On October 6th, 2019, I should’ve screamed ”I’m debt-free!
This post is dedicated to those that feel like they are a failure because they don’t fit the mold. Maybe you have a smaller income, maybe you can only put ten extra dollars to your debt, maybe you didn’t reach your expected debt-free date, like me. This post is for you.
Here are a few words of encouragement:
You are enough.
You are doing enough.
Stop comparing your life to others.
You will succeed.
My story:
Two years ago, I read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramesy. During this time, I was a Dave Ramsey FANATIC, and I still am! I listened to his podcast day and night. If you are a consistent listener, you’ve probably heard Dave say, “most people get out of debt in two years”, if they are gazelle intense. After hearing that phrase multiple times, I figured that I will be “most people” and become debt free in two years.
On October 6, 2017, I unconsciously set an unrealistic expectation on myself. I labeled myself as “most people” and told myself that I must become debt-free in exactly two years.
The problem with this goal was that I didn’t really do the math. I didn’t really look at the numbers to see if I could really pay off $57,747 worth of debt off with my income in 24 months. I just ran with what I heard from a book and hoped that I could achieve exactly what the book said.
So I’m here today to tell you to stop trying to be like “most people.” You don’t know everything about “most people” so stop trying to replicate someone else’s story.
Develop a plan. Stick to the plan. And achieve the goal.
Today, I have a new attitude.
I know that I am not a failure!
I accept that things will not go as I always plan. I am willing to tweak the plan to get to the goal.
I am at peace. I am no longer trying to fit the mold. I am doing what’s best for me and my finances. I no longer think about the things I should have done or could have done. I accept that I can’t go back. I did and is doing the best that I can.
I look at others for encouragement. I am no longer trying to replicate or compare their story to mines. I look at their stories for motivation.
I am determined. My energy towards paying off debt hasn’t changed. It has gotten stronger. I WILL NOT QUIT, I come too far to just stop now.