I remember the exact moment it hit me. I was stashing all of my hair products in a tote so that my cleaner wouldn’t have a more difficult job because of the vast array of bottles. I’d done it before more times than I could count, but this time I had my eyes open. It was probably because social media had me down the underconsumption and project pan rabbit holes. It was just too much and I knew that I wanted to change.

If you’re curious to learn more about underconsumption or project pan, listen to episode 46 of the Mind + Money Podcast.

As a financial coach who helps my fellow ADHD entrepreneurs, I never considered myself an overspender. But the number of hair products that lived around my tub surround said otherwise!

So I committed to two things then and there:

1. Understand how big the challenge is (I debated calling it a problem, but I like the reframe of challenge, because it feels like something to conquer!)

2. Not buy any new hair products until that specific type of product had all been used.

After procrastinating for two or three weeks, I finally did #1 and was SHOCKED! My first count result was 46! Yes, that’s right 46 different hair products. I will share that about 8-10 of them are travel sizes because that makes me feel a tiny bit better. But then, I realized I had not counted the products in one bathroom drawer. So, the final count was actually 54. I let that sink in a little bit…

and then came the shame and negative thoughts about how ridiculous having 54 hair products is. Narrowing down on it more, for some items I have so many. Who needs five heat-protecting sprays??!!! Apparently, I thought I did.

It wasn’t just about the stuff itself. It was the realization that I’d been a big overconsumer in this area of my life and, if I looked harder, in many others as well. I didn’t even recognize the pattern until I decided to focus in on underconsumption and get honest about how much I already had. When I finally dug into it, the sheer amount of stuff overwhelmed me and led to a lot of clutter in my bathroom.

Why Shame Shows Up

Shame can feel like a sucker punch, especially when you realize your behaviour doesn’t align with your values. I often talk about being intentional with my money and choices, so seeing the excess I had accumulated felt like I had not been true to what was important to me.

If I’m honest, some of it came from the fear of missing out on a shiny new thing that was going to be the answer to all my curly girl challenges. And I’m sure some of it also came from emotional spending—a way to self-soothe during stressful moments. But the truth was staring me in the face (and practically bursting out of my cupboards). I had more than enough, and that realization brought a mix of emotions: shame, overwhelm, but also determination.

Turning Shame Into Determination

That determination became the fuel I needed to make a change, not to mention sharing publically on the podcast what my mission is. Instead of sitting with the guilt, I decided to act. I had already started auditing what I had so now my focus is on working through everything. I’m on the hunt for early dopamine in this process so I’m asking myself:

• Does this work for me, or is it a complete no-go?

• What items have the least product in them so I can use them quickly?

• How can I set myself up for success?

I gave away one or two items that were not a good fit for my fine wavy hair. Combined a few items that were similar enough so I could reduce the number by a few more immediately. Then, I put away the items I wasn’t focused on using up first so I had less clutter. And now, it’s going to take time. So send me all your patience, please!

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster

I won’t pretend this journey will be easy. Some days, I feel proud of myself for starting this process. Other days, I feel overwhelmed and defeated, thinking I will never get through everything. But remembering my “why” will keep me going. I want less stuff and a less cluttered space, which helps my mind be a little less cluttered.

ready to Join Me on This Journey

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. Shame and overwhelm can be heavy, but they don’t have to define your story. I’ll be sharing more about my journey on my podcast and on social media.

This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress—and I’m determined to keep going. If you’re ready to take that first step, I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me a DM on Instagram and share what you’re working to have less of in your life!