Why Consumerism Is "Ruining" Your Life

The world is weird...
If you would like to support my channel!: www.buymeacoffee.com/williamsauQ
Here's what I'm reading:
Nickel and Dimed: amzn.to/3XN9tN5
4000 Weeks: amzn.to/3fVeVwy
The Richest Man in Babylon: amzn.to/3UIDKKP'
My Frugal Equipment:
Acer Nitro 5 Computer: amzn.to/3R458Br
Rode Videomic GO II: amzn.to/3R7HAf1
Canon EOS M50 Mark II Camera: amzn.to/3TIGDvF
We often live seeking to live a life of abundance through consumerism; however, I believe that this "normal" consumerist lifestyle is the very thing that is ruining our lives. In this video, I share "7 Reasons Consumerism Is Ruining Your Life."
1. Consumerism sells you a false narrative of happiness
Society teaches us that happiness is abundance of material possessions. The more we consume, the happier we are; however, this is a false narrative of happiness that keeps people in debt. Happiness is not achieved through consumption.
2. Consumerism creates a life full of fear
I believe that all of the trappings that come living a consumerist life create a life of fear. It makes us worry about the consequences of a risk, so we live life in fear. This causes you to not live to your full potential due to fears.
3. Consumerism distorts our view of value
It is a rarity to live a life with economic opportunity. Most people in the world have very few avenues to make money and finding a stable job is not easy. When you have economic opportunity, it gives you money to bring value in your life; however, our view of value is often distorted on buying a bunch of material possessions. True value from economic opportunity is freedom, options, and flexibility.
4. Consumerism is a life without satisfaction
The more you consume, the further you get from satisfaction because you constantly want things. Seeking satisfaction through material possessions is a never ending journey that makes you further and further away from satisfaction the more you seek it.
5. Consumerism focuses on “self care” through material possessions
It is very important to take care of yourself because it allows you to help more people. Our view of self care, however, is distorted because we often believe that you can buy self care. And so we seek self care through material possessions. I believe, however, that self care is a very internal thing and is done through non material things.
6. Consumerism makes it impossible to have control.
I think that it is very important to have control over your life. It is very important to have a peace of mind on a day to day basis; however, when you live a very consumerist life, it is nearly impossible to have control. It doesn't matter how much money you make or how organized you are, it is hard to have control when your life is cluttered.
7. Consumerism makes you life a bizarre “norm”
When you think about the "norm" that we are living in, it is very bizarre. The norm is a life of debt and material trappings. It is a life without freedom and options. I don't live a highly consumerist life because I do not want to live this bizarre "norm."

[@ElAgustin]

What's another reason it's ruining your life?

[@tracynorman4883]

I read a book recently called Goodbye Things by a Japanese minimalist. In that, he states that excess things give you messages, like clean me, file me, water me, tidy me etc etc which is true when you think about it! More possessions equals more pressure.

[@Fillemexicaine36]

2 weeks of vacation a year... what kind of life is that??

[@madeleineburns7631]

Cause you become a slave to keep up

[@MGTOWmademeMillionaire777]

Wife! That is worse than consumerism, no wife rich life 💰! Mgtow

[@kattiepenn]

@@MGTOWmademeMillionaire777 maybe you married to a shopper? You know beauty costs money right?

[@lynn9935]

There is nothing worse than looking at a bunch of "stuff" that used to be money.

[@ElAgustin]

Great quote!

[@angelicakatana]

Money that used to be time..

[@lisalamphier1410]

Consumerism doesn't just take your money. It also takes your time and attention. It junks up your home, and creates guilt for not dealing with or using the things that you buy. It takes up your time shopping and cleaning. I know people who spend an entire day every week just cleaning the house. What should take an hour, takes many hours as they shuffle and navigate around all their possessions. That's a whole day that they could have spent socializing or taking their kids on an outing, or engaging in a favorite hobby. That's enough time to read two average books (that's more than one hundred books a year) or you could work those extra hours and put more money in the bank. But it's hard to convince anyone. They will hang on to all their stuff because it's "worth too much to just get rid of" and they keep adding to the pile. The stuff is worth nothing. It's just stuff. Your time and attention is what's worth something. Your mental health is worth something.

