Moving Past Debt.
Less is not always more. The weight of IOU’s on your shoulder can be a heavy burden to bear. When it comes to battling debt, your strongest ally is a positive attitude. But how can you stay positive when you’ve got collectors calling, arguments ensuing, and no resources for help or happiness? If you are feeling down, follow these tips to get up and out—and remember, you are not alone.
Count Your Blessings
It’s easy to focus on what you need, what you want, and what you don’t have. But what about what you’ve got? Even when times are tough, it could be a lot worse: at least you aren’t six feet under! When you change your thinking, you can change your entire life!
Try actually counting the good things in your life—make a physical list. Start small if you have trouble thinking of things. Think about the people you appreciate, the job you do have or the things you are good at doing. List what you are grateful for, like your physical health or living in a free country.
When you do this, you will realize how much you have! You may even find gratitude for what you have learned by struggling with debt. Once you start thinking positively, you will feel more motivated to get back on track. You might also find that you realize what is working for you and solutions to problem areas.
Ask for Help
No one gets through life alone. Think about it . . . Did you survive the first years of your life all by yourself? Did you build the car you drive or the road you drive it on? No. Asking for help is not a weakness, it is necessary. It’s important to utilize every resource you have available to you when you are in debt.
You might have to let your pride take a backseat on the road to financial freedom. Reach out to friends and family to find out if there are any additional jobs you can take for extra money. Loved ones may let you move in with them until you can get on your feet again. You might be able to carpool to save on transportation expenses. They might even have items they no longer need and are willing to donate to you.
You will be surprised at the willingness to help from the ones who love you. It doesn’t hurt to ask when you need help. And it might add to your motivation to get ahead. If you have no security net, you can always seek help from professionals that offer loan consolidation, and financial advice.
Make Sacrifices
In our world of instant gratification the accepted attitude has become, “I want what I want, and I want it now!” Here is a little bitter dose of reality—you can’t have it, right now. Nothing is owed to you, when you owe others. Driving nice cars, dining in fancy restaurants, and enjoying vacations are rewards you give yourself once you have earned them.
Buy staple items and little else. Your expenses should only be for things you need to survive. Any additional money should be saved or thrown at debt. You also need to sacrifice your down time. There is a time for work and a time for play—if you owe money, it’s time to get to work. Take the attitude of a warrior against your debt, not a victim. Find some joy in it; sometimes being frugal can be fun!
Think of the Future
Yes, you have to sacrifice for now, but think about what that will buy you tomorrow. Not only does paying off your debts buy you peace of mind, and allow you to physically purchase things again, it buys you experience.
The feeling of coming out on top when you have been at the bottom is worth more than any material possession. You will be proud of yourself! This is a test of your mental endurance, and when you fight past it, you can look back and remember how much you can handle. The prize for winning against debt is security in yourself—both mentally and physically. So, go get it!