In a previous blog, I wrote about our “fantasy self” – the person we imagine becoming, or perhaps becoming again. It’s the healthier, more active, more creative version of ourselves that we aspire to be.

Sometimes, our purchases are connected to that vision. We buy what might be called aspirational purchases: things that represent the person we want to become.

The bicycle for the fitness program.
The smoothie maker for those healthy kale drinks.
The knitting set for quiet evenings of creative relaxation.

And there’s nothing wrong with that.

There is no shame or guilt involved. In most cases, the intention is genuinely positive. We are trying to make a change, and the purchase feels like a tangible first step.

The challenge is that the purchase is easy; changing our routines is harder.

That’s where the question of why becomes important.

If it is easier to fall onto the couch and watch television than to spend 30 minutes exercising, the bicycle alone probably won’t change the equation.

If picking up a latte from your favorite coffee shop on the way to work is part of your routine, why would you suddenly prepare a vitamin-packed smoothie at home every morning?

And if scrolling through your phone feels like an easier way to relax than learning a new skill, what are the chances that the new hobby will survive beyond the initial enthusiasm?

The problem isn’t the bicycle, smoothie maker, or knitting set. The question is whether we have thought about the habits and routines that need to change alongside the purchase.

So, the next time you are tempted to buy something for your “fantasy self,” pause for a moment and ask yourself two questions:

Why do I think I need this?
What am I actually prepared to change to make use of it?

If you want to improve your health, perhaps start with a 15-minute walk every evening or a few simple bodyweight exercises. Build the habit before investing in more equipment.

If you want to eat healthier, make the healthy choice the easy choice. Keep fruit where you can see it and consider keeping chips, chocolate, and other tempting snacks out of immediate reach.

If you want to take up a new hobby, see whether a friend can lend you the equipment – or whether you can rent or borrow what you need – before spending a lot of money. Give yourself a chance to discover whether you actually enjoy the activity.

There’s nothing wrong with buying something that supports the person you want to become. Just remember: the purchase can support the change, but it can’t make the change for you.

Your future self is built through the small choices and routines you repeat – not just the things you bring home.