Ready to put some money back in your bank account? You've come to the right place.
Poor money management can lead you down some dark and dangerous roads. Ever hear the term “dead end”? Of course, we all have. The image that comes to my mind when I think of “dead end” is being stuck, unable to move or unable to make a decision. People use “dead end” in all sorts of different situations and almost always use its perceived meaning. Something has ended or will inevitably end.
Let’s take a closer look at “dead end”. Just that fact that we say ‘end’ assumes that something has concluded – most likely a trip or journey of some sort. When you add ‘dead’ into the mix, that just reinforces how serious the conclusion is. There is clearly no going back. The real problem though, is that’s not true at all.
Maybe you’re referring to a dead end job, or you hit a dead end and can’t find a solution to a problem. These examples make the case that encountering a dead end is a bad thing. That’s the obvious conclusion right? I don’t think so.
Let’s think a bit more about dead ends. Where do we see dead ends most often? Easy, right? While we’re driving. And what do you do when you get to a dead end? Do you just sit there in your car… waiting… doing nothing… No, of course not. You TURN AROUND!
Working with computers I solve all sorts problems every day. When I’m working to solve a problem I encounter dead ends every few minutes! Wow, that can be frustrating! But it’s not. Dead ends don’t frustrate me, they challenge me. If I didn’t encounter dead ends while debugging or troubleshooting and issue, I would never solve the problem. A dead end presents me with an opportunity to cross an item off my list of possible culprits for a problem. Like a detective tracking down leads, when you hit a dead end, you have to go back and challenge your thinking. You have to analyze your assumptions, patterns and habits and find something that doesn’t fit.
So let’s return to our discussion of money management. With any bad habit or life changing exercise, you need to find a turning point. A dead end is exactly that kind of turning point. You’ve come to the end of a journey. Maybe it’s been a tough few years caused of spending outside your means. Or you could be cash poor and carrying a ton of debt. It sounds awful, and it can certainly be stressful, but I’ve got some good news. You’re at a dead end!
Really, it’s GOOD news! You’ve found a turning point. Take this opportunity to change your habits, get real with yourself and start living the thrifty life. Don’t fall for the idea that a dead end is a bad thing. Use it as a springboard to challenge your spending patterns and money management habits and make a change to get yourself on a different road. You may just find that hitting that dead end was just what you needed.
photo credit: andrewk100
photo credit: ktylerconk
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Mike – GREAT post! I like the way you’re thinking. Especially in this economy, with obstacles everywhere we look, doing a “turn around” to take another, more creative path is a great strategy. Change won’t happen overnight – and in this culture, patience has not been a habit we’ve practiced well – but step by step we CAN turn things around, personally AND collectively.
Thanks! I’m especially glad you mentioned patience. In our on-demand society we often overlook the value of being patient. The process that you have to take to reel yourself in is important in many ways. I struggle with it, but the benefits make the effort to be patient worthwhile. Stay tuned, I’m working on a post about the increasing importance of patience and how it can benefit your wallet. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it!