Continuing my theme of taking action to move the needle, I’m happy to announce a project I’m working on. I started collecting stories of everyday success to change how we view success. This month, I was reminded of Earl Nightingale’s words in The Strangest Secret: “Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” If you realize, that says nothing about fame or money. It says nothing about glory or honor. Those things result from success, not a measure of success itself. All too often, I talk to people who are accomplishing extraordinary things, yet they still feel they are not doing enough because the money is not coming in or the notoriety is not coming as fast as desired. It reminds me of the quote, “Don’t judge your beginning results on someone else’s results. And as I focus on taking those action steps, I can’t think of a better way to move the needle than with a focus on affording the life you are building.
What I’m Reading:
I recently finished reading Erin Skye Kelly’s “Get the Hell Out of Debt.” This book looks at a perspective on personal finance, focusing on cultivating a healthy and sustainable relationship with money rather than simply eliminating debt. The author emphasizes the importance of forgiving and learning from past financial mistakes without dwelling on regrets. You can read my thoughts on the book here. Below, however, are some of my take-ways
- The Importance of Mindset: The book highlights the crucial role of mindset in achieving financial freedom. Forgiving past mistakes and cultivating a positive attitude are essential for breaking free from limiting beliefs and achieving long-term financial goals.
- Focus on the Journey: Kelly emphasizes that the journey to financial success is a marathon, not a sprint. It is essential to celebrate victories and focus on consistent progress rather than solely on the end goal.
- Plan for the Future: “Get the Hell Out of Debt” reminds us that personal finance is not just about eliminating debt; it’s about planning for the future, including retirement and end-of-life planning.
- Find a Method That Works for You: Kelly encourages readers to explore different financial strategies and choose the best approach for their needs and personality. Don’t get bogged down trying to implement someone else’s system if it doesn’t resonate with you.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Before you can help others financially, you must first take care of your financial well-being.
Things I Found Interesting:
As discussed in previous posts, I’m actively seeking to “move the needle.” and progress my goals. I’m still reflecting on Tim Ferriss’s quote, “What would this look like if it was easy?” And breaking things down into smaller, workable steps. Throughout Kelly’s book, she alludes to the many areas of our finances that we make more complicated than necessary. Give yourself a break, forgive yourself for past errors, and simplify your approach to financial management.
Think about your journey. What thoughts are holding you back? What first steps can you take to move the needle to get past your barriers?
And finally, My Money Tip:
“Do the reps!” That may not sound like a money tip, but as I mentioned in one of my “Financial Fitness Friday” posts, the chances are almost inevitable that we won’t reach our goals on the first try. Success requires consistent effort and iterative progress. Like building any other skill, achieving our financial goals requires consistent work. Do not be afraid to fail. Failure provides a wealth of information that can be used to improve for your next iteration. So, put in the work; do the reps!
Let’s Talk.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these reflections and your perspectives on success and personal finance. Share your thoughts and stories of how you’ve redefined success in your life. Let’s continue the conversation!
Get the Hell Out of Debt: The Proven 3-Phase Method That Will Radically Shift Your Relationship to Money
Corey Stokes 