Tag: life experiences

Experiences, Goals

Why Collecting Experiences Beats Collecting Things

Corie Muldoon

Research shows collecting Experiences provides more lasting happiness than collecting material things.

We adapt to new things quickly and the excitement fades.

But Experiences become apart of who we are and give us stories to share for years to come. With pictures and memories that can last a lifetime!

Why experiences win:

  • Anticipation is free happiness – Planning a trip gives you weeks of excitement before you even go
  • Memories appreciate – That date gets better every time you retell it
  • Social connection – Experiences with others strengthen relationships
  • No buyer’s remorse – Even “bad” experiences become funny stories

Shifting your budget from things to experiences isn’t about deprivation. It’s about investing in what actually matters.

That $300 could be another piece of clothing you’ll forget about, or it could be a weekend adventure you’ll talk about for decades.

Try this today: Look at your last 3 purchases over $100. Would you trade any of them for a memorable experience instead? Plan one experience for next month.

Share your thoughts below!

This ties into our annual Kevin’s Rule experience planning

Experiences, Getting Started, Goals

Transform Your Resolutions with New Experiences

Corie Muldoon

Tired of breaking New Year’s resolutions by February? Switch from “lose 20 pounds” to “try 6 new hiking trails.” This simple shift changes everything.

Traditional resolutions focus on what you want to change about yourself.

Experience-based goals focus on what you want to explore in life.

Why experience goals work better:

  • They’re memorable – You’ll remember the weekend you tried rock climbing, not the day you ate 1,500 calories
  • Built-in accountability – Experiences require planning and commitment, making them harder to skip
  • Naturally builds habits – Regular adventures create momentum for other healthy changes

Instead of “exercise more,” plan to bike or kayak once a month.

Instead of “eat healthier,” commit to trying a new farmers market recipe bi-weekly.

Instead of “be more adventurous,” plan a camping trip once a quarter.

The habits follow the experiences, not the other way around.

Try this today: Write down 6 experiences you want to have in 2026 instead of traditional resolutions. Make them specific, scheduled, and exciting

Share your thoughts below!

Learn more about the Kevin’s Rule approach here