Cut it off!
This week, during episode 50 of the Blue Collar Business Podcast I talked about leaving your past in the past.
During that show I explained some of my reasons for being a little self deprecating during the broadcast.
One thing I completely forgot to talk about was this yellow band I have pictured.
You see, I’ve been wearing that band for 3 years now. It’s hard to tell from this photo but that is a Dave Ramsey debt freedom band. It was given to me right after I started listening to him in 2008 and decided we were done borrowing money.*
Originally, that yellow band is actually supposed to be orange (he’s in Tennessee). The thing is I had been wearing it for 3 years, never taking it off even once. When I started wearing it it was a symbol of a singular goal. The goal to be debt free.
As time moved on it became something completely different. It was a daily reminder that I had messed up. It was a time warp back three years to a place filled with not-so-great-memories. I had started to believe, and even tell others, that it was going to probably rot off of my arm rather than be cut off in celebration.
It had officially lost its motivational influence and had become a negative influence in my life. One that encouraged me to focus on my mistakes above my victories.
Finally, about 10 days ago, after talking to Gregg Pechmann on the phone, I received some advice. He said, “Cut that _ _ _ _ thing off, James, it doesn’t define you”!
Gregg was right, and after getting home I went strait to the kitchen and got a pair of scissors.
What do you have around that is a constant reminder of your mistakes and wrong turns that you need to get rid of? Maybe it’s not a physical object like I had. Maybe you are hanging around people who just focus on the negative and don’t have anything positive to say? Do you spend too much time talking about the ‘what if’ and ‘should I have” subjects.
Do you need to get rid of something that is binding you?
* If you want to hear more about my story listen to episode 5 of my podcast called “Debt Valley”.
Maybe a bit unrelated but I am getting rid of the extra stuff around the house. It is mentally binding and I ahve set a goal to get rid of 1 item a week. It is slow but it is progress.
Josh Bulloc
How can I help?
At least you are able to get rid of it!
Doesn’t sound like you’re a hoarder!
Glad to see you moving on brother…
Josh, I am a minimalist. I think stuff steals our energy. I love taking stuff to the Goodwill drop off or throwing it in the trash!!! Less is best! If it isn’t useful or beautiful or a keepsake, I get rid of it! I’m with you.
Julie keeps me around because I’m beautiful!
You’re really more of a keepsake.
Haha! Very funny!
James, I am proud of you!