Don’t Let The World Beat You Down!

When it comes to getting ahead in life, there are two polar-opposite trains of thought …

The first comes from the mouth of those who are on the road to success … the ones who believe that anything is possible (of which it is, if you know where to look). These enlightened people know for a fact that they can pay off all their debts, save for things they really need, and ultimately live a very bright life in the process. They consistently plan for the future, they work harder than most, and they make sure stuff gets done. This, my friend, is the “can do” attitude.

Then, sadly, there are those who believe that improving their situation is just too impossible without any handouts from people with money (who really want to keep them there)! Their motto: the little guy just can’t get ahead. These misinformed individuals truly believe that everyone else has some kind of advantage over them (the real truth: no one does, unless you let them). They’re of the opinion that others who have gone on to do well have gotten there because they treated others unfairly, or because they were handed it on a silver platter. Note: these false ideas are poison to those who drink it!

Personally, I have learned to subscribe to the well-known theory that the little guy can get ahead, if he really wants to, and then goes for it (I also think the other way is just a cop-out). Are there going to be legitimate situations where people can’t get out of debt because of medical bills, addictions or because they live in third world countries and are truly poor for reasons beyond their own control? You betcha’! Bad things happen to us all, and a lot of us get into financial trouble that we can’t get out of — at the time. Does this mean that we’re doomed for the rest of our lives? NO, it doesn’t … get that thought out of your head RIGHT NOW!

Seriously …there’s a huge difference between thinking that you’re broke, and thinking that you’re poor. What is this difference, you ask? Well, being broke is only temporary, and if you deal with it in the correct manner, you’ll do much better in a short period of time. Now, when you believe that you’re poor (even if you are really only broke) you better get used to it, because you’re going to stay that way. It’s a complete underdog-story-without-a-happy-ending scenario (where you are at the bottom, and there’s no way out). Pretty sad, huh?

I believe that too many people nowadays believe that they’re poor, even when they have the available resources to do much better. These same people will always complain about not making enough money to cover their $400 car payment (not including insurance), their expensive clothing-buying habit and their $2100 1080p HDTV. The real problem isn’t that they’re poor (just the opposite, actually): it’s that they’re bad with managing money, and that no one in their lives has ever taught them to do without. They want expensive things, and they want them now (no matter how they have to pay for them)!

If you were to sit down, come up with a financial plan, and decide that you’re going to stop getting into more debt for things you don’t really need (like those $400 car payments and that overpriced TV) you will more than likely be able to turn your situation around. So never host a pity party for yourself (stop with all the “woe- is-me” talk now); instead make a plan of action, and take control of your finances today (the sooner, the better). It’s all too easy to complain about where you are in life, and about how you’ll never be able to get ahead due to someone – or something – else holding you back, but it’s a whole different story to actually take charge of your situation, and start working towards making it better.

If you’re in a bad financial situation right now, make this the year that you change and take control of your life. Make 2010 the year that the little guy finally gets ahead, and finally knows what it’s like to be happy once again!