11.7.2011 / read more on Travel « What to Do When You Discover the Best »
This piece builds on the Pleasure Profile writing. You might read those first if you're so inclined.
Today marks two weeks in Mexico.
Today I bought a pendant - the one I’m wearing in this photo.
How I buy
I’d been eyeballing necklaces similar to mine on others, noticing the colors and craftsmanship. I’d been contemplating buying one, but hadn’t seen quite right until today.
Today, I saw this, and I knew I’d found the best. The craftsmanship, purple of the stone, and the salesperson herself. It was the total package.
She held it up to the light, let me see how the sunshine bounced off it. I bought the necklace, and I told her I’d let others know who to talk to if they want a pendant of this quality.
Although I was touched by the eulogy Steve Jobs’s sister, Mona Simpson, wrote, there was one element that most intrigued me. Simpson writes:
Novelty was not Steve’s highest value. Beauty was.
For an innovator, Steve was remarkably loyal. If he loved a shirt, he’d order 10 or 100 of them. In the Palo Alto house, there are probably enough black cotton turtlenecks for everyone in this church.
Those of us who are Apple fans recall Steve Jobs wore the same outfit every time he presented.
At the start of 2010, I started doing the same (less the mock turtleneck). I pared down to three colors: red, black and white. By 2011 I’d added in a few colors (dark greens, greys and the purple you see here) - still, I have kept my wardrobe small and simple.
By only wearing the colors I know look best on me, I have more time to do the work. I don't window shop, I don't browse for clothes online.
This summer I found a boutique in Seattle that I could have single-handedly kept open, I bought so much from her. Each piece is convertible - a skirt becomes a dress, which turns into a top. If she had an online store, I’d buy my clothes only from her.
My personality type likes keeping options open. There are times I have to force myself to close off options and just choose one path.
It helps to know when I’ve discovered the best.
In short, here's what I do when I discover the best
- Demonstrate loyalty, by returning and buying again
- Demonstrate loyalty, by telling others about the product or service
- Become a repeat customer
- Buy in bulk where possible
- Remember, it's the best. It's fine, even good, to close off other paths.
Questions for Reflection
Do you know when you’ve discovered the best? What do you do when you know? Let us know, if you will.