[@rhondalyn100]

YES! THIS!! Your mental health is worth something! Get rid of stuff and live a clean and conscious free life!

[@Sunoocheeks1111]

I have no life anyways so if I don’t keep shopping I have no idea what to do or get excited about.

[@lisalamphier1410]

@@Sunoocheeks1111 If shopping is what you love to do, consider becoming a professional shopper. Then you get to shop without the clutter. 🙂

[@cultist7931]

Eh. As I say. Everybody suffers because of their own decisions.

[@turkwendell6904]

Or it doesn't do any of that and people like stuff and your results may vary

[@neilschipper3741]

Less is more.. no car, no computer, no credit cards!💰👍❤

[@turtleanton6539]

Ind3ed😊

[@danicegewiss862]

As a minimalist, my life is pretty good. I have more stuff to donate tomorrow. My happiness comes from all of the space I have found in my home. My new job comes with free uniforms so I don't need to worry about buying clothes that get ruined from the job. Abundance of cash is what we have!

[@temismontenegromontenegro9319]

Social media is ruining the lives of the majority of people not only financially but also mentaly because it doesn't matter how much one has achieved, he is told all the time he is not successful enough. Austin, you are one of the most successful people in the world!!! You are happy, centered, funny and live life as you please. How many people are this lucky?

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for you kind words!

[@karlabritfeld7104]

He was smart enough to live in another country. That's when you realize how screwed up the USA is.

[@letitbesaid8888]

Your fridge looks wonderfully clean. The overall view is nice from our angle.

[@derrick8224]

Funny. I wrote I miss the magnates. It is cleaner looking, but I think it takes away some character

[@asavannah7439]

Now we just need a little festive decor 🌲

[@eliomarandrade3909]

One year ago I left Califórnia and moved to Brazil. Life is so much more affordable here, yet I still found myself broke at the end of the month because I brought my bad money habits with me. Thanks to your videos, I've radically changed my relationship with money. I've become frugal, and every month I sock away savings that I use for my real passiion, travel, instead of frittering It awqy on things and restaurants. Thanks for helping me make these important changes.

[@trishredding8009]

Oh my God! This video was like a sermon to me! I kept saying "PREACH"! I've been trying to limit my spending this year and have done very well. I've donated and sold a lot of unused stuff in my home. But.....black Friday did me in. All the things I've been coveting for months went in my cart and I hit the BUY IT NOW button. The items arrived and I will use them all,but it has fed the monster and I want more. Consumerism is real and difficult to stop. I fell off the wagon, realized it, and will try again. It's certainly a process, kind of like quitting alcohol or any other addiction. Thanks for keeping us in our place!

[@trishredding8009]

@BentoBuff , you're right. Everything I bought were things I've really been wanting. The prices were right and a lot came with free shipping. I can't count how many things I've added to carts this year and didn't purchase. I'll be much stronger after Christmas is over. It's a daily struggle.

[@robinborucki4736]

After recently cleaning out my full to the ceiling basement I am so over spending money on anything except the bare basics in my life. The clean out was so overwhelming and exhausting that I would never put myself through that ordeal ever again. It’s crazy to think that stuff can creep into your house even if you are a careful spender. A clean slate for me, time to buckle down not a dollar will pass through my hands unless it’s for a necessity only. Glad I get to start the New year off focused on needs not wants. This video was perfectly said! ❤️ it! Ur the best! 👍☺️👌

[@stevec404]

Less than two minutes in...you are 100% right! I gave up consumerism ten years ago, when I lost a long standing business to the last recession. I am STILL living with everything I kept from that time - personal things - and have bought only that which wore out (shoes, socks, underwear). Up until that 'loss' I had nothing in savings. I have had to only pay rent, buy food, and pay internet and insurance costs, and car upkeep. Not bragging, but I now have well over sixty thousand dollars in savings, from a mediocre paying job. I will be opening my own business again soon - with cash. I have zero debt. I do buy my needs with credit cards - and have not carried balances during the last ten years. Lastly, I am in the process of selling/donating what I now understand have been excessive purchases. The consumer mindset is truly a sickness. People pay monthly to store their excessive purchases that they will most likely never use...and stress over their financial state! Buying for buying's sake has become a national obsession; and a powerful addiction up there with the worst. Just spend a little time watching people shop... they look like zombies picking up random items and filling their carts to the brim. This may be an oversimplification, but if excessive consumerism ended tomorrow, inflation would be a thing of the past.

