Throughout this week, we're going to do a three part series on the key ingredients for financial success.
Passion is the first ingredient. What exactly is passion? Passion is a powerful and compelling emotion or feeling, boundless enthusiasm,or an intense desire. Passion applies more to success than to finances in particular. When you are passionate about something, anything, you set yourself up to succeed in whatever it is you are doing. I think the component of passion that is most applicable is the word "compelling" - we are compelled to act as a result of our intense desire. Without action, nothing is accomplished! Good intentions are useless - you have to have something that will motivate you to put feet to your intentions. Maybe its the idea of getting completely out of debt that motivates you. Maybe its the thought of the amazing vacation you will be able to enjoy guilt free when you've saved enough to pay for it in cash. Maybe its that new car you've had your eye on. Maybe its being able to help others or give generously when the opportunity or need arises. Whatever it is that motivates you, hitch your wagon to it and put it to work for you! For me, its the thought of being free to live without any obligations, able to give as I want, able to take as much time off work as I want to for mission trips, family events, or just getting to all my son's baseball games. It's the idea of being free that motivates me.
How do you discover your passion? Think about things that make you really frustrated when it comes to money. For example, never seeming to have enough to do the things you want to do. Feeling frustrated that all your money seems to be going towards payments. Feeling out of control because you don't understand how all your money just seems to disappear every month. Next, think about the things that really bring you security or satisfaction or pleasure when it comes to money. Giving extravagant gifts at holidays or birthdays. Blessing another person in need. Having the cash to pay for a fun family vacation. Six months of income just sitting in savings. Being able to actively save for retirement. All these things, both the positive and the negative, are things that you can use to fan the flame of passion in your finances.
Make sure you come back on Wednesday for ingredient number two for financial success - A Plan!
