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Why Baby Steps Are So Important – Decision Happen Now, Results Take Time

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959864706_894bdfaa56.jpgWe live in societies of instant gratification. We want things to change the moment the idea of change comes into our minds. Waiting for results is almost unbearable. How many times have you wished that you could blink to change televisions stations on your TV? Ok, maybe you haven’t wish that particular absurdity but I am sure you have wished for similar.

I have said it before and I will say it again. Financial peace comes with time. Unless you have just inherited a large sum of money, you will have to take baby steps like all the rest of us. Let’s take the idea of baby steps further and think about how babies learn to walk.

First steps are very difficult. Some babies would rather wait until that completely ready before they even attempt to stand up. Some babies are eager and seem to stand up the minute they are born. In each personality type they eventually learn how to walk. Standing up against a couch or wall, letting go and standing with no support and then they take their first step. Looking at their face you see intense concentration, and determination. Have they gained huge strides in feet? No, but they have in spirit and have finally learned to move forward like Mommy and Daddy.

So how can we learn from babies? Babies know they have to start some where. They first recognize that Mommy and Daddy are walking. We could say that the first move in gaining financial freedom is recognizing the need to improve.

The baby then finds support against a wall or couch before attempting the first step (yes I know some babies have been know to stand up in the middle of a room but I am trying to make a point here). Finding the right support and information about gaining true financial freedom is very important. With the wrong information we could end up never taking steps forward at all. As you probably already know I high recommend Dave Ramsey as a teacher.

Now that we have the motivation, decision to change and the right support we are ready for our first physical step. I have observed some babies reach this point and for weeks they don’t take that first step. They practice standing and walking around furniture but don’t have enough confidence to actually take a step on their own. Mommy and Daddy encouraging them all the way but the baby is fearful of going out on her own. I have also seen this happen with people when talking about their finances. Statements like “I will just keep one credit card in case of emergencies”, or “I hate debt but I am never going to get out of debt anyway so I might as well give into it”, tell me that they understand the need for change and may have the motivation to change but are to fearful to take a step forward. Fearful of going out on your own and making huge strides in your spirit but not necessarily large steps because baby steps are small.

I am very harsh on the topic of using credit cards and acquiring debt. I am this way because I have seen nothing but pain come from it. Credit card use encourages the instant gratification attitude that will hold you back.

So where are you in this parallel? Do you recognize the need for change? If not, look at people who have gained true financial freedom (this does not have to mean making lots of money either)and tell me you don’t want to be there.

Are you at the place of being sick and tired of the same cycle but are now looking for support and a good model to follow? Dave Ramsey is the best financial counselor I have every come across and will give you practical was to change. He is also a very good motivational speaker.

Are you now ready to let go and not let the fear of the unknown keep you from moving forward? You can become motivated and make decisions to change but none of that matters unless you take the first steps. You can’t make someone change you! You have to decided to you are going to walk and to take your first baby step.

Photo provided by flickr user sean dreilinger.

November 24, 2007 | Filed Under Financial Freedom Journey Pep Talk 

3 Responses to “Why Baby Steps Are So Important – Decision Happen Now, Results Take Time”

  1. Psychy.org on November 28th, 2007

    Hi Mona!

    this is a fantastic post! you are absolutely right; our perspective on life is the reality we create. Of course, one can never reason away money problems or real life challenges, but we can change the way we perceive our ‘material wealth’ and our ‘emotional wealth’.

    I’ll be linking to this from Psychy.org too, it’s right up our alley!

    Thanks,

    Psychy

  2. Mona on December 17th, 2007

    Psychy,
    I know this is a very belated Thanks but Thanks ;)

  3. carnival of money stories blog carnival #39 : Time To Budget on December 18th, 2007

    [...] Why Baby Steps Are So Important – Decision Happen Now, Results Take Time [...]

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