Does it feel like you are literally sinking under the heaviness of your debts? Can you can feel them weighing down on your shoulders? Does putting one foot in front of the other seem like a gargantuan task?
The psychological weight of debt can be a very real and physical burden, but the good news is that just by taking small steps, you can begin to lift that weight, helping you feel lighter, brighter and ready to take back control.
Below are some simple tips that you can start using straight away.
1. BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION
This is the first step to debt recovery. An honest conversation with yourself, being realistic and having the courage to face the reality of your situation can lead to the motivation you need to start addressing where you are “really at”.
2. YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Living with debt can feel isolating, shameful and not necessarily something that you are willing to share. Household debt in Australia is currently at one of the highest levels in the world, there are a LOT of people out there in the same situation as you, there is NO NEED to be embarrassed or ashamed – you are not alone!
3. CREATE A POSITIVE MINDSET
There is hope; we know because we have helped hundreds of people out of debt distress. Focusing on a future with hope and positivity has been scientifically proven to aid motivation. Developing a positive mindset might not sound easy, but with one, you have the power to put things in place today to change things for the better tomorrow.
4. CREATE A PICTURE OF WHERE YOU WANT TO BE – GOAL SETTING
A lot of research has gone into exploring the power of goal setting and visualising success. The ability to visualise a positive outcome primes our minds to respond to that vision, and to become more creative around strategies to achieve it.
5. REWARD YOURSELF ALONG THE WAY
As humans we are hardwired to move towards pleasure and move away from pain. This means that we naturally move towards the things that make us feel good. With this in mind, it is very important to see your journey to debt recovery as a positive one, and one of the ways to achieve this is by creating small rewards for yourself and celebrate along the way, helping you to keep motivated.
6. STEP AWAY FROM YOUR SITUATION – PHYSICALLY
Getting outside, going for a walk or a swim, can really help clear your head and change your perspective, plus you are getting the additional benefit of exercise which triggers endorphins, making you feel more positive and energized.
7. THE POWER OF REPETITION
Your mind learns from repetition and can help with creating good habits, so why not create a mantra – stick it on your wall, stick a post-it note on to your mirror to read when you’re brushing your teeth, write it on the inside of your phone cover, where ever you will see it most often.
8. KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL
Practicing gratitude has been proven to induce positive emotions. When you are paying off debt, it can be easy to concentrate on what you are having to give up and you can experience a sense of void. Practicing gratitude can help you fill that void. Train yourself to be aware of the things that you DO have in your life, they don’t have to cost money, they could be as simple as a good laugh with a friend, but they can go a long way to making you feel good. Scientists have reported that listing as little as three things that you are grateful for every day in a journal can have a positive effect on how you feel.
9. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE THAT WILL HELP YOU TACKLE YOUR DEBT SUCCESSFULLY, NOT MAKE IT WORSE
Look for the people who will support you in your get out of debt journey (even if they don’t know you are in debt) as opposed to those who may hinder it. If you hang with a fast living crowd, constantly going out, acquiring the latest toys, you may be struggling to keep up. Perhaps create some distance and look instead at those in your life who are content and happy, not those who are always wanting more.
10. GATHER A SUPPORT NETWORK
Having a support person or small group of people who have your back, and who can help you over the bumps and celebrate your wins is a great way to lighten the load and help keep you on track.
If you or someone you know is suffering from the heaviness of debt distress, there is help out there. Debt Angel Solutions are passionate about helping people get control of their financial situation and their lives. If you would like to find out more about our services and see if they are right for you, please feel free to contact us for a free, no obligation chat to see how we can help you.
