Powerful Tips to Stop Being a Materialistic Person and Feel Truly Free

If you think materialism isn’t your problem, you might be wrong. Just think about the last thing you bought — and how long that “wow” feeling lasted. Two days? Maybe a week? Then it disappeared, along with the illusion that you’re now happier. And you were already hunting for the next thing. That’s how the game works — and yes, this game is designed for you to lose. In fact, the whole world around you is shaped with one goal: to make sure you never feel like you have enough. If you’re wondering how to stop being a materialistic person, welcome — here we’re going to turn things upside down.

Look, companies spend millions trying to trap you in this cycle. The people who create ads know your psyche better than you do. They know your weaknesses, they know what will grab you. That’s why stores are actually like a maze for you — expensive things are placed right at your eye level, while cheaper ones hide near the floor, where you might not notice them. The music you hear is carefully chosen to calm you and keep you inside as long as possible. There are almost no windows because you shouldn’t be distracted by the outside world. It’s no accident that you almost always move through a store on one side — everything is planned to keep you there longer and make you buy more than you intended.

Tim Kasser, author of The High Price of Materialism, said it clearly: materialism isn’t just about buying things — it’s buying the story someone sells you to make you believe that without these things, you won’t be enough. But that story? It’s a lie. And once you see that, it’s the beginning of the end of the game.

In the next few minutes, I’ll give you some tips on how to break this cycle. I’m not talking about giving up everything and living like a monk — I’m talking about finally being the one making the moves.

What Does It Even Mean To Be A Materialistic Person?

Maybe you think you’re fine with materialism, but if you think a little deeper, it’s not that simple. Being materialistic doesn’t just mean owning a lot of stuff. It’s more about that feeling that you always need more — a better, newer, more expensive thing — because otherwise, it feels like something is missing. Maybe you’ve thought: “If I get this new bag, phone, car, I’ll finally be happy.” But that happiness only lasts for a short time, right?

Let’s dig a little deeper.

The Psychology Behind Materialism

Materialism isn’t just “I like new things” — it’s a whole way of thinking, often connected to our emotions, childhood experiences, and how we learned to measure our worth. Psychologist Tim Kasser says materialism is often linked to two main things: feelings of insecurity and the need for validation. When we feel uncertain, we turn more quickly to material things because they give us a sense of control or status.

Some studies also show that materialism often grows in environments full of comparison — whether in real life or on social media. When we constantly see what others have, our brain gets the signal: “If you have that, you’ll be worthy too.” But that’s a trap. Because once you get that thing, the feeling quickly fades and you need a new dose.

And here comes another interesting psychological trick: the so-called hedonic adaptation. This is the process where we quickly get used to a new thing and start taking it for granted. At first, it excites us, but then it becomes part of the background. And you’re already hunting for the next “exciting” thing.

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How To Recognize If You Might Be Too Materialistic

Look, if you feel like you’re constantly searching for something new — a new phone, clothes, car — because with the old one you simply don’t feel good enough, that can be a sign of materialistic thinking.

Or if you measure your value by the things you have: “If I don’t have this, I’m nothing.” Or if you even spend more than you can afford just so others think you’ve got it all under control.

If you recognize at least one of these signs, you’re already on the right path to start thinking about how to stop being a materialistic person.

Why Materialism Can Harm You

The truth is: materialism doesn’t come without consequences. It’s not just about spending money — it’s a whole bunch of things that can seriously mess with your mind, heart, and even your wallet. So let’s see what happens when you let materialism run your life.

Here are some main reasons why materialism can harm you:

• Emotional Emptiness And Dissatisfaction: You buy something new and for a moment you’re happy. But quickly that feeling disappears, replaced by emptiness and the desire for the next thing. Constant longing and comparing yourself to others makes you tired and unhappy.
• Constant Comparison With Those Around You: Do you appreciate what you have? No, you’d rather look at what others have. And you always find someone who has more, nicer, more expensive things. This pulls you into a never-ending cycle.
• Financial Stress And Debt: No, you don’t always need new things. But once you buy them, it’s bought. Credit cards, loans, debt — when you live beyond your means, you’re in a vicious circle that steals your freedom and peace.
• Neglecting True Values And Relationships: When you focus too much on things, you forget the people who really matter. Friends, family, time with loved ones — those are the moments that give you real happiness, not new clothes or the latest phone.
• Inner Restlessness And Stress: All that longing, desire, and pressure keep you in a state of constant tension. No real peace, no satisfaction. And in the long term, this can lead to anxiety, burnout, and even depression.
• Reduced Ability To Enjoy Simple Things: If you’re always looking at what you don’t have, you forget to appreciate the small joys — a sunset, a chat with a friend, a good movie. Materialism steals that magic from life.

8 Tips on How to Stop Being a Materialistic Person

1. Be Aware of Advertising

Look around you. Ads are everywhere — on TV, on your phone, while driving, even on the packaging of the food you buy. It’s no coincidence that the colors, words, and voices in ads are designed to leave a small “I want this” feeling in your mind. This is not just product information — it’s psychology quietly influencing your desires and decisions.

