The Power of Small Change

When I was in debt, there were times in which I thought to myself, “I can do this. I really can.” But there were other moments in which panic would take over, and I’d wonder, “How am I ever going to pay off this dollar amount? It’s just TOO BIG.” But after a while, I decided it was time to change my attitude. If I kept thinking of getting out of debt as climbing Mt. Everest, there was no way I’d ever be able to reach my goal…let alone even envision it. So I began a little experiment…

I turned to other areas of my life in which I felt I had better control over, and I started making small changes. For example, I began setting my alarm just 30 minutes earlier each day. And wouldn’t you know, that extra half hour gave me the extra freedom to do some really positive things: have more time with my daughter, prepare a nutritious breakfast, or straighten up a bit around the house.

I also started taking a stroll with one of my co-workers during lunchtime. Nothing much. Just 15 or 20 minutes away from the stress-inducing hustle bustle of the day.

Before long, I was happier and more relaxed (not to mention, a few pounds lighter!) And I began to realize that what I’d suspected all along was true: big results can come from seemingly small changes. And if that’s the case, why couldn’t I incorporate this idea into other areas of my life—especially the financial aspect? For example, if waking up 30 minutes earlier made me feel so much better, that probably meant that the small things I was doing to get out of debt were probably making a big difference, too. Before I’d started my debt management program, I used to buy a cup of gourmet coffee ever day. But that was one of the first things to go when I cut my spending. At about $3 a cup, cutting that purchase amounted to approximately $21 a week, $84 a month…and over $1,000 a year back in my pocket! That is NOTHING to scoff at.

I realized that I hadn’t been giving myself enough credit. Getting out of debt isn’t a one-day process. It takes time, effort, and patience. The progress may not always be tangible and obvious, but I guarantee it’s there. So remember, it’s all of these small changes—these positive alterations in the way you spend and save your money—that will add up to the greatest result of all: a debt-free existence.