I’ve written before about how debt makes you feel completely lonely. I’ve talked about fear holding you back from paying off debt. But it struck me the other day how when things seem insurmountable we don’t even want to begin fixing them.
For instance, say you have red hair and your least favorite household task is *um* washing the dishes {just a scenario, not based on anyone I know}. And let’s just say you meal plan, use very few paper goods, and cook at home every night. Then after 2 days, you have an array of pots and pans, plates and bowls, and nasty silverware {how DO we use so many stinking spoons?} lined down your counter with no hope of a dishwashing fairy sweeping through your kitchen, waving her wand, and putting to good use that Homemade Dishwashing Detergent you love to make.
There’s something about the fear of beginning that paralyzes me.
Especially beginning something that seems mammoth.
And so I sit. And I find something else to do. Or something to distract myself. And I waste time. Oh the minutes I’ve wasted waiting to begin something that seemed unachievable or merely undesirable. It’s like a high octane ADD where all I want to do is look at everything except for what I need to do.
Honestly, it’s just what the Debt Dragon {or whatever you have named your foe} wants – for you to distract yourself enough that you will back into a corner of paralyzation and never begin to battle. And more than likely you’ll end up adding more woes and worries to your mammoth task.
Every epic journey has a beginning. And if you want to rid yourself of Financial Paralyzation this year, here are 3 ways to begin.
1. Share Your journey. You need a friend {or a tribe} who can cheer you on to victory. Coming clean with the fact that you have a whole lot of debt and don’t know where to begin is not only cathartic but also a catalyst for success. Choose wisely. Don’t choose someone who’s a fool with their money to give you counsel. And don’t choose another debt addict who is paralyzed too. Whether it be an FPU class or even the Court of the Queen of Free, or a personal acquaintance, come clean and ask for help.
2. Ink the Contract. Write down your income. Write down your expenses. Total your debt. Get a written plan in place. “Wanting It” is NEVER enough. You must see it in its ugliness with your own eyeballs in your own handwriting. It will strike fear in your heart but you can’t own it until it’s there in black and white. Frame it, sign it, make a pledge. Whatever it takes for you to get over the “I don’t even know where to start!” hesitations.
3. Take a Long Hard Look in the Mirror. Yes, you got yourself into this mess. Admit it. Now begin again {something we call beginue around here – begin+continue}. You can get yourself out of the mess {my beliefs would add with some Divine help}, too. You must, must, must admit that you’re bad with money if you ever want to get out of debt. If you were such a genius, you wouldn’t be looking to me for help. Own it my friends. Own it.
How do you kick financial paralyzation in the teeth and show your debt who’s boss? Who’s going to begin today?
