Wednesday’s post was entitled “No More YOLO..” basically, I’m taking the next 8 months to really focus on the following: debt repayment, savings, my business, my fitness, and my social life. That is more than enough to focus on at any given time.
It is at this moment when I’ve become 110% invested in focusing on making huge inroads into my debt and savings when hurdles/roadblocks/and basically fun trips throw themselves in front of me. In the middle of the road that I’m metaphorically racing towards debt freedom on.
Here are some examples:
1.) Asked to go to L.A.-by two completely different people. I have a love hate relationship with L.A. nope I’m not going again…yet.
2.) Was asked to go to (today) London. Luckily, I’ve visited several times before and even though my bff lives there. Not going to happen…for awhile. Btw, I don’t love that picture. But, that’s ok!
3.) I have been asked to go to an unofficial reunion with my Up WIth People peeps in West Palm Beach. This one I would go to if I could get a free ticket. I wouldn’t have to pay for accommodation or food. Will keep you posted…but, probably won’t go…
4.) Invited to a wedding. Thank God it’s in Minnesota in 2015.
5.) Was invited to go to Austin, TX to run a race in April. I had originally said yes, then changed my mind because I decided to run my first 1/2 marathon in Denver for $69.
The point of this post is to illustrate that as soon as you set an intention, the universe will test you. Haven’t you wondered why the minute you decide to save an emergency fund something crazy happens that you have to pay for? Or, you decide to stop traveling and you get invited to 5 FREAKING trips in 3 weeks-wtf??
Staying focused and keeping your eye on your ultimate goal is the only way that you (I) will get things done. I’m sick and tired of sounding like a broken record saying the same thing over and over again. At the end of the day my actions will speak louder than words.
If I keep traveling and spending money on trips-that’s money that could be used to pay off Mr. Chubbs (my credit card). Once Mr. Chubbs is paid off then I just have to spend the next 3-4 years paying off the Student loans (Tiny and El Gordito) and then I’m done, done, done!!
I’ve actually become a bit addicted to this feeling of pseudo calm that’s associated with having fewer and fewer debts/vendors/ and people to deal with. As the debts go away I feel a lot more in control of things and just in control of my life.
Having a crazy number of debts and creditors creates chaos in your life. Isn’t life messy enough without adding to it? If you’re on a debt reduction journey there will be a number of moments that will happen that threaten to derail your progress don’t let them!!
Here are some tips for dealing with those moments.
- Don’t react in the moment-If something comes up that catches you off-guard take a walk and relax. Then, go home write a list of different options to deal with the situation. Sleep on these options then, make a decision the next day.
- Remember the “why” you’re doing what you’re doing-Why are you doing this to yourself? If you aren’t clear on what you want and the end results that you’re working towards then you won’t successfully navigate over/under/around these hurdles.
- This isn’t for forever! People get so hysterical about the things that they might miss. Unless the Zombie Apocalypse happens, you’ll still be able to go to the places you want to visit. There will always be new and exciting things to enjoy. Keep your eyes open for those cool new things, write them down and review them once you’re able to afford the cool things on your list!
Good luck!
Describe some hurdles that presented themselves on the journey to debt freedom.
How did you deal with them?
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One of my best friends is having a fancy bachelorette party where they’re going to get in a limo and go clubbing in atlantic city. I had to decline. I’m going to go to the pre and post-party at her house, but I have other financial priorities right now.
That sounds like so much fun! But, kind of expensive. It’s hard to say no when it’s something that’s part of a momentous occasion…but, you have to come first in the long run.
ha I’m probably two of those things…well one for sure! I think when stuff comes up where people ask me about things I have a standard phrase: “that sounds great. I’ll think it over and let you know.” If they pressure me my answer is automatically no. Usually my senses know the best answer so I just give it some time and thought.
Haha you are, but I actually was asked by another friend to visit L.A. as well. depending on my frame of mind, I could be peer pressured to do things…but, I’m in the right frame of mind to get things done…so, I’m jumping on it.
Keep up the good work, Michelle! It’s never easy but you’re doing great!
Thanks Lindsey, I’m focused…for now, we’ll see what happens in the summer!
Proud of you for keeping your eyes on the prize!
“as soon as you set an intention, the universe will test you” – ain’t that the truth.
My recent win was resisting cheapish flights to Queenstown – have been trying to figure out something to do for our anniversary, i have a few airpoints to use and some Airbnb free credit, but Qtown is expensive no matter which way you hang your hat plus I’ve been there before.
I’m going to tease you and say that 6 months of travel wasn’t enough??LOL!! I love, love, love travel and it is so frustrating that I can’t travel as much as I want all the time. Interestingly enough I just got some fantastic news which means I will be crossing the pond sometime this fall. So, it’s good that I’m not spending money right now.