angle
Sometimes it’s hard to think about how far I’ve come when all I’ve been thinking about is how far I have left to go. For the record, since October of last year, I’ve increased my net worth by over $10,000, I’ve paid off 84% of my old credit card debt, I’ve started to save for retirement, I’ve rebuilt my small emergency fund, I’ve taken a major step towards increasing my earning potential, and I’ve crafted a plan for becoming a homeowner. Stay tuned, but I’m almost positively certain that when I check my credit report again, even my credit, which was already good, will be better. I think it’s good to look at things from that angle. It’s so easy to say, "why eat out when there’s food in the fridge," because I’ve had to from necessity, in order to keep my spending under control. It’s the be-thankful-and-appreciative-for-what-you-have angle. I need to remember this about accomplishments as well: the be-thankful-and-appreciative-for-what-you’ve-DONE angle, in order to keep my self-criticism under control.
Maybe this is the negative effect of a deadline. I was so disappointed to see that it was less likely that I’d pay off the old cc debt by Dec. 31st. That deadline was great, because it helped me push myself - despite my odds, I’m still reaching for it. But the disappointment of possible failure feels rotten. Rotten enough to make me feel like slacking off. Rotten enough to make me resentful of my stingy frugal spending.
I feel like some kind of addict, always battling temptation lately. I went home craving Chinese takeout. But I was good (being broke helped with that), and I ate Thanksgiving leftovers instead. Another thing that helped was keeping busy. I found something to do and kept at it until it was time to go to bed. It was a good distraction from the temptation.
Thanks to all you commenters for reading about my journey, and offering your encouragement. It truly helps! Some of you suggested that I get a small reward for myself, now, to beat away the blues, and later, after I pay off the old credit card debt for good. Any suggestions?
