Creating an environment that supports good money habits.
Someone recently told me that I was a very disciplined person. I believe my response to them was a polite thank you. I left that encounter walking around with my head held high, thinking “why yes, yes, I am disciplined.” Turns out, I am not exactly disciplined in the way they were complimenting me. As the weeks have passed since that comment was made, I’ve reflected on my “discipline” or lack thereof. In the final weeks of my pregnancy, I was showered with treats. Gracious friends brought me lots of delicious chocolate. I ate every bite and did not share. I ate most of them in one or two sittings. This isn’t discipline.
I realized that discipline cannot be confined to only the moment of temptation. Even if I know I won’t feel good after eating all the sweets, if they are in front of me, I will eat them. Between the choices of lying in bed or exercising, I choose staying in bed. Reading a book or watching trash tv, I’m going for the trash. After all these years on this planet, I now know this about myself. I have little self-control and discipline in moments of weakness.
So, then, how do I accomplish anything, eat healthily, and exercise when I would rather take the tastier, more fun options? I’ve learned it’s all about controlling my environment and making the important decisions ahead of time.
This concept is as old as Greek myth. Ulysses had his crew tie him to the ship’s mast and put wax in their ears so that they would not be tempted by the sirens’ song that would cause their ship's demise.
Much like Ulysses, I have found that I need strategies in place before I get to the point of weakness. If I want to only have one piece of chocolate, I can only buy one piece of chocolate. To eat healthy foods, I need to fill the house with healthy foods. If I want to get going for the day, I need to make my bed first thing. If I want to read instead of or before watching TV, I reserve time on my daily calendar. To exercise, I’m more accountable if I schedule a partner to do it with. I have to make choices for my future-self, ahead of time, that set me up for better choices in the moment.
Don’t focus on becoming disciplined. Focus on creating an environment that makes it possible for you to make good choices in the more challenging times. Here are some ways you might create that environment:
Determine your weaknesses by reviewing your spending history. What were wants that caused you to deviate from your plan? What were your moments of weakness?
Check your budget categories before you purchase something and make sure there are funds for your purchase in the budget.
Use online ordering instead of going to a store where you might be tempted with other items.
Only shop once a week.
Delete your credit card information from automatically filling in online.
Give yourself a cooling off period - wait 24-48 hours before buying something you want.
Save up for an item not in the budget.
Pre-plan and shop for meals instead of eating out.
Review your calendar for the month and plan for upcoming events.
Eliminate the option of debt.
Unsubscribe from email marketing selling products.
Find community in people with similar habits and beliefs.
Have difficult money conversations with your partner before you are faced with a money decision or challenge.
What are other ways you create an environment that supports the habits you want to reinforce?