This post is 560 words a 3-minute read.
More and more I am realizing one of the biggest reasons that we never make a change in our finances or life is because we love to lie to ourselves. We may not agree with this or even realize that is what we are doing but this is the reality. I realized this in myself a few days ago.
For the last year or so, I have been trying to wake up earlier so I can do my Bible Study, Pray, Worship, Create Content, Get to work earlier, and have more time for my work before questions pop up from others at work.
However, that in itself is a red flag. Why am I "trying to" rather than just doing it? To wake up earlier the solution is rather simple, GO TO SLEEP EARLIER. Yet, I never do that.
The follow-up question is why don't I go to sleep earlier? Now this is where I have a decision to make within myself:
Lie that I just have so much to do every night and can't go to sleep that early.
Tell the truth that I just enjoy watching my various shows on YouTube and Netflix rather than caring about all the things I say I want to do every morning.
On the surface, it may seem like a small distinction that doesn't change anything. However, that small distinction is the chasm between the life I say I want and the life I currently live that is full of regrets and flippant wishes.
The lie although somewhat true is laced with a ton of false beliefs that take away the agency I have in my life. If I believe that I am truly so busy at night, then I will not take the next step of thinking about ways I could make my night smoother.
On the other hand, if I embrace the truth that I just enjoy watching my shows on YouTube or Netflix. I can take the next step to determine how to mitigate this. For example:
I can choose to not start any new series during the week to ensure that I am not caught in the drama of the show which keeps me watching episode after episode.
I can choose to stop using my phone after a certain time.
I can choose to charge my phone in another room while I go to my bedroom to sleep.
I can choose to turn off notifications on my phone, so I am not enticed to use the phone.
In other words, when I become honest with myself, I can take control of my life. I can make choices that will influence my life positively. I can make one decision that helps me live the life I want to live. I may not implement the changes perfectly but at the very least, I will be moving in the right direction.
The First Rule of money for everyone should be this:
STOP BULL-SHITTING YOURSELF! BE HONEST!
Only when we are truly honest with ourselves can we make the necessary decisions that will lead to our success.
Ask yourself, for the change I want am I lying to myself? What is the true reason I don’t want to change?
No one else needs to know but you do.
So please BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF!
Thank you for reading.
Generosity>greed
✌🏾
Recommendation Section
A new podcast I am loving is called 50Fires. It is by Carl Richards, a recovering Financial Planner and Advisor, who although could help other people with their finances. Had a difficult time talking about money with his wife and children. It has quickly become one of my most anticipated podcast to listen to every week.
Nick Magguilli writes a beautiful explanation of why we do dumb things with our finances. Why we should be more considerate before we judge others on how they choose to use their money.