Microlearning Lesson Plan: Why We Buy Things We Don’t Need
Category: Psychology & Human Behavior

Lesson 1: Introduction & Fundamentals

Objective: Understand the basic psychology behind purchasing unnecessary items.

Definition: “Why We Buy Things We Don’t Need” refers to the psychological and emotional triggers that lead individuals to make purchases of items that aren’t essential to their needs.

Content:

– Article Reading:
– “The Reason We Buy Things We Don’t Need” by Durmonski.com [Read here](durmonski.com/psychology/we-buy-things-we-dont-need/)
– “Why Do We Buy Things We Don’t Need?” | Psychology Today [Read here](www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/future-trends/202204/why-do-we-buy-things-we-don-t-need)

– Video Viewing:
– “The Psychology of Spending: Why We Buy Things We Don’t Need” [Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3UeZ3SYiaQ)

Key Takeaways:

1. Emotional and psychological triggers, like stress or social influence, often lead to unnecessary purchases.
2. Understanding these triggers can help in identifying personal buying patterns.
3. Advertising and marketing also play significant roles in influencing buying behaviors.

Activity: Reflect on a recent purchase you made that was not a necessity. Write a short paragraph about what triggered the purchase and how you felt afterward.

—

Lesson 2: Practical Application & Techniques

Objective: Learn techniques to manage and mitigate unnecessary spending habits.

Content:

– Article Reading:
– “Why We Buy Things We Don’t Need— And How To Stop” [Read here](nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/james-clear-buy-things-dont-need-stop/6100/)
– “The Psychology of Spending and How to Manage It” | St. Mary’s Bank [Read here](stmarysbank.com/learn/tools—resources/blog/detail/the-psychology-of-spending-and-how-to-manage-it)

– Video Viewing:
– “Impulse Buying: Why You Buy Stuff You Don’t Need” [Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUyyS2rjpJY)

Key Takeaways:

1. Techniques such as setting budgets, recognizing emotional spending triggers, and waiting periods before purchases can help reduce unnecessary spending.
2. Mindfulness and intentionality in shopping can lead to more fulfillment and less impulsive buying.
3. Planning and having a financial strategy are vital in managing spending habits.

Activity: Identify a technique from the lesson that you want to practice. Implement it the next time you consider an unnecessary purchase and reflect on the outcome.

—

Lesson 3: Advanced Insights & Mastery

Objective: Deepen understanding with expert insights and develop long-term strategies for maintaining healthy spending behaviors.

Content:

– Article Reading:
– “The Psychology Of Stuff: Why We Want More” [Read here](bemorewithless.com/the-psychology-of-stuff/)
– “Why We Buy Things We Don’t Need — Insights into Emotional Spending” | The Guardian [Read here](www.theguardian.com/business/2021/feb/09/i-thought-buying-things-would-make-me-feel-better-it-didnt-the-rise-of-emotional-spending)

– Video Viewing:
– “The Psychology of Spending: Why We Buy Things we don’t need?” [Watch here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E60esIyZVdQ)

Key Takeaways:

1. Sustaining healthy spending habits requires continuous self-awareness and monitoring of triggers.
2. Long-term strategies include adopting minimalist or intentional living philosophies, reducing exposure to advertisements, and setting clear financial goals.
3. Engaging with communities that encourage mindful spending can provide support and accountability.

Activity: Draft a personal action plan that includes specific goals and strategies you will adopt to maintain healthy spending habits. Review and adjust this plan monthly.

—

Assessment

1. What is a primary psychological trigger for buying things we don’t need?
– A) Social influence
– B) Financial stability
– C) Availability of products
– D) Time management
Answer: A) Social influence

2. Which technique is suggested to mitigate impulse buying?
– A) Ignoring shopping lists
– B) Setting a budget
– C) Shopping alone
– D) Buying items when on sale
Answer: B) Setting a budget

3. What mindset aids in long-term spending control?
– A) Minimalist lifestyle
– B) Spontaneous shopping
– C) Buying in bulk
– D) Keeping up with trends
Answer: A) Minimalist lifestyle

4. Why is mindfulness important in consumer behavior?
– A) It allows for quicker decision-making.
– B) It improves spending by controlling impulsive purchases.
– C) It supports acquiring more items.
– D) It links spending with social status.
Answer: B) It improves spending by controlling impulsive purchases.

—