Finding the motivation....

S1984 · 1 January 2018 at 6:18PM

Just a general question really. How do those that have successfully overcome their debt continue to find the motivation to climb the huge hills they face?

I am at the stage of a poor initial DMP so am re starting self managed however the mountain of debt seems so huge and often I worry (like many) as to how I will ever break free

What keeps you motivated? How do you change significant habbit which have often resulted in the debt for many of us?

I guess this is just a thread to hear how others structured their quests to tackle the debt and progress forward as I am finding myself consistently on edge and feeling very down about the battle I have in front of me

System · 1 January 2018 at 7:00PM

Hi! Happy New Year!

What keeps me motivated is inner peace, and seeing the debt coming down.
Who would want guilt, and distress of mind?

Also, the income and debt payments you start with don't remain the same, over time.
Things improve, if you make them, and the debt starts coming down quicker, then.

It's like a game. You get good at it, and you want to get better.

Hope that helps!

DawnW · 1 January 2018 at 8:27PM

My debts were paid off some time ago now, but what motivated me at the time was to break it down into small chunks rather than look at it in its entirety which seemed overwhelming. I have read of some people who did this in a visual way, by making a chart with squares, each square representing 1% of their total debt, and colouring in a square whenever another 1% was paid off. I didn't do this, but can see how some people would find it appealing

Maybe start a diary on the Debt Free Diaries board to help you chart progress, if colouring in isn't for you?

arc2014 · 2 January 2018 at 9:53AM

I never had a huge amount of debt, but I had my LBM in September when we were suddenly asked to leave the house we were renting. Then only a week later I was at risk of losing of my job, possibly homeless and jobless before Christmas, with 2 babies under 4! We had no savings to our name and VERY little spare cash, and it was a horrible time. I want my debts gone, and a deposit to buy a house so I can have stability for my babies, and never go through that again! So my motivation is looking at my kids faces every day, and wanting the best for them!