Think of a rubber band. Resistance comes when you first take a hold of each side and start to pull them apart. Isn't that also true of how we feel when we first begin to work on our financial wellness plan? The 'feelings' that come up as we step onto this new road are overwhelming at times. One partner may be excited to get started and the other resistant. In a single's situation, you may be ready in your heart but your head starts to tell you differently. The funny thing about resistance is that you will find as much resistance as you did in the beginning as you near the end of your goal. Why? Because that's the law of physics! The more we pull outward to see how strong that elastic really is, we have a new 'fear' of it breaking, so we are resistant to continue to pull. I've seen many people start their journey off strong and as they are so so close to having their debts all paid off, retract due to resistance.
So, how will you know if you are in 'resistance" at the beginning or towards the end of your journey? Quite simply. You will MAKE EXCUSES. You will PROCRASTINATE. You will START SLIPPING back into your old spending habits. You will STOP BUDGETING. You will STOP COMMUNICATING. You will STOP WORKING THE PLAN.
At the 'beginning' of working on your new plan, you might find yourself saying things like, "I have no time", "I'll just watch you do it and see how it works", "that's just not MY thing", But what is 'x' happens?".
At the end of working on your new plan, you might find yourself saying things like, "But we've worked so hard for the past few years, let's just reward ourselves", "I'm sick of measuring everything I do!", "I meant to fund the envelopes but forgot", I don't know where that extra week's paycheck went this month, was there really an extra week?", "we've skimped this long, I need to splurge just once."
All of these statements are clear signs that you are 'resistant' and resistance will inhibit you reaching your goal is you don't see it appearing. If you find yourself using any of this language, do something about it today. Regroup. Recommit. Reconnect. HOW? Sign up for a Facebook support group and share, such as my Sick of the Hustle Budgeting discussion group-- it's a great forum to connect with others on the same journey. Sign up for another Financial Peace University Class in your area. Get one on one coaching to help you along. (that's my specialty!). Get an accountability partner. Read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover or Smart Money Smart Kids (again). Listen to some Podcasts on financial wellness. Share your success with someone else who is struggling and help them.
Stay Positive and Keep all of these 'tools' handy in your toolbox when resistance rears its ugly head!
Michelle
www.sickofthehustle.com
