#157 –To what extent are our goals driven by status?

Yesterday, writing about the Hermès Birkin handbag (with price points anywhere between $22,000 and $225,000) left me wondering: would I ever want to own one?

The answer is no. But why? At this point in my life, I don't envision any possible scenario in which owning and/or carrying a Birkin bag would make any aspect of my life more fulfilling.

I wonder then, is there anyone in the world whose life can be improved by owning this type of item?

Many fashionistas, influencers, and luxury advocates will say that yes, because it's self-care. Or self-love, or whatever they call it.

In reality, it's just status-seeking. If/when you own [the object of desire], you telegraph your place in society – your rank.

The more expensive and "coveted" (as Hermès's website puts it) the object, the higher your position/rank. The higher your position, the bigger your power and influence.

And who inside you cares about rank, position, influence, and power? Your Ego.

It's true that specific status symbols are necessary in certain settings, as they'll help you gain "respect."

For example, if you're a private banker at a Swiss bank and want to enroll clients with over $50m in investable assets, you better show up with the Birkin, the Rolex, or the Ferragamo's. You're meeting your clients where they are – and they're not going to trust someone with no "status."

But again, it's about the Ego: about being accepted into a tribe, about being able to exert power (or force) over someone else, about "winning."

On the contrary, goals that come from your True Self, are inward-looking.

Do I practice yoga to experience life more fully or to show off my "beach body?" Am I driven to publish a book to potentially help someone with my message or to "build my brand" and "attract more high-paying clients?" Am I building a house in rural Portugal to lead a true IRL life, growing and making my own food or to "be admired as a wise person?"

To what extents are you seeking status with your goals?

Love,

Carolina