It’s been said that motivation is temporary and that after it is gone, whether you succeed in your goal is dependent upon your determination and self-discipline. So perhaps this article should have been titled “how to stay determined and disciplined to be frugal.”
But regardless of what you call it, the point is the same. Motivation is hard, and so is self-discipline. Not impossible, just not easy, so we need to help ourselves along the best we can.
Here are a few things that really help me stay motivated:
- Surround yourself with like-minded people. Like it or not, we all want to blend in and flow with the herd. We can buck the current if we must, but be easy on yourself.
I’m not saying you have to break off friendships with people who don’t live below their means, I’m just saying that you should pursue friendships with people who share your own goals or ideals. - Read. Books, blogs, magazine articles. Educate yourself. Immerse yourself. Just like if you constantly read home decor magazines, you’ll want to remodel your kitchen, Reading and studying frugality will inspire you, give you new ideas and methods for saving money, and further solidify your determination to reach your goals.
- Don’t forget what started this journey. Are you paying off debt? Saving up for something big? Working toward financial security? Whatever your reason for living thrifty, it was a good reason. Dot lose sight of the goal!
- Keep your goals out where you can see them. The refrigerator door is a good place. Keeping the reason your living frugally in front of you is a great way to stay motivated!
- Create a progress chart. There’s nothing like being able to see how far you’ve come to keep you motivated. I know that when I get discouraged, it’s nice to be able to look at how far we’ve come.
- Splurge a little. If you can’t afford it, fine. But if you can, plan to splurge every once in a while. It sounds like a bunch of psychobabble, but the truth is, the occasional splurge helps keep you from feeling like you’re constantly depriving yourself, and planning it in, keeps you feeling guilty when you do it.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, it will take time for frugality to become habitual. Persevere!
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