The single greatest determiner of an individual’s success is his or her own behavior.[i]
I’ve often heard people say, “There’s too much month and not enough money.”
To which I will ask, “Do you keep track of where your money is going?”
Typically, the answer is, “No.” Month-after-month the cycle repeats and years full of financial struggles roll by without a single behavioral shift.
Sometimes it’s good to take a look at competitive sports to gain lessons for life. For example, to find concepts for financial success, think football. The money, and its overseer, must work together to reach the end zone; no different than a seasoned quarterback throwing a pass to his wide receiver. Teamwork is happening. There must be a collaboration between releasing the ball and getting it into the receiver’s hands just as our cents and our common sense must work together. Otherwise, foolish spending has a good chance of intercepting those dollars and there’ll be little hope of a win. No team wins without a game plan and hard work.
Years ago, when we decided to pay off our home mortgage, there was a need to shift our spending behaviors. Having a chart as a visual aid helped us to monitor our progress. Every month for three and a half years we happily watched the balance owed shrink. At times it seemed like such an impossible goal to achieve and every now and then we were tempted to deviate from the plan. Fortunately, common sense played out, we held each other accountable, added money to the principle each month, and stayed on course. Expensive vacations were put off. We ate at home more often than not. Local fun within a few hours’ drive kept life interesting and nobody starved or went naked.
We all know football games are won or lost based on which team makes the most touchdowns or field goals. Winners are happy. Gatorade containers suddenly cascade over the coach with cheers and celebration. The losers aren’t smiling. They push back disappointment and wonder what they could have done differently. Financial legacies are made or lost the same way.
Don’t allow yesterday’s losses to predict tomorrow’s successes. Behaviors can change. Money advances into the end zone one dollar at a time because of a smart game plan laced with common sense, a steady focus, and forward motion yard-by-yard down the field toward the desired goal.
The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track; the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch. Proverbs 14:8 The Message
[i] Ed Baker, The Elephant in the Room, 2007 First Command/Tony Jeary International, p. 12
