[Discussion] Downsizing/Minimizing Sneaker Collection or Quitting Collecting (WITH TIPS/RESOURCES)

[s dubl]

One of the more difficult aspects of this “hobby”, is to “keep up” with the releases, and/or to keep up with others… in all reality, majority of us that are into kicks at any capacity, have enough shoes to pretty much last the rest of our lives.

 

[us3less]

I'll ask this, how can I enjoy the hobby without having the need or urge to buy every release?

I'm earning more, but haven't saved nearly as much as I could have since the promotion.

Congratulations on the promotion! Couple of things:

1. Financially speaking related to your promotion - keep your lifestyle to the way it was BEFORE your promotion, and use that extra money you're earning towards investing, saving (for whatever you want it to be), or paying off debt if you have any.
   • Almost everyone (including myself at one point) made the mistake of not doing this and end up with lifestyle creep. We end up spending way more to keep up. That's why people don't save as much or at all. Sure, you can treat yourself every once in a while, but people often use the promotion as an excuse to spend more regularly (i.e. switching to fine-dining way often compared to before). Good inspirational story of a Detroit Lions player who did this: https://www.wptv.com/money/consumer...-player-lives-60000-year-keeps-spending-check
2. Practice gratitude. Look at what you DO have, and appreciate them for the fact that you have them when some people out there do not. Remind yourself what you like about them. We often get sucked into keeping up because of noticing what others have, too, and it can easily put us into a comparison spiral.
3. When you feel the urge or the "itch," just recognize that it's JUST an emotional feeling and let it be for at least 24 hours. It's gonna cloud your judgment, and it's gonna convince you to go for it. For myself, I've seen most of those itches go away after 1-3 days and I totally forget about it.
4. If you still feel like you want it after about a week, two weeks, or a month (whatever floats your boat), and it fits your budget AND your values, go for it.
5. Like s dubl said, be selective.
6. Similar to SlamShut , create a good set of rules for yourself like "one pair must go if I want a new pair to come in" or create a capacity limit.

Although all of these points are critical and important, I'd emphasize point #3 since this is what I struggle with and I find the most difficult, ESPECIALLY when there are moments of boredom or stress. It's typically related to triggers, too, so to achieve #3, you have to pay attention to yourself and all the triggers.

Hope all of this helps!