I recently visited Phoenix Mall of Asia in Bangalore. I usually only go to malls if I haven't been there before or if there's a new movie out. I'm not really a fan of malls because I don't usually find anything I like there.
But this time, I had some extra time and I was curious to see who actually shops at malls and what they are buying.
I noticed that people were buying expensive items like Tissot watches (which typically cost more than 40k) and Seiko watches (starting at a minimum of 30k), among other things.
As I observed people shopping at these stores, I noticed that the majority of customers were between the ages of 25 and 35. It seems that many of them are from the first generation who have achieved financial success and are now seeking validation through material possessions. While there is nothing inherently wrong with aspiring for new things, I personally believe that we should prioritize real-life experiences over material acquisitions.
I still regret spending 10k on a Fossil watch when I turned 25, and it has been a valuable lesson for me. I am grateful to Kunal Shah, the founder of Cred, for introducing me to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, as it has provided me with insight into this phenomenon.
Our basic needs for food, water, shelter, and safety are necessary for survival. Once these needs are met, we often seek validation from others in the form of friendships, romantic relationships, and approval from our social circles.
We may feel the need to show off our possessions or achievements in order to gain this validation. However, it is important to remember that seeking validation from others should not define our worth. If we are only seeking approval from others, we may not be true to ourselves in the long run. It is important to prioritize our own values and desires, rather than seeking validation from external sources.
Living life according to other people's expectations is a miserable existence. Instead, live life on your own terms and don't concern yourself with how others want you to be.