[@eveliinalt]

Why it is always life sucks? Mine not…Yes I do work for money full time but I love my job❤

[@petewolfsehr1163]

Austin! You are wise beyond your years. Excellent perspectives here.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@rhondalyn100]

Agustin! Can I just say this? You have a MARVELOUS delivery system for your words. You speak directly into the camera to the audience and you speak without looking at notes! You are an excellent speaker providing useful information. Thank you for honing and perfecting your skills...they serve you well! 🙂 PS...kinda digging the clean fridge! 🙂

[@cajunjamis9001]

Ain't he the Best?

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks! I'm trying. It gets easier once you do it so many times!

[@rhondalyn100]

@@cajunjamis9001 Cajun!!! Good to see ya, buddy!

[@Claireparfait]

I‘m chronically ill since six years. This kind of ill that doesn’t allow me to leave the bed or house very often. I noticed that I became a victim of consumerism since then. I try to buy at least some happiness and excitement with stuff, or beaming myself away with the consumption of you tube videos or series. My goal for the next year is to find more value and meaningful things again - even tough I’m stuck to the bed. Go out and enjoy your lives as long as it’s possible. I’m in my thirties and your health can do downwards anytime, it’s not necessary a matter of age. I’m very happy that I have some nice memories. And those memories doesn’t have to do with material things, but with experiences. For example I’ve walked the camino, like you Austin, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

[@jazzispirit1850]

Right on “Target” Austin…even trying to read an article online is impossible because the “ buy this” ads are crowding the page. For me now, success is the new inner peace. Health the new wealth. Happy Holidays Austin! 😊

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@troymcclanahan864]

Your channel is one my favorites that I've found recently! Keep it up!

[@ElAgustin]

I'm glad! Thanks for watching!

[@Autumnbudgets]

Are you psychic 🔮 honestly you seem to hit my week straight on the head! I have a hired a skip and my ‘consumerism’ is going in it, no more buying! Experiences and family time together instead. God bless you xx♥️

[@ElAgustin]

haha, thanks for watching!

[@dinindu9941]

Oh if we could bring back the old days huh? Life was so much simpler back then. You got another subscriber 🎉

[@23pinkpear]

I’m a recovering shopping addict growing up on a farm in Utah I didn’t get a whole lot of well anything I suffered major neglect especially food. I moved out at 17 and had no idea how to cook and got down to 100 pounds I was starving to death to survive college with no help at 17. Then fast forward I got a high paying job and my bills were low in the mid 2010s I be an to treat myself all the time feeling I deserve it, I’ve been deprived. Treats in the morning with my Starbucks coffee ect. I am now almost 40 and realizing just because I can order something with the A to Z guarantee it doesn’t shape me or my identity. Yes I deserve food and clothes but I also deserve not to work until I die 💯

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes indeed.

[@TheMaverickNest]

I’m really glad you decluttered the side of your fridge 😊

[@robertadunn8583]

Thank you, Austin. We need these kinds of videos. You are a great speaker. It feels like swimming up stream since I decided to stop the mindless shopping and just live more simply and intentionally. I cannot believe the peer pressure I have had because I don't keep buying the next new thing. One of my husband's friends asked him why he didn't buy himself a new truck. My husband told him that he didn't want to waste money on a new vehicle when his old truck runs great. People act like you are speaking a foreign language when you don't want to go with the status quo. We need to STOP trying to keep up with appearances. Consumerism puts you in a self-made prison.

[@lindamelindasefcic7517]

I am so grateful that I have found your channel! I have been changing over my life in the last few years, and not many people understand why I want to live my life the way I do. So many things I just hide and dont tell anyone, but many things you cant hide. For example not wanting to continue a job that once payed you good money etc. There are many voices round us, trying to tell us how to live our lives but we need to choose which one to listen to. I made my choice. And your videos deeply resonate with my own believes. So I subscribed 🎉

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching!

