Okay, what does it take to “change” yourself, your situation, your future, or your family? Well, I think that it takes a minimum of 3 things:
- You MUST realize the reality of the situation that you find yourself in. You must clearly see that you are over-weight, in too much debt, unhealthy, unholy, whatever. The critical first step towards change is to recognize that change is NECESSARY. When it comes to money, I find that there are 3 types of people. First, people who just assume that they will always be broke, and thus accept their lot in life and do nothing to improve their financial situation. Second, people who have enough money that they can “afford” to be sloppy with their finances. And third, people who are tired of being broke, recognize exactly where they are, and decide to something about their financial live. I am this third type of person.
- After realization, you MUST research and develop a personal finance plan. You must read, study, ask questions, and do whatever else it takes to understand your very own “personal” personal finances. Ignorance is not “bliss”, it is “dangerous”. Focused, intense study and thought lead to knowledge, which leads to change, which leads to growth. You cannot change what you do not know needs changing. Once you have knowledge, you have more than just “power”. You have the ability re-align your priorities and literally shape your destiny.
- Now that you have realization and knowledge, you must put both to work through ACTION. Knowledge without application is USELESS. Don’t draw up 50 plans, don’t invent a dozen scenarios! Do your research, make a plan, and move forward. You can always “change” directions as you gather more and more desire and knowledge, but you will NEVER get anywhere by standing pat. Just as desire without knowledge leads to futility, knowledge without action leads to frustration. JUST DO IT!