Quality items may appear to give us good value, but not necessarily. Some people associate the price with quality, but it doesn’t always play out. If one purchases a suit, but it looks terrible on you, that isn’t a good value at all! Even if you spent several thousand dollars on it it may be quality fabric and design, but it doesn’t serve you well! So when something is expensive it is wise to decide if the value for you is there.
Furniture is a good example. Solid furniture lasts forever and it is usually heavy. This chair and table set is old from 1940. It has served for years with use in various rooms and still is solid. Although it may not be the style of 2017, it is functional. I have no idea if it was an expensive piece in its day. It is still used daily and matches the room it is in. My parents who bought it would be excited to see it is still used.
Quality thinking includes a bit of investigating too. Knowing what is needed before we put money, energy, and time into something doesn’t hurt. One needs to talk to others, see what is available, and then make healthy decisions.
I know many people who have spent thousands of dollars on a college education, but have just spend time and money on learning material they didn’t enjoy. They were either directed to go into a profession someone else pushed them into or into a school where they didn’t really fit. Although I believe education is important, sometimes learning a trade, or education by learning a hands-on skill may be a better value and use of time. We are all so different and our needs, talents, and pursuits should match.
If you ever watch Funniest Home Video’s, you’ll see people trying ridiculous pranks or stunts that end up badly. We all laugh at the mishaps and are startled by them. We don’t see the physical pain or scars from their mishaps, but I hope they heal and learn along the way. It may teach us to be more prudent in our activities.
Not only must we think more long term to have quality thinking, but we must slow down. It isn’t bad to have check points where one accesses what they are doing. Am I in a profession I love? Am I doing what someone else picked out for me? Would it be better to move to a location closer to my family? Is it the money I am making that matter more than the relationships I may be losing along the way with my spouse. Clear thinking helps us make decisions that are win, win for everyone.
Enjoy finding “quality”in your life and “delight in living” along the way.