[@irisbrown9201]

I think what gives your delivery feel light, enjoyable & not being so rigid is how you bust out in song randomly.

[@ElAgustin]

haha, thanks. I like to practice my singing voice in my videos.

[@chrisl418]

Thank you for the reminders and for the proverbial face slap! "WAKE UP PEOPLE!" You can be happy easily in the states if you stop getting on the consumerism treadmill and instead be satisfied with your current belongings or even choose a simpler life. If you pursue your dreams, live like there is no tomorrow to borrow from and enjoy your "presents" of today (people and experiences over possessions)....I'm paraphrasing, obviously. You are a wise person and my 58 year-old old lady still working after single parenting the last 12 years after an abusive marriage could use the reminder that all the things I want to get my adult kids won't replace me in their life if I have a second SCAD heart attack from working too hard. I'll watch it again.

[@thumbelinasgrace]

So much valuable information. Thank you!

[@carmenmendez1339]

You’re right on it, Chico! Thanks so much for being so direct, sharing your wisdom, and adding humor.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching!

[@Jacquie_Kirk_111]

Thank you for your message, so true!

[@romeoantonio952]

Another great video. On-point as usual. So glad I found this channel. Such a breath of fresh air.

[@jayne1905]

Thankyou ! I find your content so inspirational !

[@ElAgustin]

I'm glad!

[@katserr3628]

I don't see a loser!! Your words are insightful, powerful and beautiful ✨️

[@tracynorman4883]

Thank you! Another great video, bless you!

[@TimelordUK]

OMG Agustin, you removed all that clutter from your refrigerator!!!!! Looks SO MUCH better!!! Me gusta!

[@noreenn6976]

Hi Austin, thanks for another great video. Happy Friday!

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching!

[@ianbarr4716]

Absolutely spot on! Fantastic video here, Austin. Cheers.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@bessieoriotis5104]

I enjoy your videos because you remind us of what we know but don't do. I appreciate being told the truth.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks! People keep telling me that!

[@computerdisco6171]

You are a very witty and wise man.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@saraadams1391]

Bravo, you are on 🔥 fantastic video, keep shining your light. Gratzi!

[@Paul9]

Ah just when I’m about to buy something that I really, really ‘need’ Austin comes along with another video to ruin my plans 😝.

[@cajunjamis9001]

Needs / Wants ?

[@ElAgustin]

haha, hopefully it's in a good way!

[@karlabritfeld7104]

I haven't had any debts in 15 years. No credit card debt, no mortgage payments, no car payments. My regular monthly bills, utilities, phone, tv, car insurance, property taxes... Less than $500 a month. This is freedom. Every dollar we make over $500 goes to our family, savings, groceries, vacations. And yes, husband and I are the millionaires next door.

[@foreverirish132]

Your videos are honestly life changing 😊

[@ElAgustin]

Hopefully in a good way, haha!

[@Sweetie8387]

Agree

[@sami2865]

Thank you for another fantastic video 👍

[@conorpaulpurcell3403]

Never cease, Austin. Never cease. I am a firm believer in a daily dose of positive vibes on youtube and you have become a part of that. Maybe do a vid on how the less and better we eat, the healthier we are, and the effects this has on our long term physical and mental health, and financials.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for you kind words!

[@FrancescaBettiMusic]

Agree ❤love the video. I stopped buying clothes and other useless staff. Saving a lot

[@angellawalker4948]

You are not a loser. You are speaking sense. ❤🇯🇲

[@irmapatino167]

Love your videos!!

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicholasferreira6943]

Bingo! This is the video that everyone should watch. You nailed it!

[@thomasokeefe3081]

Excellent Video Austin..Well Put !!

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@theluckshow9617]

Solid points. Great video!

[@sergiogonzalez2996]

Thanks 🙏🏻 Great video

[@cherylsutton6156]

Spot on, so true.

[@DocDoomful]

You do kick some serious knowledge my man. Definitely points to ponder.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@luluwong5370]

Really appreciate your reflection, it's so true n you pointed out my problems. Even as a Christian, my values are different from the world's. Yet we re so much affected by our society, it's a wake up call. There should be a balance of spending our time well n be driven by endless productivity, success n self satisfaction.

