Sometimes we think that we have to make major changes in our lives to get ourselves on track. But in reality, major changes are the result of a series of Small Steps.
Try some of these Small Steps. What Will You Do Today?
Ask yourself the following question throughout the day: What is the best use of my time right now? This technique is used by some of the most successful business people to keep themselves on track. Sometimes you’ll find yourself doing an activity that makes you feel busy but is not productive. By simply asking yourself this question it will keep you moving forward with today’s tasks.
Resolve to cut out one expense that brings you neither joy nor prosperity. Write your resolution on a piece of paper and post it prominently, so you won’t forget. Put the money that you would have spent into an envelope or a separate account, for savings.
Put small bills in front for easy access, and large bills behind for security. At the same time, dump loose change into a jar for savings. Every time you touch money, you should feel a sense of security, not disorganization.
Take five minutes to write down some of your best attributes. Recognize that your self-worth is not the same as your net worth. Your net worth may both increase or decrease over time, but your self-worth depends on your character, on your soul, and that does not have anything to do with money.
Make good use of your automatic habits. When you pay off a loan, put the money you were paying each month into a savings account. You will keep the same standard of living, and your savings will just continue to grow!
Sit down in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Set a timer for four minutes. Close your eyes and think of the worst money mistake you have ever made. Relive the hassle, frustration, and loss you experienced one last time-and then let it go. When the timer sounds, forgive yourself for your mistakes. Next time you are tempted to dwell on it, say to yourself: “That’s water under the bridge”, and move on!
Find a quote, poem, or religious verse that inspires you. Copy it and post it where you will see it. Whenever you are feeling the “money crazies”, look at your inspirational message and remember that you are much more important than money.
Send a quick note (by mail or e-mail) to someone you love. Tell them why you love them.
Use the Zen concept of the raise that is no-raise and the loan that is no-loan. Huh? What is she talking about? Well, if you get a raise, don’t spend it. Pretend you didn’t get a raise and put the money into savings. If you pay off a loan, do the same thing-pretend you are still paying the loan and send the check to your savings instead.
Save your change. Every time you buy something with cash, use paper money. Break those bills! Save all of the change you get each day in a jar. At the end of the month, you will have $50 – $70 to use for savings or to pay off debt.
List 5 things you thought were important in life but you have found that you can live without. They can be physical things, emotional things, or qualities, such as status or prestige. What is more important to you now?
If you are worried about something, ask yourself, what difference will this make six years from now? If it will make a significant difference, begin working to solve it. If it won’t make a difference, recognize where it fits into your priorities.
How fast will your money double? Have fun with the Rule of 72. What’s that? Well, if you are earning 6 percent, your money will double in about 12 years (72 divided by 12). If you are earning 12 percent, it will only take 6 years (72 divided by 6). Pretty cool, huh?