So start paying attention. Next time you see an ad, ask yourself: What are they trying to sell me? How do they want to convince me? Which of my desires or insecurities are they exploiting? Once you become aware of these tricks, advertising loses some of its power over you. It’s like seeing behind the scenes of a magic show — the magic disappears and only the trick remains.

If you want, try a simple challenge: for four days in a row, write down every ad you notice. Be prepared to be surprised because there will be a lot. And when you see that number on paper, you’ll understand why it’s so important not to let ads dictate your life.

2. Shift Your Definition of Success

If you grew up in a society where being “successful” means having a big car, a modern apartment, and the latest fashion, I don’t blame you for measuring yourself that way. But ask yourself — is that really your definition of success, or something society has planted in you?

What if you measured success differently — not by what you have, but by how you live? Maybe success is having time for your loved ones. Waking up without stress. Going to bed with a peaceful mind. Doing something that makes you happy, no matter how much it costs.

When you change your definition of success, something interesting happens — suddenly, things that used to feel like a “must-have” become irrelevant. You’ll stop chasing validation with new purchases and instead seek (and find) it in feelings and experiences.

3. Practice Gratitude Every Day

Gratitude is the strongest antidote to materialism. When you’re grateful for what you already have, you lose that constant feeling that “something is missing.” And the truth is, most of us don’t lack anything — we just lack the awareness that we are already enough.

Start simply. In the morning, before grabbing your phone, name three things you are grateful for. They can be small: morning coffee, a child’s smile, the feeling of clean sheets. It doesn’t matter how small they are; what matters is that you notice them.

Once it becomes a habit, you’ll be surprised how quickly you start seeing beauty in things you hadn’t noticed before. And when your focus shifts to what you have, materialistic desires lose their charm.

4. Declutter Your Space and Mind

Your home isn’t just a place where you sleep — it’s a reflection of your mind. When your space is full of things you don’t use, your head becomes cluttered too.
Try doing a cleanup. Start with one shelf, one drawer, or one closet. Ask yourself: Do I use this? Does this bring me joy? If the answer is “no,” let it go — donate it, recycle it, or sell it.

Minimalism is not a goal by itself, but a tool. When you get rid of unnecessary things, you gain more space, peace, and clarity. And believe me, when your home breathes, so will you.

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5. Spend Money on Experiences, Not Things

Ask anyone what has brought them the most joy in life, and they probably won’t talk about a new phone. They’ll tell you about a trip, a concert, an evening with friends, or an unforgettable moment.

Experiences have this magical quality — we carry them with us in our memories, in our feelings, and in the stories we tell. Things, on the other hand… wear out, lose their value, and are quickly replaced.

Next time you’re tempted to spend money on something that will only serve you for a few months, ask yourself: Could this money give me a beautiful memory instead? When you start investing in experiences, you not only reduce materialism, but also enrich your life in ways no object ever could.

6. Practice Mindful Spending

Have you ever bought something in a moment of excitement, only to get home and think: “Why did I even get this?” That’s the trap of impulse purchases — and materialism loves it. One of the best ways to resist it is to use the 24-hour rule.

When you see something and think, “I must have this!” — pause. I’m not saying you should always deny yourself, but give it a day. In those 24 hours, that initial “must-have” feeling often fades — a good sign you didn’t really need it in the first place. If after a day you still feel the same desire, then you can consider the purchase more rationally.

Also ask yourself: “Will this really matter to me in a year? Will it make my everyday life better?” If the answer is no, then it’s just another thing that will take up space in your home and in your mind. Mindful spending not only saves you money but also gives you back a sense of control — something materialism loves to take away.

7. Reconnect With Non-Material Values

Materialism thrives when we forget what’s truly valuable in life. If you want to live a less materialistic life, you need to reopen the door to values that have no price tag. These are the parts of life you cannot buy: love, honesty, health, inner peace, friendship, experiences, and knowledge.

Start with simple questions: What truly makes me happy? What do I want people to say about me when I’m gone? When you look at your answers, you’ll quickly realize they won’t include “owned the latest phone” or “drove the most expensive car.” They’ll be memories, moments, and people.

If you want to strengthen this connection, consciously dedicate time to things that have nothing to do with shopping or possessions. Go for a walk with no destination. Talk to someone you haven’t called in a long time. Learn a new skill. When you refill yourself with non-material values, you’ll notice that material desires lose their power, and your sense of fulfillment begins to depend on who you are, not what you have.

8. Remember That You’re Paying With Hours of Your Life

We often think that when we buy something, we’re only paying with money. But it’s not that simple. Think deeper: the money in your account cost you hours of your life — time that has irreversibly passed. Every purchase is essentially paid for with the hours you worked to earn that money.

If you truly want to understand how to stop being materialistic, start being aware of this connection — how you’re trading your time for things that may not even bring you real happiness. Next time you want to buy something, pause and think: Is it worth it? Is this purchase really so important that I’m willing to sacrifice hours of my life for it?

When you start thinking this way, it becomes easier to reduce impulsive spending and begin living a less materialistic life, where experiences and inner peace are values that matter more than things.