Ann Patchett Wrote an Essay About Quitting Shopping for a Year—Here’s What She Learned

Best-selling author Ann Patchett is beloved for her novels, like this year’s Whistler, and she’s become one of the most trusted sources for book recommendations, but she also writes powerful essays. During a book tour stop in Michigan at the National Writers Series this summer, she told the crowd, “that’s what I like to do when I’m not writing a novel.” One of her most talked-about essays was about her experience conducting a year-long no-shopping experiment. Nearly a decade later, the lessons she learned from the experiment still hold up. Read on for the details.

Why Ann Patchett gave up needless spending

Years ago, Patchett found herself feeling anxious, to the point where she had trouble relaxing to write. “I found myself mindlessly scrolling through two particular shopping websites, numbing my fears with pictures of shoes, clothes, purses and jewelry,” she revealed. “I was trying to distract myself, but the distraction left me feeling worse.” It’s a relatable feeling—and Patchett ultimately realized she needed less than she thought.

Patchett had dabbled with cutting back before. Raised a Catholic, she wrote that there were many Lenten seasons (lasting around 40 days) when she gave up shopping. “I was always surprised by how much better it made me feel.”

Then, inspired by a friend, Patchett decided to go a full year without unnecessary shopping. She wrote about the experience in an essay for The New York Times in 2017. But the profound lessons she learned apply today more than ever, especially as we see costs and daily stressors rise.

The simple rules Patchett set for her no-shopping challenge

Every household is different, so Patchett created guidelines that worked for her life. Here’s what she allowed herself during her year-long challenge…

• Grocery stores are allowed: She could still buy food and flowers
• Replace consumables only when empty: Things like shampoo, batteries and printer supplies
• Give books for gifts: They are an inescapable part of life for this enthusiastic gift-giver who is not only an author but the owner of Parnassus Books

7 things Patchett learned from her no-shopping year

The Tom Lake and Whistler author recalls, “My first few months of no shopping were full of gleeful discoveries.” These large and small realizations came her way…

Your own home is filled with treasures

Patchett quickly learned she owned more than she realized, hidden supplies waiting to be used. These were past investments in her household, ready to be cashed in. For example, when she ran out of lip balm, instead of running to the store for a new tube, she went on a scavenger hunt of drawers and pockets. “I found five lip balms,” she recalls. “I realized I could probably run this experiment for three more years before using up all the lotion, soap and dental floss.”

The urge to splurge will pass like any other craving

Patchett recalls how she became obsessed with wanting a new gadget at one point during her experiment. The feeling lasted for four days. “And then—poof!—I didn’t want one,” said Patchett. “I remember my parents trying to teach me this lesson when I was a child: If you want something, wait awhile. Chances are the feeling will pass.” She promised, “It doesn’t take so long for a craving to subside.”

You’ll free up time and money

“Not shopping saves an astonishing amount of time,” confirmed Patchett. She recalled wanting to buy a new outfit for a public event where she’d be interviewing Tom Hanks. “Previously, I would have believed that such an occasion demanded a new dress and lost two days of my life looking for one,” she confessed. What did she do this time around that was different and freeing? “I went to my closet, picked out something weather appropriate and stuck it in my suitcase. Done.”

You’ll appreciate everything more

During her year of no shopping, Patchett recalled receiving a thank-you gift from a friend. She was struck by how special it felt. “Her simple act of kindness thrilled me.” Patchett said, “Once I stopped looking for things to buy, I became tremendously grateful for the things I received.” This experience turned the typical “you shouldn’t have” moment into a truly meaningful friendship moment.

You’ll see everything in life more clearly

Patchett used this vivid image to explain the change she went through: “The things we buy and buy and buy are like a thick coat of Vaseline smeared on glass: We can see some shapes out there, light and dark, but in our constant craving for what we may still want, we miss life’s details.” Through her yearlong experiment with no shopping she got clarity on what really mattered for her.

You’ll be inspired to act in new ways

Less stuff can lead to more generosity. “Once I could see what I already had, and what actually mattered, I was left with a feeling that was somewhere between sickened and humbled. When did I amass so many things, and did someone else need them?” Patchett shared. “If you stop thinking about what you might want, it’s a whole lot easier to see what other people don’t have.” Suddenly, she had clarity on what she could donate to worthy causes. She added, “Once I was able to get past the want and be honest about the need, it was easier to give more of my money to people who could really use it.”

It brings inner peace

In the end, this 12-month challenge became a bit spiritual, inspiring a more moderate lifelong practice. Patchett reflected, “There’s a reason that just about every religion regards material belongings as an impediment to peace.” She offered examples, “This is why Siddhartha had to leave his palace to become the Buddha. This is why Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the poor.’” In that state, life is more of a blessing, where you can feel more at peace and less anxious.

Curious to try it for yourself? Patchett found endless benefits from her no-shopping challenge and discovered, “It’s good to sit on the bench for a while.” Whether you commit to a week, a month or a full year—and whether you adapt the rules to fit your lifestyle—this simple experiment could transform how you feel about what you have and what you really need. So if you’re looking for a resolution that can help you feel more relaxed, Patchett speaks from personal experience when she says, “This one’s great.”