinking about my current habits:

• Minimize spending/improve budget.

• Reduce clutter and overspending.

• Appreciate things we already own and use them in resourceful ways as needed.

• Create more free time for the things important to my real life.

• Focus on in-person, real connections — be present.

• Ease feelings of guilt, anxiety, and discontentment.

While 30 days is a doable challenge, I also encourage considering the “how.”

A plan of my hows:

• Spend mindfully: Utilize “wish list” on my phone to make notes of any things I feel we want/need to give space (3 days with day 1 being the initial day of wanting) before purchasing.

• Discuss those needed purchases with my husband.

• Delete tempting apps from my phone (Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, Target, etc).

• Brainstorm resources/alternatives as needed.

• Read/listen to related books.

  • Some favorites are Essentialism by Greg McKeown, The Year of Less by Cait Flanders, and When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley.

Are there any exceptions?

• Necessities (groceries, needed items for the kids, etc)

• Celebration/birthday gifts for others

• Utilizing Facebook only to post to Marketplace and/or Give Freely group

Join me for a Contentment Reset starting February 1, 2025.

I noticed interesting changes in the way I used my time and resources when I completed this challenge in 2024. I’m excited to see what happens this time!

Be sure to leave a comment if you’re doing it with me — what do you hope to get out of the challenge? Lets begin the year with intention and lightness 💖