What was I thinking?

Yesterday was a long day at work. My cell phone went dead, half of my clients cancelled and I could not write a word to save my life. So I did what any American woman would do, I went shopping. First I went to Marshall's, then Building 19 and then TJ Maxx. We are in a recession so I limited my excursions to bargain basement retail shops and rationalized my need to purchase as it was necessary for my "professional image". You see I am in the process of rebranding my company so why not rebrand my look.

I ended up purchasing two bags. One that is fun yet business appropriate and the purse pictured here. I left the last store and said to myself, "A good accessory always cheers up my day!" I went back to work, wrote my newsletter, saw two more clients and called it a day. Everything felt right with the world.

The next day, I went downstairs, grabbed my morning coffee and took out my shopping bags. Boy was I surprised. I expected to feel glee when looking at my "finds", but instead I was horrified by the white and tan bag. I held the purse up to my husband and he said, "What were you thinking?"

Apparently, I was not thinking, I was reacting. My emotional mind needed a quick pick me up and the bag fit the bill. Unfortunately, my rational mind never kicked in and asked important and pertinent questions such as, "How will this purse impact your professional image?", "What financial resources will you use to pay for the bag seeing as your income dropped drastically today with the cancellations?", and "What else might satisfy your emotional needs right now other than buying something I really don't need?" No. There were no questions running through this old brain. Just a light bulb going off saying "Buy me. Buy me. How cool am I? I am a Steve Madden Designer Bag at a good price. Buy Me."

Yes, the purse is not me at all and it is not appropriate for my professional image. It is more a symbol of what I am not, of lost youth or the desire to be more "hip" than I actually am. After my coffee, I did the adult, fiscally responsible thing. I pulled out the receipt and I took the purse back. No offense Mr. Madden, but this just ain't my style.

How can you avoid emotional shopping when business is slow? Try these three tips:

Breathe: Take three deep breathes and ask yourself these questions: 1)What is my reason for shopping now?, 2) Can it wait for 24 hours? 3) What am I avoiding by shopping? If there is not a good well thought out reason and it can wait, then don't go to the mall. Slowing down the process is a great technique and can save you money and return trips.

Consult your Wise Mind: If I had checked in with my wise mind, it would have counseled me to hold off on buying the animal print bag. Get in the practice of checking in with both your rational and emotional mind and then make the wisest decision you can. If I had done so, I would have realized that I don't need another bag to change my professional image, I need to hire a branding expert!

Phone a friend: Call a friend and chat about what is going on with you and your business. This conversation will enlighten you and help you look at the urge to shop. Besides it is always good to chick chat when feeling bored or discouraged professionally. Chances are this type of support will uplift your spirits and give you valuable business ideas, much more so than another purse will.

Do you want to Make Peace with Your Purse? If so, check out my new teleseminar. There are two spots available and it starts April 23, 2009.

What purchases have you made recently that left you asking, "What was I thinking?"