Fill in the blank. If only I had more money, I would ____________.
Just in the last week, I know I have said this to myself a few times. If only I had more money, I would… take my wife out to dinner, get a massage to heal my incredibly sore neck, mulch my entire garden, take a 4 day weekend and go Mackinac Island later this summer.
Habitual Thinking
The sad thing is, at the end of the day, I could afford all of those things without going into debt. I have just fallen into a habitual way of thinking. Instead of thinking creatively, the first thing that comes to my mind is the phrase, “If only I had more money…”
Looking back, I know I have missed out on great opportunities because of this habitual way of thinking.
Lack of Money = Lack of Creativity
Money isn’t the real problem. The real problem is creativity.
One thing I have always wanted to do with my wife was to take a trip to Mackinac Island. Yet, when I think about taking the trip, what comes across my mind are reasons I shouldn’t go. I shouldn’t go because I need to start saving for the 8 weddings I have coming up, I shouldn’t go because I haven’t maxed my Roth IRA for 2010, I shouldn’t go because I didn’t reach my income goals for the midway point of the year.
How Can I Afford This?
All those excuses sound great, but they are just excuses. With a little creativity I could find a way to go. I just need to start asking myself, “How can I afford this.”
Turns out it’s not that hard. I could go in early September when hotels are cheaper. I could cash in my rewards from using my credit card. I could sell the fridge in our garage that I don’t even use on Craigslist. I could rent camping equipment for the week and not stay in a hotel room to save money.
A Lazy Way of Thinking
Repeatedly reminding yourself that you don’t have enough money, isn’t an excuse. It’s a lazy way of thinking.
What is something you have always wanted to do but have been holding back because of money concerns? Do you want to find a new job? Do you want to start your own business? Do you want to take a road trip up to a cool island? Whatever it is, ask yourself, “How can I afford this.”
There will always be a way.
P.S. – Looks like I just talked myself into to a road trip (:
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Photo by: Mackinac Cowgirl
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