We don’t need to look too far to see signs of mounting credit problems in our society today. Not only is it the focus of every newscast and headline, it has impacted our families, our friends, our communities, and for many, our personal lives. We are constantly reminded of the “credit crunch” and the heavy mountains of debt that so many find themselves struggling under.Indulge Now, Pay Later…Spiritually
“People often overestimate what will happen in the next two years and
underestimate what will happen in ten.” – Bill Gates
You’re Spiritual Financial Statement: An 8 Step Audit
So how pervasive is “credit buying” in your life? Where are you robbing your tomorrows to pay for today? And are you willing to take the necessary steps to stop? Below are a few ways to help you identify the deficits in your life, and some simple guidelines for turning them around.
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Are you constantly tired and in need of sleep, or running on caffeine, promising yourself that you’ll “catch up” on it tomorrow?
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Do you have a health problem that you’ve been neglecting, or have you put on weight, that you’ll deal with when you have a little more time and less stress?
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Are you over spending, in anticipation that “next year will be better”?
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Do you have adequate retirement saving, or are you hoping that it will somehow all work out?
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Are you in a relationship that’s “good for now” but ultimately not one that you see yourself in long term?
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Are you in a job that pays the bills but will never create the dream you have for your life, and with no exit plan?
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Do you procrastinate on your work, favoring video games or TV, having to run frantic and stressed later to make up for what should have already been done?
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Is there a void in your life due to lack of support from close friends or in your primary relationship that you are ignoring or haven’t dealt with? And what are the long term effects?
Don’t Rip Yourself Off
These are the ways that we rip ourselves off with short term feel goods, or even doing what’s easier in the moment, instead of doing what’s right for long term happiness in our lives. We spend time, money and energy that we don’t have, telling ourselves that if we just take care of today, we can worry about the rest tomorrow. And worrying about it tomorrow is exactly what we are doing. Except tomorrow has become today, and the worry is now.
“The only way we can stop cheating our tomorrows, is by living within the reality of today.” – Hunter Phoenix
As I said earlier, the solution is simple, but perhaps not easy or quick. (If it was, we’d already be doing that instead!). The only way we can stop cheating our tomorrows, is by living within the reality of today – even when that reality isn’t pretty or doesn’t feel good in the short term. When we live in the truth of the moment, we reconnect ourselves with our own power, giving ourselves the strength and permission to move forward in a more healthy and grounded way.
Reality Check
So my challenge to you this week is…… to take a realistic inventory of your life. Where are you at today, and are you robbing your future of it’s health, it’s wealth and it’s joy? Answer the questions above, and see where you’re “overspending”. Then take a gentle, honest look at your life, and make a list what needs to change. If you don’t know how to implement the changes, seek out experts to help you; a financial planner, trainer, a counselor or a coach.
Today will become tomorrow soon enough, in only a few hours as a matter of fact. And when you think of it being that close, doesn’t it make sense to change?
Hunter Phoenix is a Certified Professional Coach & Mentor, specializing in Complete Integrative Coaching. Her formalized coaching training was primarily completed at The Ford Institute for Integrative Coaching at JFK University in Berkeley, California. She provides personal and performance oriented guidance and coaching to individuals and major corporations as a life/business success coach through her consultancy, Hunter Phoenix Coaching, working with clients in North America, Europe and Asia. You can follow her inspired thoughts on personal relationships and other matters on Twitter @Hunter_Phoenix.





