Want Happiness? Buy Experiences, not Things!

I’ve have always been one to spend money on doing things rather than buying stuff and it looks like Science backs up that mindset.  Most of what we see and hear in our lives is about what things we really need, but experiences will give us memories that last forever.  I especially believe in sharing experiences with family and friends.  Some of my best memories are trips and experiences with family and friends!

Psychology Professor Thomas Gilovich from Cornell University has made four studies on the subject over decades and came to the conclusion that happiness is derived from experiences, not things.

“People often think spending money on an experience is not as wise an investment as spending it on a material possession,” explained Gilovich. “They think the experience will come and go in a flash, and they’ll be left with little compared to owning an item. But in reality we remember experiences long afterward, while we soon become used to our possessions. At the same time, we also enjoy the anticipation of having an experience more than the anticipation of owning a possession.”  says Gilovich

In the 2012 study by Gilovich described how people tend to have more regrets over inaction for experiences than for possessions. You regret more not sharing an experience with friends than not buying new furniture.

Get out there and find your next adventure!  Plan a trip!  Experience our beautiful planet!  There is SO much to do, don’t wait to enjoy great experiences!

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