As I established in my last blog, keeping a budget is imperative to you reaching financial freedom. A budget allows to know and track precisely where ALL of your money is coming from and where it is going. When you budget and know these exact figures you are better able to afford (debt-free) the things you need and want. That is by definition, financial freedom. And who doesn't want that!?But accomplishing financial freedom isn't easy. Most of us feel like no matter how much money we make we never have enough to go around. Why is that? Especially when most of us understand that if we kept a budget we'd be more likely to achieve that lofty goal of financial freedom. Keeping a budget requires discipline. It requires you to actively record/input all of your expenses and income streams. That takes a lot of effort. It takes also takes a lot of time and energy. But the time and energy invested in budgeting will be one of your best investments you'll ever make.
So the question becomes, how do I muster up the discipline to actually sit down and do a budget. I think the first place to start is with an accountability partner. If you lack the discipline to stay on top of maintaining a budget, then purposefully seek someone that you can trust and you know WILL hold you accountable. Someone that won't be afraid to ask hard questions. Someone that will encourage you to do the right things and inspire you to do difficult but necessary things. Meet with that person consistently so that you will consistently be challenged to stay on top of your budget (because inconsistent budget is essentially no budgeting).
I think this is so important and so valuable that if you can't find an accountability partner than it is worth paying for a life coach to be that person. But find that person that will hold you accountable! Again, if you are struggling to stay disciplined it will benefit you tremendously to have someone in your life speaking to that weakness. The cost of that coach should pay for itself ten-fold in the long-term so long as they hold you to keeping your personal budget.
You can do this. First, determine that you ARE going to start and maintain a budget. But you CAN do it. You're designed and created with the fortitude to accomplish difficult and inspiring things. Whatever you do, press on. Don't give up. Just because you may have fallen short in budgeting in the past doesn't mean that you are destined to repeat. You are actually destined for greatness. Use your resolve to create a new path. Resolve to be disciplined! The reward will be financial freedom!