Have you heard Dave Ramsey on the radio? He is an inspiration to those who are striving to get rid of debt. I got an email from Alice who also listens to Dave and was inspired to read my book, "The GOOD Book: Get Out Of Debt." I thought you’d like to read her thoughts.
Dear Pam,
I liked your quote from Dave Ramsey. We need to ask our inner child, "What do you think you're doing?" just like we would our human children if they suddenly wanted to spend a lot of money that they didn't have. It's funny how we're able to deal with them if they want to spend our money, but not able to if it's our inner child trying to spend our money.
By the way, Shelby Lou (my inner princess) says that's because it's her money anyway because I make her work SOOOO HARD for it! My little drama queen!
Thanks!
Alice Z
What do I mean by asking my inner child, “What do you think you are doing?”? When I was climbing out of debt 17 years ago, I learned to stay alert to my behavior when it was heading in a direction I knew was destructive and not in accordance with my budget and plan. I would catch and stop myself routinely by saying to myself, “Hey! What do you think you are doing?”
If you’re in debt and it’s due to your spending when you don’t have the money, your behavior has been like that of a child. I’ve asked many at my seminars, “How old have you been acting when it comes to handling your money?” And “Would you give a nine-year-old $2,000 and send her on her way to the mall to buy whatever she wanted?”
In the beginning of behavioral change, it’s easier to catch and stop yourself when you’re in the act, but as you’re able to do that more and more; you’ll find that if you can catch the initial thought that caused the behavior, you’re on your way to real transformation.
"The GOOD Book: Get Out Of Debt" will help you become acutely aware of your thinking and you’ll be amazed at how fun it is to be on a budget! My approach to balancing your budget and getting out of debt is unique, because it involves a lighthearted approach filled with fun and play.
The GOOD Book teaches you to become aware of the intelligence within you that can sabotage your best of intentions. When you can begin to catch yourself in the act of doing what you don’t want to do like ordering an ice cream cone and you’ve sworn off sugar or buying shoes you don’t need and you’re on a budget, you’ll get in the habit of reminding yourself to stay on your commitment to change. And you’ll find it’s actually fun!