Five Days In and I'm Struggling (No Spend Month)

I'm having a harder time than I thought I would with Make Do March. I knew I shopped a lot, but it's insane how often I catch myself adding things to virtual carts throughout the day, and I won't even remember how I got there or what I was even looking at in the first place. It's like the over-spender in me hijacks my mind, blurs my vision, and doesn't let me back in until the order's been placed, or something manages to snap me out of it just before hitting "Pay Now."

If you're struggling with the challenge this month, it's okay.

I'm right there with you.

I already had a weak moment. I was craving fast food Day One of Make Do March, so I placed a Door Dash order within minutes of the thought. When it got to me 20 minutes later, my craving had already passed. The food was also cold and soggy, which added another fine later to the regret I felt for ordering in the first place. Did the immediate purchase make me happy? Sure. But the result of it definitely did not.

Yesterday was another struggle. I was at the grocery store for some things, and on my way out I saw the new merchandise Starbucks had out for spring. The reusable cups were super cute and eye-catching, and I especially loved the mermaid illustration on one tumbler in particular. There were only two on display, so immediately my mind was screaming, "Get it now! It'll be gone tomorrow!" Don't miss out! Don't miss out!

I picked it up, agreeing with the FOMO at first, and I even turned toward the register with it. But then I stopped myself, overriding the spending autopilot by remembering the perfectly good tumbler I just bought from the Valentine's Day launch last month. And the rugged llama traveler cup my parents gave me for Christmas not too long ago. Sure, they didn't have the same design on them as this cup, but they held liquids just like this one would do. And I don't have to spend anything more to use them.

I sighed and reluctantly put it back. I admired the mermaid's design one last time before finally leaving the store. Yes, my spender self was disappointed, but it was a nice win for making do.

. . .

I want to beat myself up so much for "losing" the challenge not even a week in, but what good would that do? So what if one day wasn't so good? Do I really have to throw the rest of the month out just because of it? I had four good days after that, and I have 26 more to keep rising to the challenge.

And you do too. It's okay if you struggle; it wouldn't be a challenge if it wasn't hard for us, right? Just as long as you see progress in yourself and take the time to celebrate the wins, no matter how small it may seem. You're going in the right direction, and I'm proud of you!