We are all super familiar with the idea of a wishlist. Whether for holidays or other special occasions like birthdays or wedding showers, most of us have created a wishlist. Wishlists are so popular e-commerce considers them a necessity. There are even Aps specifically for keeping and sharing them.
I keep a visual wishlist on paper, in my planner - for all the reasons I shared in this blog post. As well as in the notes Ap on my phone so it's always with me.
A visual wishlist means actually documenting and saving the IMAGES of this items on your "wishlist".
Studies show our brain processes images better than words. Visual stimulation over text translation allows the brain to consume the material with more consummate ease. Research has also shown that we remember visual images more easily and readily than words.
If we can take advantage of the brains inherent preference of remembering visual imagery by visualizing information we want to remember.
A visual of an item creates a far more tangible sense of the item than words or text.
Pictures evoke feeling.
I use this visual list to capture all different categories of "wants".
Very often items I'm considering for the change of seasons or specific trendier items that I'm drawn to go on the list. This is a space to spend more time thinking intentionally about these purchases. To consider what specifics I'm looking for, color, fit, details. This is where I really think about what would be my ideal purchase.
Sort the important stuff from the not so important. Seeing items side by side immediately creates a comparison, more easily allowing you to prioritize where on the purchase spectrum that item falls.
Another aspect of the list usually includes long term desires. Items that may be more pricey investment pieces. This holding spot reminds me of things I'm saving for when I open the list to add any other item.
I do still often times add things just as they catch my eye. It's a way to get it out of me head on to paper where I can revisit it later rather than keep thinking about it. Perhaps I just need more time to think clearly. Sometimes I want to keep an eye out for a sale, or a similar item from a brand I feel supports my values.
I also keep ideas of things I want to try at some point, when I'm looking for something new, including brands. As well as replacements ideas for items as they wear out or consumables - like skincare - as I use them up.
Another benefit for me is seeing the items in a grouping like this immediately lets me see if something is standing out and consider why. Is it an items that really isn't my style? Will it not go with what I already own? Is it something I really can't stop thinking about and I should prioritize purchasing?
Having this visual list allows me to easily see and compare similar items and remove duplicate, or close to duplicate items from my list. You know the saying "I know what I like when I see it" - imagine seeing all the things you like side by side. It makes it that much easier to determine what you really want. This has been a great tool for in purchasing less, and with much more intention.
Do you think you'd give a visual wishlist a try?