Have you ever purchased items that you couldn't afford (i.e. appliances, clothing, a car or a home, etc,)? Are your credit cards maxed out to the point where payments are a challenge? Do you continue to live your life in a way that keeps you in lack?
At times we all realize that some of the choices we make are not sound. Our decisions can be unwise and the result of being reactionary. The results of our choices leave us wondering, "oops, did I do that"? We may not have thought things through prior to making our decisions.
What steps go into our thought process prior to making choices? Are we in an emotional state, a state of desperation? We purchase things just to have the latest in technology or to have the nicest car. We don't stop to consider whether we can afford the purchase or whether our bank account(s) can support our decision financially. When we are feeling a sense of entitlement, nothing will stop us. Living out of our means doesn't register in our mind. We focus more on and are motivated by the perception of others as to how successful we are.
We often do not realize that the decisions we make can have an impact on our family, friends and even our job. When we are stressed, we tend to blame others, find fault with others including our spouse, children, peers and bosses.
Living in debt wreaks havoc on our emotions, promotes fear (how will we survive?), causes stress and can sometimes lead to making additional poor choices. For example, living from paycheck to paycheck does not allow for opportunities to engage in fun activities such as sports or going to a nice restaurant.
In realizing how poor choices and bad decisions impact your life, there comes a time when you must decide to turn things around. How do you change your spending attitude and or correct any false beliefs you may have related to spending?
It may be helpful to ask the following questions prior to making a purchasing decision:
* Is this something I really need?
* Where will "it" go?
* What is "it" replacing?
* Can I afford "it"?
The answer to these questions will lead you away from an "oops, did I do that?" mentality of living with bad decisions and guide you to making better decisions. The more good decisions you make places you on a path of knowing that your choices are sound and well thought out. You're not making an emotional decision, nor is your decision fear-based.
Making better decisions can be liberating. Isn't that a better way to live?
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