Embracing your debt can actually kickstart your motivation, transforming a typically negative experience into a powerful driver towards success. This unconventional approach helped me transform my life and work habits significantly.
I recall the days when I was relentless, waking up at 5 am and diving into work before my day job even started, and then putting in more hours after I got home. This intense drive was fueled by my desire to one day be financially free. However, once I achieved some level of financial independence, I noticed a dip in my productivity and an increase in my waistline, thanks to more leisurely mornings and frequent snack raids in the fridge.
The turning point came when I delayed depositing rent checks because I was no longer under the tight grip of financial urgency. This laid-back attitude was a stark contrast to my earlier days when a hefty mortgage had me hustling hard, desperate to not fall behind.
Purchasing a rental property at 26 pushed me to my limits. Back then, the fear of losing everything to debt made me outwork everyone at the office. That drive made me shelve any ideas of an idyllic life in Hawaii, focusing instead on climbing the corporate ladder, a goal I pursued vigorously even though it eventually eluded me.
After I left my corporate life to run my blog, Financial Samurai, I found solitude and independence, but I also missed human interaction. Consulting part-time seemed a good compromise, and I linked all my earnings from this phase to clearing my mortgage, which kept me in the game longer than I would have stayed otherwise.
Debt not only kept me disciplined but also enriched my experience and expanded my network in the fintech and digital marketing spheres. These experiences are valuable fallbacks should I ever return to full-time employment.
For anyone wrestling with debt, think of it as an ally in building your drive. Set aggressive repayment plans—it might just be the push you need to achieve and maintain high productivity levels. However, watch out for the potential motivational slump when you finally become debt-free.
The struggle against complacency continues, especially as you age. Younger workers often have more to prove and inherently more drive. This disparity often leads to older workers facing unintended biases in fast-moving industries, which favor the visibly more motivated youth.
To maintain financial sharpness, I recommend tools like Personal Capital to monitor and optimize your finances. It’s crucial to stay engaged with your financial goals, even as your motivations evolve over time.
In essence, your debt doesn’t just have to be a burden. If approached correctly, it can be a profound motivator, urging you on to greater personal and financial achievements.
