As kids, we were more inquisitive than we are as adults. When told something, without fail, we would ask, “But why?” It may have annoyed our parents that after receiving the answer to the first why, we might immediately follow with an additional, “But why?” Humans are hardwired to be inquisitive. While taxing for our parents, it was necessary for us as children to understand the why behind what we were asked to do. Ultimately, understanding why we do what we do incites inner motivation that propels us forward and allows us to achieve our goals.
You pay your mortgage every month. Why? Because you can’t imagine your family being homeless. You wake up early to prepare a meal for your kids for school. Why? Because you love them (well it depends on the day). You wake up every day to go to a job you probably don’t really like. Why? Because it gives you money to do the things that are important to you in life. If your why isn’t compelling, your natural tendency to do what is comfortable or familiar will take over, and a change will not occur.
Sometimes budgeting sounds like an impossible task. You have started and stopped too many times to count. So let’s take a different look at the word budgeting. Instead of seeing budgeting as a burden, ask yourself, “What is my why?” Why is it truly important for me to budget? Why is that answer important to me? Continue asking yourself this question until you arrive at the reason why budgeting should be important to you. You can’t make a lasting change until you understand what motivates you. We are driven by our why. Once you reach the core reason for your ‘why’, budgeting will no longer be a burden, and it will become a joy.
Remember: The vision for your financial tomorrow becoming a reality is only one step away. Are you ready to take that step?