Financial Independence: Nothing Changes until You Change

To summarize what I have said so far – to commence your journey to financial independence in earnest, nothing changes until you change, and nothing moves until you move. Goals are indispensable, and tips and how-tos can be invaluable. Support groups are wonderful. The engine is your mind. Until your mindset aligns with the direction you want to go, your body alone cannot make the journey.

It is crucial that we get to the point where we have to work on our mind first before we start to do, so that we know what we are doing, and can sustain that action. The wonderful thing about reading is that it expands your mind and opens your eyes. The moment your mind expands, it never shrinks back to its former size. The more you keep reading, your mind keeps expanding and the more you exercise your mind. Common sense starts to become obvious.

When I was just starting out on my journey years back, I had no idea I had to change first. My focus was on doing things differently. The challenge was, I knew what to do, but I could not discipline myself to do it consistently. I would save for a month or two, then something will happen and I will go to the bank and withdraw the money. That de-motivated me hence I fell back to non-saving days. I would buy shares for a month or two, and then I would stop for months and months. It was hit-and-miss. There was no method or consistency. I was all over the place, littering the landscape with abandoned projects. After a while, it began to seem like a mission impossible.

It wasn’t until I made the connection between personal growth and development, and financial freedom and independence that I was able to focus and make progress, start and finish, set a goal, and accomplish it. Folks want to hit the ground running before learning the basics. They want ‘fast food’. I am well prepared and the healthy meal takes too long. Folks are attracted to ‘how to’ information, ‘ten ways to save money’, ‘how to save on your bills, etc. Until you become the person that can follow through on a tip or advice, you will continue to hit and miss.