Stop Saving for “Someday”: How to Overcome the Fear of Using Nice Things
Do you have expensive notebooks, clothes, perfumes, or other cherished items you’ve been “saving” for a special day or until you’ve achieved something significant? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with the mindset that we aren’t “worthy” of using nice things until we become “someone” or accomplish our dreams. But this belief not only holds us back from enjoying life, it also reinforces feelings of unworthiness.
In this article, we’ll explore why this mindset develops, its emotional roots, and practical steps to help you break free and start using the things you love—today.
Table of Contents
Why Do We Save Nice Things?
1. Fear of Ruining Them
We often associate expensive or special items with perfection. The idea of scuffing new shoes or writing something “unworthy” in a notebook fills us with anxiety. We worry we’ll regret using them wrong, so we avoid using them at all.
2. Self-Worth Tied to Achievement
For some, using nice things feels like a reward they haven’t yet earned. This mindset is often instilled by societal or familial expectations that link self-worth to success.
3. Scarcity Mentality
The fear of not being able to replace something expensive can cause us to hoard it. This is especially true if we’ve grown up in environments where resources are limited.
4. Cultural or Emotional Conditioning
Growing up, were you told to “save the best for later” or not to “waste” good things? These messages shape how we treat our possessions—and ourselves.
The Cost of Waiting for “Someday”
- Missed Joy in the Present: Life is unpredictable. Waiting for a perfect moment often means missing out on small joys today. (The Power Of Now By Eckhart Tolle: Transforming Your Life Through Present-Moment Awareness – Epicfashion)
- Unnecessary Guilt: The constant “saving” mindset can create feelings of deprivation and regret.
- Items Deteriorate Over Time: Perfumes expire, clothes go out of style, and notebooks gather dust. Saving too long can lead to loss instead of preservation.
- Reinforces Low Self-Worth: By delaying the use of nice things, we subconsciously tell ourselves we aren’t good enough now.
The Benefits of Using Nice Things Now
Using your nice things now can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. It adds a touch of luxury and joy to your everyday life, making each day feel special. By embracing the present and using what you have, you can build a deeper appreciation for the things you own and create lasting memories.
Practical Tips for Overcoming the Fear
- Mindset Shift: Start by changing your mindset. Remind yourself that life is meant to be lived, and using nice things now is a way to celebrate the present.
- Set Small Goals: Begin by using one nice item at a time. Wear that dress you love, use that fancy china for a regular dinner, or spray on that luxurious perfume for a day at home.
- Practice Gratitude: Focus on the joy and gratitude that comes from using these items. Appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship that went into creating them.
- Embrace Imperfection: Accept that things will get worn out or used up. This is a natural part of life, and it’s okay. The memories and experiences you gain are worth it.
Books to Read on Overcoming Fear
1. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers
“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers is a timeless classic that has helped millions overcome their fears. This book provides powerful advice and tools to move from paralysis and indecision to energy and action. It addresses various anxieties, from fear of failure and rejection to fear of change and intimacy. By handling life’s challenges with confidence, readers can take control and live the life they want. Even after 30 years, Jeffers’ insights remain relevant, encouraging us to face our fears and embrace a life of enthusiasm and action.
2. Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown
In “Daring Greatly,” Dr. Brené Brown offers a transformative perspective on vulnerability, challenging the misconception that it’s a weakness. Instead, she argues that vulnerability is a strength that can bring purpose and meaning to our lives. Drawing on 12 years of groundbreaking social research, Brown explores how embracing vulnerability can enhance our experiences in areas such as home, relationships, work, and parenting. The book invites readers to be courageous, to show up, and to let themselves be seen, even without guarantees. By doing so, we can live more authentic and fulfilling lives. This is the essence of vulnerability. This is daring greatly. Now available on Netflix as “The Call to Courage.”
3. The Confidence Gap” by Russ Harris
“The Confidence Gap” by Russ Harris offers a practical approach to overcoming fears and self-doubt using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Instead of trying to eliminate fears, Harris suggests forming a new relationship with them. This method leads to lasting freedom from fear. The book provides strategies to redefine confidence, manage anxiety, clarify core values, and use mindfulness to handle negative thoughts. It’s a guide to embracing challenges with confidence and living a more fulfilling life.
4. The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker
In “The Gift of Fear,” Gavin de Becker, the nation’s leading expert on predicting violent behavior, explores the human ability to foresee and avoid danger. Through real-life scenarios, such as a stranger offering help in a deserted parking lot or a fired employee making threats, de Becker illustrates how violence almost always has a discernible motive and clear warning signs. This groundbreaking book empowers readers to trust their instincts and recognize these signals to protect themselves and avoid harm. By understanding the patterns of human violence, we can better predict and prevent dangerous situations, ultimately leading to a safer, more aware society.
By shifting your mindset and embracing the present, you can overcome the fear of using nice things and start enjoying the beauty and luxury they bring to your life. Remember, life is meant to be lived, and the best time to use your nice things is now.
How to Break Free from This Mindset
1. Recognize Where This Mindset Comes From
Take time to reflect on why you feel the need to save special items. Was it due to a strict upbringing, societal pressure, or personal insecurities? Acknowledging the source helps you detach from it.
2. Challenge Your Thoughts
Whenever you catch yourself “saving” something, ask:
- What am I waiting for?
- Why do I think I’m not worthy today?
- What’s the worst that could happen if I use this now?
3. Start Small
Pick one item you’ve been saving and use it in a small way. For example, write a quote in your expensive notebook or wear your favorite perfume at home.
4. Redefine “Special Occasions”
Every day is an opportunity to celebrate yourself. Your morning coffee, a walk in the park, or even a lazy afternoon is reason enough to enjoy something nice.
5. Remind Yourself of the Purpose of Things
Nice items are meant to be enjoyed, not stored away. A scuffed shoe or a half-empty perfume bottle isn’t a loss—it’s a testament to a life well-lived.
6. Shift Your Mindset from Scarcity to Abundance
Instead of fearing you’ll lose something, focus on how using it adds value to your life. Gratitude can help reframe your perspective:
- “I’m grateful I can afford this item, and I deserve to enjoy it.”
7. Celebrate Imperfection
A notebook with messy notes or a dress with slight wear tells a story—it shows that these items were loved and lived in.
8. Create Small Rituals
Turn the act of using your cherished items into a ritual. Light a candle while journaling in your favorite notebook or wear your special shoes during your daily errands.
Embracing Your Worth Today
Overcoming the fear of using nice things is about more than just possessions—it’s about self-worth. By allowing yourself to enjoy what you already own, you’re sending a powerful message to yourself:
“I am enough, just as I am. I don’t need to achieve anything more to deserve the good things in life.”
Start small, celebrate each step, and watch as the simple act of using your favorite items transforms your relationship with yourself and your belongings.
Conclusion: Fear of Using Nice Things
You don’t have to wait to “become someone” to enjoy what you’ve worked hard to own. Life is happening now, and your possessions are here to add joy to your journey—not to sit unused in anticipation of an undefined future.
So, open that notebook, spritz that perfume, wear those shoes, and remind yourself that you’re already worthy of all the good things you have.
Asha Khanna is an SEO-focused content writer with 6+ years of experience in affiliate marketing. She specializes in skincare, lifestyle, and wellness, creating research-backed, practical content that helps readers make informed choices.
