You know that they have you, when the first thing that comes to mind when contemplating an adventure or an activity, is what you should buy.

Let me know if this sounds familiar:

This morning I was thinking about how badly I need to start spending at least one day a week back outside in the mountains. That could be touring, paragliding, trail running, or just sitting in the middle of nowhere. The bridge to all of these for me is just being fit. Throughout my life, the number one motivator in all my physical training has been that it enables me to do more. Preferably outside. Perhaps, I mused, that I needed to sign up for another trail race this summer as a motivator to keep me running. Or maybe, I should just put three large scrambles in my calendar with friends, and be committed to some big days in the mountains.

Then the thing happened: I thought, “If I am going to be running more this winter, maybe I need new shoes.” Then a worse thing happened. I actually went upstairs, opened my laptop and checked. I was maybe three minutes into checking whether they had what I wanted in my size, or if there was a better model, before I caught myself. I closed my laptop and actually said out loud: “You don’t need new shoes. You need to actually use the shoes you have.”

You see, I am actually not without shoes. I own two pairs of S/Lab Sense 6s, one which I have studded myself for winter running. I also own a pair of Nike Wildhorse 7s, and a pair of Salming S2s (not to mention another pair of road shoes that I can’t remember the name of). I do not lack in shoes. I lack in making running a priority. It turns out I don’t need to drive anywhere, or get gaiters, or get a treadmill, or get a gym membership to a place that has a track. I need to go out the door with any of my five pair of running shoes on my actual feet. Then run. That is it.

This is the North American consumer model. If you want to get fit, you need the best protein shakes and supplements. If you want to start running, you need a smart watch (and more shoes). If you want to do visual design, you need an iPad. If you want to get back into climbing, new pants. If you want to write more, likely a new laptop. For every single thing in our life we get the inspiration to do, there is a thing that we are told that we need first. The worst bit is that we seek it out. Then we feel the urge to do some research to see if this really is the best model of gortex shell for being outside of house. The amount of time that gets sunk into the purchasing often means we don’t have time for the actual activity. We are creating the barrier.

Yet, that is how well the system has us. We sell people on the things they need for an experience. You don’t need a better jacket to go ice climbing. Yes, the right gear is arguably nice to have. I have lots of gear that enables all kinds of activities, and I am grateful that I have it. However, if it means working more hours, to make more money, to buy the newer/better gear, as opposed to just going outside and using what you have, then you don’t need it. You certainly don’t need to watch three youtube video reviews and read an outdoor gear lab article on the best jackets available. What you need to do is go outside. So that is what I did this morning: I put on some shoes and left the house. Then went for a run. It was the best possible choice.