“No man is free who is not master of himself.”  ~Epictetus

Have you ever wondered why big businesses spend BILLIONS of dollars in advertising? Because it works! They have been tremendously successful in shaping and encouraging you to hop on the “consumption treadmill”. Many have bought into the concept that, in order to obtain success for themselves and their families, they must drive a luxury vehicle, wear brand name clothing, consume a certain type of liquor, live in a particular style home and reside in an up-scale neighborhood and the list goes on.
The concept of “thinking for yourself” runs diametrically opposed to the lures of skilled marketers. Making the effort to think specifically about what you want, taking the time to plan how to achieve those goals without landing you in debt, and practicing delayed gratification may set you up for long-term success. “Thinking for yourself” can be incredibly liberating, freeing up time (a non-renewable resource) so that you can focus more on your health, family and enriching activities.
Marketing experts would rather you adopt the “herd mentality” and follow societal norms. For example, it’s my understanding that the custom of a young couple spending thousands of dollars (money they frequently don’t have) on an engagement ring is the product of shrewd marketing by the jewelry industry. It was not always this way, but now has become an expected societal norm.
This is NOT in your best self-interest. It is about growing the bottom line of big business. It’s about using herd mentality or social proof and envy to keep you on the consumption treadmill. 
Going against social norms will really push you out of your comfort zone, as I can personally attest to. If you truly start thinking for yourself, you’ll grow a new set of mental and emotional muscles, which will provide the tools needed to work against the herd. Remember, the vast majority of the herd is starved for time and broke (or very close to it). IF you follow the herd, you will likely end up where they end up. Little or no money, exhausted, and discouraged. You may have some trinkets, but was it worth it? Life is far less stressful when you play by your rules and get off the consumption treadmill established by others. 
Bottom line: Don’t be manipulated and stop making poor choices. Think for yourself and take action to make your dreams a reality. A must if you hope to “get a life”. 

“It is not necessary to do extraordinary things to get extraordinary results.”  ~Warren Buffett