I read a lot of blogs, many of them personal finance blogs (I really need to get around to update my blog roll on the side). A common theme in these PF blogs is to host a carnival or a round-up of posts. On Budgetsaresexy's Carnival of Personal Finance this week I found a blog post I could completely relate to. Stumbleforward.com hit the nail on the head in regards to where I'm at right now. I am in my comfort zone. I have been in debt and just getting by for so long now that I'm comfortable with it and in an odd way, I feel safe.
Safe? Comfortable? How the heck can anyone feel safe and comfortable knowing they're in debt (& not even knowing by how much)? How can anyone be comfortable not knowing what they're going to do when that next emergency pops up (and it does!)? How can you be okay with being broke you might ask?
My answer? I've been here for so long that this is my normal. Give almost anyone enough time in a certain way of life and they will become accustomed to it. It's their routine, their sense of "normal", be it right or wrong. I've been screwing up my finances for so long that this is where my "comfort zone" is. Messed up? Yes. Although it's absolutely true for the majority of people around us. We may moan and complain but few of us ever change our habits and behavior as we've fallen into what is normal for each of our lives.
This is where is takes drive and determination and the will to create a new "normal" for your life. This is the stumbling block that most people encounter. It's said that it takes 21 days to create or form a new habit. Unfortunately 21 days is longer than most of our "want it now" society is willing to put into the effort of change.
As for me, I'm tired of my "normal". If I have the will and determination to move my family across a state, change careers and go back to school when I'm almost forty, then I think I must have the drive and determination somewhere within me to change my idea of normal in regards to my finances. I need to be brave enough to leave my comfort zone and create a new reality for myself financially. Easier said than done, I know.
What is your normal?
Monday, October 20, 2008
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3 comments:
My normal is living in low-income rental housing. And buying a house... SCARY!! But we're thinking about it/working on it/shopping around/etc. Entring new waters is frightening even if they are safer waters than you are used to. Good luck on your endeavor!!
My normal is similar to yours. In grad school in my 40s. Low paying job while in school to accomodate the schedule of my daughter with special needs. It is very scary, but we have to do what we have to do!
Great article! I also want to say thanks for the link.
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