You Probably Don’t Need That

Hey there,

We live in a world obsessed with upgrades.

Every year, companies roll out new versions of the same products with shinier finishes, bigger numbers, and promises of life-changing features.

And while innovation isn’t a bad thing, it’s created a problem: we’re constantly being nudged to want more, even when what we already have works just fine.

I consider myself a minimalist.

Not in a “living-in-a-cabin-off-the-grid” kind of way—but more like a guy who genuinely questions whether the latest gadget is actually worth it.

Minimalism, for me, isn’t about denying myself good tools—it’s about using the right tools with intention.

That’s why I’m not against upgrading. I ditched my first Blue Yeti mic years ago, because let’s be honest, the audio was trash.

And if I were still rocking my 2001 iMac, this newsletter wouldn’t exist.

So yeah, sometimes upgrades are essential—especially when you rely on tech to do your job well.

But here’s the problem: the upgrade cycle has become ridiculous.

Companies like Apple have trained us to expect new devices every year, with just enough tweaks to make your current one feel outdated.

New color? More cameras? Slightly thinner? Suddenly, you’re convinced your phone is a fossil.

Tech has become a status symbol—like the new car in your pocket.

It says something about who you are, how successful you are, and whether or not you’re up-to-date.

Ironically, status works both ways now.

Some people brag about still using a flip phone, like digital martyrs. And honestly?

Good for Larry and his 13-year-old Motorola. He’s winning.

But for the rest of us—those who appreciate technology but don’t want to be owned by it—here’s how I approach upgrades, and how I stop myself from falling into the “newer is better” trap…

First: can I actually afford it?

That means real affordability—not going deeper into credit card debt for a phone that shoots slightly better slow-mo.

If your financial life is on fire, skip the phone upgrade and focus on putting that fire out first.

Second: how’s my current device holding up? 

If your battery barely lasts half a day, Bluetooth never works, and your screen looks like it’s been through a war, maybe it’s time.

But small fixes can stretch the life of your gear.

You can replace your battery, fix a cracked screen, or—like I did with my Sennheiser headphones—spend $19 on new ear pads instead of buying a new pair.

And last: is the upgrade actually worth it?

What can the new device do that your current one can’t—and do you truly need that feature?

Year-over-year, improvements are usually minor.

But wait three years? Then we’re talking meaningful change.

Personally, I’ve been rocking the same iPhone 12 Pro Max since 2020. It still works great, the battery’s at 80%, and the camera is amazing, though, to be fair, 98% of the photos are just of my daughter.

When it’s time to make something serious, I grab my Canon EOS R6.

Your needs might be different, but for me, each new iPhone release feels the same: “Yeah… but it’s still just a phone.”

Same goes for laptops — slightly faster, a bit thinner, marginally better screen.

But the core function hasn’t changed: it’s still a computer.

So, unless your current machine is dragging its digital feet, that upgrade can probably wait.

Ultimately, my goal is simple: stop chasing small changes at the expense of real peace.

Instead of always thinking about what’s next, I try to be grateful for what’s already working.

Most of the time, you probably don’t need the upgrade—you just need to remember why you bought the thing in the first place.

Have a wonderful week, all.
Until next week, upgrade your mindset, not your phone - Scott (@motivatedscott).

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