Every creator must take these valuable lessons from the Diderot effect
A lot of creators are gullible to fall into the trap called the Diderot Effect. If you think that you need to have the perfect audio setup to start a podcast, the perfect settings to make a video, and the best laptop and environment to write, read this...
A few people I noticed are spending way more on upgrading equipment just because it is not matching with the setup or something that others are purchasing because of the small update. This is nothing but a downward spiral of consumption
Such a consumption cycle will stop if you realize that it is not a huge necessity for now and will keep working on things that are necessary.
Diderot Effect
The Diderot effect is the introduction of a new possession that deviates from the purchaser's current complimentary goods which can result in spiraling consumption.
Grant McCracken( Anthropologist and scholar of consumption patterns ) named it Diderot Effect, based on the Essay from Diderot - "Regrets for my Old Dressing Gown"
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It is natural to want more things once we move forward in life but not having the self-reflection of what we are doing can be a significant blow to ourselves.
This is what I noticed:
Every creator who is starting is on a spiraling consumption of the latest product in the market when they have the pieces of equipment in perfectly good condition to get started.
Buying the latest equipment is not bad. It's the idea of wanting other things that match with the newest purchase and feeling the compulsive need to upgrade every aspect of the environment because it doesn't fit is a bad thing.
So, what can we do?
I found these steps that can help you act accordingly.
I say this because the first step in knowing a problem is acknowledging that there is a problem.
1. Do you need it? Or is it just a passing cloud:
Many things in the world might seem attractive, but evaluating what is necessary will improve our chances of not falling into the trap.
2. Embrace the idea that "things are not what they seem like":
Before judging yourself based on how others are living - take a moment to reflect on how much time they might have put in to get to that position and be positive on your trajectory.
3. Delay the purchase to think if it is necessary.
Take a week before deciding to purchase. It also helps avoid unnecessary purchases and helps build the habit of saving.
If nothing stops you from buying, you will want it more because you will be waiting for it for more than you know, and it will feel amazing.
4. Maintain a limit on how much you spend:
It is generally a good practice to have a limit on your spending. If you are a creator, you can go from spending a few bucks a month to your entire salary.
It is easy to fall for the trap without even knowing, especially if you are earning and trying to build a hobby on the side.
Hence, please understand and try to acknowledge if you ever go into a spiral of consumption.
Having a better environment boosts our productivity and brings in more creativity, but you don't want to keep on spending to find the environment. Build your environment slowly.
That's it from my end. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something.
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Melvin Raj
