Food. Clothing. Shelter.
You need to consume stuff like this to survive. It is part of life after all. But how much should you consume? As my friend Dr. Suparno likes to say, advertisers and marketers are always trying to convince you of the importance of three words:
Now
More
Better
A big part of controlling runaway consumption has to do with your management and self discipline with these three dangerous words.
Now
Later stinks, especially when you want something now. Waiting has become unthinkable for us, and we become obsessed with having the latest, the most recent, the freshly released (fill in the blank). We love now so much that we are willing to pay a premium for it. The next time something cool comes out that you must have now, try something different.
Try waiting.
Find something you really want, and force yourself to buy it later than “everybody” else. Use the money you save by not buying it at the highest price to help someone in need or save for the future. If this is hard for you, try a healthy dose of perspective. Imagine how most of the world …
He now has 2.1 million palm trees. Wow.
Dr. Suparno Adijanto has been steadily growing his palm oil business for years. With hard work and discipline he’s made quite the contribution to society in his nation of Indonesia. Through his business hundreds upon hundreds are employed and biodiesel is produced as an environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline. Dr. Suparno long ago made the journey from consumption to contribution, but recently he’s taken it to a whole new level.
He’s found time to captain the work of Leadership Development for the continent of Asia. On this recent trip, Alex and I had the privilege of traveling and teaching with him. His wisdom and experience were greatly appreciated by the leaders we trained together.
Dr. Suparno is helping others find their path to being contributors. He recently helped start The Crown Financial Clinic in his home nation of Indonesia. People who are financially sick stop by his “hospital” for triage, diagnosis and treatment.
He has formed a whole team of Leading Stewards Course graduates. They are treating those trying to move from their unhealthy spending patterns towards a “whole-life stewardship” model.
Way to go, doc! I cheer you on as you continue to turn the tide in …
