It is Time to Tell Ourselves Something Important

No one likes to be told to do something, no one likes to be told they cannot have something, and no one especially likes to tell this to themselves. It is that nasty 2-letter word that controls us, keeps us on the right track, and stops us from doing the things we should not.

Unfortunately, we are more self-pleasing to ourselves than we realize. A quick search shows me that only 28% of Americans meet general physical activity guides. Our country's credit card debt has soared over $1 Trillion dollars. We live in a more marketed-to country now than ever before. People complain about inflation, but it is not inflation that is the trouble it is a lack of self-control. A lack of ability to tell ourselves no to something.  

Hey, if you want to buy something or feel you "have to" buy something, you can justify it to yourself anytime. One of the older ladies (seniors) I know, drives a 1992 Honda Accord, Stick shift with I believe over 200,000 miles. She is hoping that the car can outlast her. It has no heat and as you can tell high mileage, but she refuses to buy another car. Could she justify the need for another car? Sure she could and probably could figure out a way to buy one, but she is content.

Contentment starts with realizing what you have and being happy with what you have. If you are going to be content, you are going to have to say no to whatever is being marketed to you. You are going to have to deny yourself that pleasure of the moment.  

Buying things gives you a hit of dopamine. That is the same drug that your body releases anytime it gets pleasure from something. It is part of our human bodies. Just like any drug, we love it. The only problem is that, just like any drug, it doesn't last very long. Maybe a day, maybe a week, maybe even a month, but over time it fades. Then like any drug, we look to get more of it. We look for that next purchase that will give us that satisfaction.  

So here are some steps you can take to get control of your life, tell yourself no, find success, and get a natural, good-for-you dopamine hit.

1. Struggling for Motivation: Stop what you are doing and ask yourself, how could I best use this time? Write them down and put down the pros/cons. Deep down you know which one is best. You may not even need to write it down, but look at what you are doing instead and realize how that is not benefiting you or taking you where you want to go.

2. Purchasing Problems: Wait 3-5 days before buying. Write down what it is you want to buy, keep that list going over the course of time, and then ask yourself. Do I have the budget for these? Do I really need these? What is driving me to want these? LuLaRoe saw great success during COVID-19, women were buying leggings like they were going out of style. All day people were posting them on Social media. Did you really need another pair of leggings, or were the other 30 pairs you had enough? Another Technique I often tell people here is to remove your Credit card/debit card from Google and Apple, remove the apps that you use to buy things, discontinue your Amazon account, and make the ability to purchase harder. These will make you think before you buy.

I'm sure there are other areas where you can say no to yourself. No doubt, if you can tell yourself no, you can begin the process of taking control of your life. Physically, Spiritually and financially.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." - KJV, 1 Timothy 6:6

Book Recommendation: Winning the War in Your Mind By Craig Groeschel