A More Sustainable Approach to Better Habits
Last January, I declared and attempted to give a six-month “spend less” challenge a go. I learned that, for me, trying to be too extreme didn’t work. I believe this can easily be compared to when someone decides they’re going to cut carbs or sugar, hit the gym a certain number of times a week, and not allow for moderation or rest. Then, when you try to incorporate bread or sweets back into your diet, you might find yourself in a worse place than when you started.
As a reflection on last year and this year, I am finding that associating “SPEND LESS” with “BUY NOTHING except ESSENTIALS” wasn’t the right route for me. However, I am discovering that being educated, slowing down, making use of what you already have, being thrifty, or buying items of greater quality and being more selective with what we buy may be a wiser alternative.
I am also trying to observe my own behavioral habits and identify what kind of positive habits I can incorporate into my life. For me, that might look like buying secondhand, buying what I truly wanted in the first place and would actually use more, versus buying something just because it’s on sale. It also means looking to see if I can buy items secondhand—either from thrift stores or online.
My goal is to have three “no-spend” days a week, and that practice so far is working well for me. This year, I will still be using a star sticker method on a calendar, which, as silly as it seems, helps me stay accountable because I have a visual reminder of whether I stuck to my goal or not.
I have to tell you something I have discovered as I try to incorporate more mindfulness into my life: I really LOVE local resources and COMMUNITY.
I am a big fan of my local library’s offerings, such as their online book app, which allows me to read so many free e-books. Recently, I also attended a Hobby Circle craft evening where we made vision boards. I really wanted to bring used magazines because I couldn’t justify cutting up brand-new magazines from both a cost and environmental standpoint.
A coworker mentioned that I should call my local library and ask. I learned that they sell books and magazines, and I scored 15 magazines for just $5! I was so happy to discover this. I then took those magazines and supplies to the local craft night at a fellow photographer’s studio this week. It was so nice to meet new people, learn more about each other, and create something tactile together.
I am still trying to figure out the direction I want this blog to go. I stopped using the “Spend Less with Jess” catchphrase because I felt I might want to expand beyond just that one dimension of my interests.
Yet, as cliché as it sounds, 2026 truly feels like the year I harness habits to be better—by my own standards, no one else’s. I also want to enjoy and embrace more of my hobbies this year.
While some have resolutions, I am more focused on incorporating habits and systems to meet both my professional and personal goals.
What are ONE or TWO habits you could start incorporating that better align with the kind of life you want to live?
