the real cost of a narrow focus
I look at every bit of money that isn’t already designated for some other bill as an opportunity to get closer to paying off my old credit card debt. When I went through my finances yesterday to anticipate my spending over the next few weeks, I was really happy to have extra money to work with. I had my heart set on giving every extra penny to the loan that consolidated my old credit card debt. However, something kept nagging at me.
I still need clothes. Though I may have done some shopping this year, I still don’t have the career wardrobe that I need, and in my haste to pay off my old debt, I have repeatedly postponed shopping so that I could funnel my money into paying debt.
Yesterday, while washing my hands in the ladies’ restroom at work, I took a good look in the mirror and was honest with myself. I didn’t look like someone who wanted more money and responsibility. I looked like someone on support staff who is comfortable staying put. Not knocking support staff, mind you - they make the world go round. But I am not support staff. Why should I dress that part? And what does it say to the powers that be about my attitude towards my role at my job? Certainly not what I want it to say. Therefore, this is unacceptable. In the long run, not dressing the part will cost me money, not save me money.
Last night, I grudgingly designated a chunk of my money to shopping (like I said I was going to do before, but never did). I won’t make any promises, but I’ll try to keep doing it at least once a month until I don’t dress like support staff any more. I hated to give less money to paying debt, but doing what it takes to augment my income is more important. It is possible to lose out on one thing because you’re so fixated on another. Every once in a while, you have to zoom out and reevaluate your spending choices.
