We’ve all done it.
We’ve rationalized our decisions, and then used our rationalizations to avoid changing or improving.
Unfortunately, it’s really easy to do, sometimes without even realizing it.
It usually starts when we’re dissatisfied on some level with something that’s going on in our life. Maybe we’re struggling to make ends meet, or maybe we’re tired of driving around the same old car we’ve had for years, while everyone around us seems to be getting ahead.
Rationalizing might sound something like this: “We’re doing pretty well for our age. We have a nice place to live, and two cars, and we went on that vacation a few months back. Probably most people our age are struggling a little too, but we’re doing pretty good for having full time jobs and being in school.”
When really, we’re barely able to pay the bills and often argue about money. Instead of patting ourselves on our back reassuringly, we should be making changes that will improve our life.
Or maybe it sounds like this: “My car is getting really old. It’s going to start breaking soon, and the repairs will be really expensive. And it isn’t the safest car. I really need something safer and reliable now that we’ll be having a baby. Plus sometimes we need to go camping, bring the dog with us, or pick up something at Home Depot. We really need something bigger, too. Everyone has a car payment, it’s normal.”
No, we don’t need a shiny new car. We want one, and rather than just admitting that, we’re trying to frame going in debt as a positive thing.
The thing is, if you have to rationalize a decision, it means that deep down, you know it’s a bad idea.
But instead of facing up to what we really ought to be doing (getting our finances in shape, sticking with the old car for while until we can afford a new one), we continue on our merry way, getting in deeper and deeper.
We miss out on opportunities for real improvement and change — opportunities that would allow us to fulfill our real dreams instead of convincing ourselves that what we’re doing is what’s best for us.
Sure, sometimes we just want to do something that’s not in our own long-term interest. That’s human nature. But at least do it with your eyes wide open, if you’re going to do it. Don’t rationalize your way through life.
Posted in Emotions & Money on 01.31.11 with 10 comments.
It sure is hard not to rationalize things in life, isn’t it? It’s so easy to find reasons for doing something when that is what you really want to do no matter if it makes sense or not. Good reminder, thanks!
Yeah, it is easy. Just being aware of how easy it is can help though.
“The thing is, if you have to rationalize a decision, it means that deep down, you know it’s a bad idea.”
Wow…that’s so true. I try to avoid this, as well. Usually all it takes is a little time. I’ll put off the purchase and think about whether or not it’s something I really need, not just want.
It sounds like you have a good way of handling it :)
I definitely rationalize my way through shopping trips at times. At least I’m not doing the damage on credit. But I’m sure if I take a closer look, I rationalize about a lot of other aspects in life, too.
For me it’s the opposite — I don’t do much rationalizing on shopping trips, more so in other areas.
Rationalizing away poor decisions can be a bad trap to fall into. It’s always good to be aware of when we’re doing this to ourselves.
Awareness is the first step toward change…
I’m seesawing on rationalizing getting a new (used) car next year. Mine is at 140,000 miles, three rust spots, leaking back and side windows, cracked windshield, and has massive oil and transmission leaks. Do I spend upwards of $1000 to fix the leaks and windshields? Or do I fall back into monthly payments and see my insurance double? *sigh* I hate to throw money at the car now, but if I can make it last through next year, then I’ll be in a better position financial-wise to afford a new(er) car.
Does your insurance offer free glass replacement? (Some do.) If so, that might take care of part of the problem. I know I always wince when I need to make big repairs on my car (things like the engine or the drive train, for example) but so far I’ve always done it for two reasons: I really like my car, and it’s always worked out less cost-wise to pay a big chunk at once and then nothing for a long period. However, it depends on the car. Multiple $2K+ repairs in less than 6 months would make me consider otherwise, for example.