IK, you said you have a weakness for eBay, right? Doesn't Paypal keep transaction history? Why don't you go through and add up all your eBay purchases for the year, write it down on a sticky note, and stick it to your computer screen as a reminder?

DL: Good idea.

Although... I mostly love all of those things! Bleagh.

That's good though! If you didn't get lemons, wear those purchases. Just use the dollar amount on paper as a reminder. Maybe tape something non-fashion related next to it that is a goal like a trip or a new couch or whatever.

Perhaps my issue is that I don't really have a goal like that (ok, I would like a new mattress because I hate this one, and to replace our toilets, but - somehow, this is lacking incentive). I would just like to show my own inner maturity and discipline. If I could conquer my love of the new joyfully and gracefully, that would be a plus. Just haven't found joy/grace yet, although I am trying!

also - turn off the tube. seriously. this falls under the heading of 'limit/stop exposure to media which encourages buying stuff'. good luck! steph

Steph, I haven't had a TV set for years. We do streaming exclusively. Sorry, can't blame TV for this one.

Doing a 3 month SYC helped me immensely in this area. I didn't feel like it did while I was participating but I DID notice the effect when SYC was over for me. I was *much* more careful about what I brought into my closet and that has stayed with me throughout the year (I did SYC from Jan 1 to April 1, 2011). I had a few little epiphanies along the way, but the largest benefit occurred after.

I wanted to learn how to be happy with what I already had, and SYC did that for me.

Keep going. It's hard but you'll learn a lot! (Even if you don't think so right now.) It's quite eye opening.

Thanks, IK for the succinct summaries of the advice!
I definitely notice in myself the addictive quality of the hunt, and my urge is strongest after a difficult day. My coping mechanisms generally fall into the categories of either "wait" or "distract myself with a different activity or pursuit." I am currently about one week into an informal abstention. I think by this point I should be giving myself gold stars like I do for my kids.

ironkurtin, an interesting article from Slate.com on "Seeking" behavior and technology. It helps to explains why your Ebay issue (and online shopping in general) is especially dangerous in stimulating dopamine levels:

http://www.slate.com/articles/.....ingle.html

Claudia, that is an amazing article. It explains A LOT. And actually, knowing about this makes it WAY easier for me to stop than other rewards, etc. Not sure why. I just don't like being the victim of biology.

Also, since I work in gaming, it explains a lot about video games, too.

One of the techniques i read about in a book is wear all your clothes twice! Make a full audit of the closet ( excel, word , pen&paper, pictures, etc) purge what you think, and wear all the other. ALL. Even that mortifying sale purchase ( hey, it wasn't purged, wear it! ) . You get to realize a lot of what kind of clothes you have, what else you need, etc. And focusing to create an outfit around a specific piece will be a surge of creativity!