I recently heard someone say “Americans can’t save money,”
so I perked up in my seat to pay closer attention. He then followed with “Most people can only
save around $100/month because things are too hard….” No joke, no exaggeration,
my legs and ass flinched and I nearly stood up and yelled “Bullshit!”
Alright… maybe I wouldn't have yelled bullshit but I definitely
felt an urge in my legs to stand and disagree.
Lets ignore the whole “Americans can’t save money,” and just
change it to people for the sake of argument, because leaving the word “Americans,”
in there is a completely different argument all together and I haven’t traveled
worldwide nor studied the savings account of other countries citizens (as I’m
sure he hasn't either).
But here’s what I've seen, and trust me, I've seen this in a
few different situations… it’s not that people can’t save money, it’s that
people don't know how to sacrifice.
People don't understand that to save money, you have to either work and
do more or pull back spending elsewhere.
It’s really hard to save money if you’re out shopping 3 times per week
buying things you don't need. It’s
really hard to save money when you have a loaded cable package and renting pay
per views while using some high speed internet connection. It’s hard to save money… period. It’s not easy. We’re tempted all around, from the time we
wake up til we go to sleep and that temptation is the issue; we don't know how
to say no. We don't know how to sacrifice. We don't know how to become comfortable with
some discomfort. We don't know how to go
without.
How much is your phone plan?
How vital is it that you have that particular phone to your actual
income? Sounds simple and maybe too
simple, but there’s a great chance your phone is a comfort and not an
asset. (Just an example that I’m sure
99.9% of us can relate to.)
Let’s take it to a fitness level.
How many people do you think have told me they can’t afford
training or a class? How many times do
you think I hear that weekly? People can’t
afford to get into shape, which is actually an investment in themselves, the
most important one they’ll ever make, but they can’t afford it?!?! But I bet they can afford Starbucks. I bet they can afford going to the bar. I bet they over pay for their cell bill or
cable bill or where they shop for groceries.
Can people save money?
Absolutely
Can people get into shape?
Absolutely
Can people change their lives? Absolutely
Can you improve anything in your life and live at a higher
level? Absolutely, 1000%, yes.
But are you willing to make the sacrifices needed to make
that happen?
Are you willing to cut back a few expenses to save up or get
out of debt? Do you know that debt is modern day slavery? Think about that. The more you owe, the more you’re controlled
and the less free you are.
Are you willing to study when you want to go to sleep?
Are you willing to run or lift when you want to watch tv?
Can you say no to going to going out when you know nothing positive
will happen and you need rest?
Can you say no to the drive thru?
Can you say no to skipping workouts?
Can you say no to skipping class?
Are you willing to stay in that plank just 30 seconds
longer?
Start saying NO to things that hurt you and slow you down
and make you a weaker person and start
YES to positivity and evolution and progress and hitting goals and making it all happen! It can happen but you have to want it! You have to really want it! You can’t just wish for it, you have to work
for it and sometimes work is saying NO to comfort, and saying NO to habits but
that has to happen for a new space to be cleared for new YES’s. And if you want your life to be field with a
completely healthy life in every way, loaded with YES’s, you have to sacrifice and
smash the habits that hold you back.
I recently heard someone say "Don't give yourself a reward you haven t earned," and that's so, so true. We think because we've had a couple days on the diet and been strong that we can slip and have a "cheat," day. Why? I know people that think they deserve Pepsi as a reward for going to work everyday! HUH? A) How is Pepsi a reward and B) Why do you think you deserve an award for doing what you're supposed to do?? Stop rewarding yourself and patting yourself on the back for being a responsible person.
There's a time to be soft and a time to get it together and grind. Sometimes we look for that soft, quit button a little too quick, that quit button is a little too easy to hit.
We left our blanky's at home a long, long time ago.
If you want to have something great, it's not just going to fall into your lap as you watch television, you have to make it happen with action, determination, planning, perseverance, and dedication.
Are you willing to do whatever is necessary to turn all your dreams into a reality? Whatever is necessary? Anything and everything. How bad do you want it?
Grind on