[@girlonaswing9439]

Hi Austin, so glad you removed the post cards from your fridge. It was a distraction for me. Nice video.👍

[@cindyneal5580]

I just think that he turned his frig..instead of the frknt of it facing the camera , it seems like we are now looking at side now..the front is facing towards the left now..i had actually liked his post cards.

[@jerryterwase9027]

This is a great video. Thanks.

[@paul-m-mayer]

Once again a brilliant video.

[@jstrunck]

I believe that money is not evil in itself. But there is a possibility it does gode some of humanity to do evil things. Most people think that happiness comes from either money or a calm mind. I think that it comes from neither, I believe it is a state of being that is difficult for some to discover for themselves. You are correct sir, I am a consumer but I try to find multiple uses for almost every product I buy. And sometimes that does not materialize. All the best sir.

[@thelovelylife7451]

This video needs more views!!

[@nockynyoni]

I just love your videos!!!

[@ronjr831]

Good advice.

[@justcomp1]

This El Agustin guy is NOT a "loser." You are a very intelligent, caring young man. Btw, I see you're not wearing your Santa hat for this talk on consumerism. HeHe. I liked your reply to my earlier comment about that. I'm glad you take the time to read and respond to comments. That makes following you that much nicer. Keep up the Great Work dude.

[@ElAgustin]

haha, just a joke. I think it's important to read them all! I like it that everyone comments to me, instead of in third person.

[@justcomp1]

@@ElAgustin I am just joking with you too. I like you. Just trying to make you laugh; hope it's working. I will comment in the first person now that I know that that is your preference - it's mine too. Love your work. :-)

[@PlantNativeTrees]

Life doesn't suck unless you let it suck. Get off your butt, make things happen.

[@FrugalGardenerOntario]

Loooooove this!

[@monmonbebex7626]

Well said 👏🏻

[@megjuan3495]

True to the core.

[@cattiveria]

Hi Austin! Loved your video like always. I was wondering if there was a chance you might do a video about self-care from a non-consumeristic standpoint? Thanks for all you post!

[@ElAgustin]

Sure! Thanks for the idea!

[@Zornlover]

love your channel so much. I want to hear more about da man and not being a sucka LOL. It motivates me!

[@lukastynkkinen6960]

Excellent video, new subscriber here!

[@28gbb]

Clutter isn’t important but some big items have a lot of value like a boat if you use it all the time with family. But you have to use it and pay cash

[@Anglophile2012]

Well put Minimalism and mindfulness is an outstanding combination

[@maan8846]

Sin duda Austin, tienes razon!i

[@ElAgustin]

Gracias!

[@marcusfieldfield4069]

More great Austin quotes in this video..." the system is rigged life isn't fair !" Shouldn't that be the number one lesson taught to children in school ? They teach children the exact opposite... be a good little consumer 🐑 is drilled into the children... Austin I hope you are taking advantage of your beautiful Colorado Mountains for winter hiking the Solitude and silence is mentally healing.. if you go solo make sure you tell someone where you are and when you intend to return also do not go off Trail

[@cajunjamis9001]

Austin, you ain't no "loser"! Life is Best with Less.👣 Cajun :-)))

[@ElAgustin]

haha, just trying to add some comedy!

[@DavidSweetnam]

We should separate consumerism from income though. We don’t need to spend on some things but we still need to earn. I think this is understated in our community. There was a study a few years ago that found earning more did help raise happiness but it dropped off after a certain point. But it’s quite a new area and it would be interesting to ask your viewers what they think they need to earn in order to reach a certain level of security or happiness. And to research how people feel after buying something vs investing in shares or another asset.

[@ElAgustin]

Yeah, I've heard that number is $70,000, but depends on where you live obviously. I feel like it's when you can meet all your needs plus a bit more, so money doesn't dictate your life. Thanks, David!

[@karlabritfeld7104]

If you don't think you have enough, you never will and that will keep you poor.

[@DavidSweetnam]

@@karlabritfeld7104 Are you referring to enough stuff or enough income? Things happen in life, so while you can earn, you should..because one day you won’t be able to and that’s when things might happen such as a medical problem or something like that

[@martinwraae]

Dear Austin I just wanna say that I so much agree with all you saying. I just payed off the last payment of 80,000 dollars in July and I swear I ain't going back. Thank you for some great videos. Yours sincerely Lars Wraae

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks for watching Lars!

