Here’s my little Happy New Year gift to you. Each day in January, I’ll bring you a simple, concrete and easy to put in place tip to fuel your efforts to Save Money, Pay Off Debt, and Be Awesome this year. Looking for a quick plan? Well this might not to be the right place for you. Most things down well take time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to implement systems in your life that will help you achieve your goals. I’ve said it many, many times before. Paying off debt isn’t complex. It’s just not easy. You have to punch the clock daily and do the hard work. Here’s another way to make that happen.
Day 7: Read the Right Books
“What the world really needs is one more reality show to make it a better place.” Said no one ever.
This world is desperate for inspiration. Deep down, our souls are in a constant state of crying out, “Is this really all there is?” “Is there something more?” My faith leads me to believe that this imbalance, a tug of war in our hearts, longs for true reconciliation of all things with our Creator . . . for Heaven to begin on earth. For a restoration of what once was.
One of the many ways we were able to Slay our Debt Dragon, paying off over $127K, was by reading. Obviously, reading doesn’t create income directly – unless maybe you review books which would be awe-some. It doesn’t necessarily instantaneously save you money either. However, reading can direct your heart, mind, and body toward the path of kicking debt in the teeth.
You know what reading doesn’t have? Commercials. There’s nothing like an hour or two of TV to create unrest in your soul. You never knew there were so many movies you wanted to watch. You never knew there so many restaurants to eat at or pizzas you could order. You never knew there were so many truly useful informercial products that you don’t already own for 3 easy payments of $19.99. You never knew there were so many personal products and pharmaceuticals that your parents and grandparents might need. Baby boomers in bathtubs outside? Not cool advertisers. Not cool at all.
Want to really Kick Debt in the Teeth in 2015? Turn off the TV and pick up a book. The King of Free was so impassioned about reading during our Debt Slaying journey that he read an average of at least one non-fiction book each month. He read somewhere that the average millionaire reads one non-fiction work per month. That was a club he wanted to join. So he cracked a book and away he went. He continued to add to the list after we paid off the debt, too. He has them all listed right here if you’re looking for a title to pick up. It’s one crazy long but awesome list of books.
I included a special reading list in Slaying the Debt Dragon because I really believe this principles was essential in our journey.
Certainly you can read books about money. After my own, I’d suggest this one or this one or this one even. But honestly, I’d advise you to read anything that inspires you to be a better you and makes your soul sing. Some of my favorite reads over the past couple of years have been:
- Wonderstruck
by Margaret Feinberg
- Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World
by Bob Goff
- 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess
by Jen Hatmaker
- Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way
by Shauna Niequest
- One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
by Ann Voskamp
- Million Little Ways, A: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live
by Emily P. Freeman
- The Wall Around Your Heart: How Jesus Heals You When Others Hurt You
Mary DeMuth
Good books make your soul soar.
When your soul soars, you are able to Kick Debt in the Teeth, friends.
You don’t have to purchase books new. Borrow them from friends. Check them out of the library. Our local library was a refuge when we were paying off debt and remains one of my very favorite places. So many books are now available on Kindle (or Kindle app) for free or incredibly cheap. You must, must, must read if you want to Kick Debt in the Teeth. Share your favorite titles with me! I’m looking to build my 2015 list.
Miss the first six days of Kicking Debt in the teeth? Have no fear! Read:
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I’m so looking forward to sharing this month of challenge and inspiration with you. Together, we can show debt who’s boss and give it a swift kick in the teeth this January and throughout the year in 2014. Away we go!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
I read books all the time! I think it really helps to not feel so discontent.