Ramen Noodles or Drunk Elephant
One of the top Cons to quitting my job was that I would have to live on a tight budget. Super tight.
Not ramen-noodles-for-every-meal tight. But not-splurging-on-some-Drunk-Elephant-skincare tight.
I analyzed my decision from every possible angle and even created my own tool/exercise to help other people make difficult decisions. And it works well. I've used it with several clients and family members, and it works every single time. (Seriously, book a free consult with me if you are struggling with a decision. It's impossible not to walk away with a new perspective after going through the exercises.)
Anyway, I was afraid of how it would feel to live on such a tight budget. I was really nervous about it. I know that money doesn't buy happiness, but I also knew that I had been pretty fortunate in that area for many years.
Fast forward three months. It's insanely easier than I could have imagined. I actually enjoy it. I appreciate things so much more now. I am living off of the same expenses/budget I had ten years ago.
And I love it. If I boil it down to what has helped the most, it's mainly because I no longer spend money to make myself feel better. I don't need to do that anymore, and I know it doesn't work.
I still splurge a little, but it's planned, budgeted, and deliberate. I don't let myself make emotional purchases anymore. I have re-trained myself to take different actions from emotions that used to cause me to spend frivolously. For example, if I feel stressed, I journal and drop into some mental hygiene. I don't respond with a Sephora haul.
If I feel anxiety, I get some physical movement going - gym or a walk at the park. I look at how I'm feeling through a lens of curiosity (not that old familiar friend, judgment).
I've had to get super honest with myself about what I need vs. what I want. How would I "feed that need" if I physically couldn't spend money?
It's wildly liberating to feel the urge for instant gratification and allow it to pass without caving. It helps in every area of my life. And I'm happier than I've ever been. And I'm doing harder things than I ever have.
If you're facing something similar, get curious about which emotions drive to you to take/not take your desired actions, and then find a few alternative ways you could respond/react. Ways that won't sabotage the results that you want to have in your life.
If you're struggling with this, I can totally help you. Schedule a consult with me, and I will show you how. Above all, practice awareness, curiosity, and self-compassion.
Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Machele Galloway is a Certified Life Coach through The Life Coach School. She's based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and specializes in helping her clients manage their time and their minds. She firmly believes that you can't manage one without managing the other. She virtually coaches women nationwide. If she isn't coaching clients, she is studying concepts and techniques. And if she isn't doing that, she's probably playing with a dog somewhere. If you are interested in working with Machele, click here to schedule your free consultation to find out if it’s a good fit for you.
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