[@sgray4995]

All the "stuff" causes garage sales and junk being thrown our by ours heirs one day.

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed what a goodpoint😊

[@rebeccacoffman3497]

It is bizarre! Better the little of the righteous than the much of the wicked.

[@whitneywhitney8356]

Less is more with one exception for me and that’s Halloween decor lol 😂

[@rfmckean]

Good points. I am not sure about the need to single out the US in point 3.

[@tracynorman4883]

Nope! Same here in the UK!

[@wonderingthoughts926]

I love the fact you’ve got a fake background that looks like something no one would chose as a fake background

[@paulr1]

I just bought the book " living on allmost nothing" of prepper princes.

[@TechnoKitty3712]

Lmao the Fight Club quote

[@andrewminjiras5745]

I see you as a great New Thought minister. I would go to your church.

[@ElAgustin]

haha, thanks!

[@derrick8224]

I miss seeing the magnates on the fridge

[@ainurag270]

true

[@asavannah7439]

I miss your Santa hat!

[@rencechannel2240]

I want to produce want everything I need by planting crops and raising animals for FOOD, weaving my CLOTHING, building my home using the surrounding NATURAL RESOURCES. I will ELIMINATE buying stuffs from COMPANIES/BUSINESSES.

[@rsg6207]

Austin, you should make a video about the importance of choosing a partner who shares these values.

[@av26]

💯

[@darlenesylvia7665]

Austin, you are an amazing person ,, keep on preaching the truth because it just may catch on. I have recommended your channel to all my children and grands.

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@Mydolcevita.]

❤

[@FactsCountdown]

Consumerism is the compensation for living this miserable existence.

[@almaza5246]

👍🏻

[@turtlelina_kitesurf]

Hey, no post cards on the fridge!

[@jondalgas7201]

🤩🤩

[@marcellemayer4772]

Hey Austin, you cleared off your fridge.

[@ElAgustin]

Just wanted to see if anyone noticed. Which do you prefer?

[@marcellemayer4772]

@@ElAgustin I like the cleared off look. But then if you have postcards you want to display because they make you feel good, then it’s your fridge.

[@shawnjohnson2833]

It’s too bare! I liked the post cards because they made a statement that if you plan right, you can live your dreams! Maybe you are going to put up a new display soon? New dreams?

[@Watzefuk1192]

Get some algorithm boost!

[@ElAgustin]

Thanks!

[@eleanorward9533]

Amen Preach brother. Very' much as the Word of God says I believe. I have wasted so much money on stuff.Overwelmed in possessions and extra extra love handles aka fat lol.Not so funny now. Ideas and beliefs that goes against the status quo of my environment I live in constantly stifled. Learning to say no. Learning to live the authentic uncomprising life.Taking up my cross walking away from all that has kept me paralysed Thanks brother. EL'LIV'8 JESUS CHRIST🙏💜😊.

[@cassandrab8452]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@mamakaka73]

I only pay rent, food, car and clothing. I have no fun, never go out, can't do much else. It's not always fair to presume everyone makes tons of money by working our lives away. I csn't cut anything more out if my life. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

[@lisalamphier1410]

Good point, and a lot of people spend money that they don't really have. You don't, so that's great! I can't really relate either to the kind of buying he's talking about. I simply don't have the money. However, I've never had a car and I have rarely bought new clothes. I get my clothes for next to nothing at the flea market. I get by without a car by living somewhere where I can get around without one. I've never had air conditioning (not in my entire life and I'm 66) and I line dry my clothes. I never eat in restaurants. I work in restaurants. The money I saved bought me a house and peace of mind. Oh and one more thing. "Fun" doesn't have to cost money.

[@susandean8584]

A channel that you might find helpful is Prepper Princess.

[@shawnjohnson2833]

I went several years like that, never any extra. But, slowly and surely I paid off my debts and saved tiny amounts until I clawed my way out. Circumstances can change, but I found the more focused I was, the better I was able to take advantage of those future unexpected changes. Don’t lose hope!