cc Flickr photo credit: eirikso
Monday is always a tough day. The girls go back to school, the hubby goes to work, and we start our weekly routines all over again. Having a “case of the Mondays” is common talk on Monday morning. (just look at twitter, or Facebook, and you’ll find someone lamenting about the day of the week)
For many people they hate Mondays because they don’t love their jobs. I’m fortunate to be in love with my jobs, as a mom and blogger. It doesn’t always make Monday easy, and it doesn’t mean I don’t complain (ask the hubby!), but it does mean Mondays don’t get me down.
Learn more: Work At Home: My Typical Day
The problem for me happens when all the days start to blend together into a crazy chaotic mess, then only the occasional amazingly awesome thing will keep me going.
Paying off debt is like having an extreme case of the Mondays. You start off energized, and on a mission, but for most of us somewhere along the way we lose our focus, and our zest for living a debt-free life.
To keep yourself focused without feeling like you are sacrificing, find small rewards that you can give yourself to keep you on track. It might be a nice dinner out with your spouse, drinks with friends, or even a latte. Use milestones to reward yourself, and remember to save up for your reward. There’s nothing like seeing $100 in your envelope or account that is just for fun.
A completely practical approach delivered with a nonjudgmental style that makes readers want to do what Sethi says, it is based around the four pillars of personal finance— banking, saving, budgeting, and investing—and the wealth-building ideas of personal entrepreneurship.
I’ve been unmotivated lately, and we are ready to refocus on becoming debt-free. We’re setting goals and have started talking about a reward that will keep us going over the next few months, a short trip to Williamsburg, VA, with the kids later in the Fall.
Saving on the little things will be so much more rewarding knowing we have something fun planned.
My goals for the rest of 2010 are:
- pay credit card #3
- put $300/month into our emergency savings
- take a trip in the Fall with the kids
- continue to find ways to reduce expenses/earn more $
- sell/get rid of anything we aren’t using
It’s not always easy to juggle so many goals at once, but it’s the only way I know how to be. Laser focus on one goal doesn’t work for me.
Learn more: Getting Out Of Debt Slowly With A Financially Balanced Life
How do you stay focused on your goals? Do you like having a laser focus, or taking a multi-pronged approach?
Kelly
Dawn says
I have me time - a bowl of ice cream and a good movie
Dawn says
I have me time - a bowl of ice cream and a good movie
I've tried the multi-pronged approach before, but it feels too much like spinning your wheels. We felt much more motivated to accomplish something when we focused on one financial goal at a time.
It may not always be ideal in terms of optimization, but it's what's worked best for us, and I'd rather be making any sort of progress than spinning the wheels.
I've tried the multi-pronged approach before, but it feels too much like spinning your wheels. We felt much more motivated to accomplish something when we focused on one financial goal at a time.
It may not always be ideal in terms of optimization, but it's what's worked best for us, and I'd rather be making any sort of progress than spinning the wheels.