There was a time in my life when buying the latest gadgets and dressing fashionably were at the top of my priority list.
I thought I was making myself happy by keeping up with trends and always having the best of the best.
But in reality, I was broke and on the verge of depression.
Anyone living that lifestyle knows how hard it is to keep up, and how social media fills us with unrealistic, unhealthy, and unattainable expectations.
People who are materialistic, like I was, don’t often realize how this mindset can subtly affect the way they behave and treat others.
In this article, we’ll explore seven subtle behaviors that people who base their worth on material possessions often display.
Let’s dive in:
1) They constantly compare
Ever noticed someone who just can’t help but compare?
Well, this is a common trait among those who base their worth on material possessions.
Here’s what happens.
They keep a keen eye on what others have and continually measure their belongings against those of others.
Whether it’s the latest smartphone, a swanky car, or even a designer bag, they find it hard to resist the comparison game.
The problem?
This constant comparison often leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety.
After all, there will always be someone out there with something better or newer.
2) They tend to overspend
A couple of years ago, I had a friend who seemed to have it all – the latest tech gadgets, high-end fashion items, you name it.
But here’s the catch – she was always in debt.
Why?
Because she would often spend beyond her means in her quest to own the latest and the best.
Her material possessions became a measure of her self-worth, and she felt compelled to maintain this image at all costs, even if it meant maxing out her credit cards.
The reality is, constantly chasing after material items can lead to financial instability.
It’s crucial to remember that our worth is not determined by the number of expensive items we own but by our character and how we treat others.
3) They struggle with gratitude
This is a tough one to admit, but it’s a reality for many.
Finding gratitude in the small things often becomes challenging when people tie their self-worth to material possessions.
The joy of a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning, the soothing sound of rain against the window, or a heartfelt conversation with a loved one – these moments may lose their magic.
You see when our eyes are constantly on the ‘next big thing’, we tend to overlook the everyday beauty that life has to offer.
Genuine happiness and self-worth come from within.
No amount of material possessions can fill the void if we fail to appreciate what we already have. It’s the simple things in life that truly matter.
4) Their happiness is often short-lived
Ever bought that shiny new gadget you’ve been eyeing for months, only to find the joy fading away a few days later?
This is known as the ‘hedonic treadmill’ or ‘hedonic adaptation‘.
In simpler terms, it’s the human tendency to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events or life changes.
For people who measure their worth by their possessions, this cycle is often in high gear.
But here’s the thing – the thrill of new acquisitions is often fleeting.
It gives way to a nagging sense of dissatisfaction and a constant need for more.
It becomes an endless loop – buy, enjoy, lose interest, buy again.
But true happiness?
It’s not tied to the things we own.
It’s about our experiences, relationships, and personal growth.
5) They equate success with possessions
People who base their worth on material possessions tend to view success as a measure of what one owns – the bigger the house, the more successful they perceive themselves to be.
But here’s something to ponder.
Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept.
It’s personal and unique to each individual.
It could mean achieving career goals for some, attaining spiritual growth for others, or even building strong relationships.
After all, we can’t take our possessions to the grave with us, so it really comes down to how well we’ve lived life and the impact we’ve left on others.
6) They struggle with genuine relationships
Let’s face it, we all struggle with relationships at some point. It’s part of being human.
For those who value material possessions above all else, this struggle can take a different form.
They may inadvertently prioritize their acquisitions over the feelings and needs of their loved ones.
This can lead to strained relationships and a sense of isolation.
Realizing this is the first step towards change.
It’s never too late to shift your focus from ‘having’ to ‘being’.
To foster relationships that are based on mutual respect, love, and understanding.
After all, it’s the people in our lives, not possessions, that provide us with the support, encouragement, and love we need to thrive.
So next time you find yourself choosing between spending time with a loved one or acquiring the next big thing – choose wisely.
7) They often overlook their personal growth
Here’s the most important takeaway.
When we place undue importance on material possessions, we often neglect our personal growth and well-being.
We get so wrapped up in acquiring and maintaining our things that we forget to invest time and energy into our own development – be it intellectual, emotional, or spiritual.
In the grand scheme of things, it’s this growth that truly defines us.
It shapes our character, enriches our lives, and enables us to contribute positively to the world around us.
So let’s shift our focus from what we have to who we are becoming.
Because it’s not the possessions but the person you become that truly matters in life.
Final thoughts
If you recognize any of these behaviors in yourself, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to shift your mindset.
Start by focusing on what truly matters, like building meaningful relationships, pursuing your passions, and practicing gratitude for the non-material aspects of your life.
Try setting goals that aren’t tied to possessions, like learning a new skill or spending more time with loved ones.
By making these changes, you can begin to value yourself for who you are, not just what you own.
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