I have a secret; I do not like being bad at something.
Starting something new means you are more than likely not going to be good at it. More than likely, you will be quite bad at it. We do not like being bad at something. We especially do not like being bad at something publicly.
Let’s take this blog, for instance. I am eight months into “starting” my blog, and like most things worth doing it is equal parts rewarding and daunting.
When I get in a rhythm with the writing and see results, it feels great. But it can be easy to get discouraged, to compare myself to others, to question my choices. I look at other blogs and compare my brand new blog to their three-year-old blog. It is easy to see how many people quit before they start.
Starting a blog is a lot like taking the first steps towards financial freedom.
Deciding to be realistic and finally take on your finances can be daunting and overwhelming. There are so many obstacles that can pop up, financial emergencies that can derail our course. That is why the average American has $38,000 in debt excluding their mortgage!
You must stay the course and learn to revel in the small wins. It is a mandatory skill when taking on a goal of this magnitude. This is a skill you must get good at no matter what you are learning. And it is a skill. Learning to take stock and appreciate the small wins. Without this, burnout is almost inevitable.
The pursuit of financial independence is a marathon, not a sprint.
Make a point of reminding yourself of why you are doing what you are doing.
Visualize your why. Clearly. See it vividly.
If an unexpected expense comes up and your goal is to travel the world for a year. Instead of throwing in the towel and saying this is just never going to happen. Picture yourself boarding the plane on your maiden voyage. Feel that feeling of winning, that feeling of accomplishment. Things were hard, it took longer than expected, but none of it matters now because you are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime.
Be accountable to yourself and show up. Learn from others. Read and stay informed. Set goals and stick to it. You are allowed to be frustrated and to get discouraged, but only for as long as it takes. After that, get back up and get to it.
I would argue it is close to impossible to apply these principles to your financial journey and fail. It may take longer than you were planning, at times it may feel like you are spinning your wheel. Stick with it. Don’t let your self be discouraged by the inevitable blunders.
I can assure you that the compounding effects of well-laid habits rarely fails you. I have found this to be consistently true in my life and know it will be for you as well.
I would LOVE to hear from you! Are you currently starting something new? Have you thought about starting something new, but there is always something holding you back?
In case you need a little extra encouragement.