The Free Financial Advisor

You are here: Home / Archives for motivation

Accelerate Your Debt Repayment Using Our Powerful Snowball Method.

by Leave a Comment

debt payoff

Image source: shutterstock.com

The need to pay multiple monthly bills makes debt responsibilities too heavy to handle. High interest rates combined with minimum payment requirements create a situation that prevents you from escaping continuous debt obligations. People who want to escape debt need to develop plans and learn how to control their spending. The debt snowball method serves as a solution for this situation. The system offers tools to help you build debt-repayment speed and stay motivated. Our guide provides the steps to use the snowball method for debt repayment so you can start making significant progress.

1. List All Your Debts

The first step in the debt snowball method is to get a clear picture of what you owe. Start by making a list of every outstanding debt. Include credit cards, personal loans, medical bills, car loans, and any other debts you have. For each, note the total balance, minimum monthly payment, and interest rate. This step might feel intimidating, but seeing everything in one place is crucial for building your repayment plan. Remember, you can’t tackle what you don’t track.

2. Organize Debts from Smallest to Largest

Now, arrange your debts from the smallest balance to the largest, regardless of interest rate. The debt snowball method focuses on quick wins. By knocking out the smallest debts first, you create a sense of accomplishment early on. This psychological boost can help keep you motivated to stick with your plan. Don’t worry about the interest rates for now—the focus is on building momentum.

3. Make Minimum Payments on Everything Except the Smallest Debt

To accelerate your debt repayment, you need to stay current on all your obligations to avoid late fees and credit damage. Continue making the minimum payments on each debt except for the one with the smallest balance. This ensures you’re not falling behind while you focus your energy on eliminating one debt at a time. The idea is to direct all your extra funds toward the smallest balance so you can pay it off as quickly as possible.

4. Throw Extra Money at Your Smallest Debt

Every extra dollar you can find goes toward the smallest debt. This could come from cutting expenses, taking on a side gig, or using your tax refund. The more you pay above the minimum, the faster you’ll see that balance disappear. Once the smallest debt is gone, you free up its payment amount to add to your next target. This is the core of the debt snowball method—it’s where your progress really starts to speed up.

5. Roll Payments Over as Debts Disappear

Once you’ve paid off your smallest debt, take the payment you were making on it and add it to the minimum payment of your next smallest debt. This creates a snowball effect: your payments grow larger with each debt you eliminate. As your snowball grows, you’ll pay off larger debts more quickly. This momentum makes it easier to stay motivated and continue accelerating your debt repayment.

6. Celebrate Milestones to Stay Motivated

It’s important to recognize your progress along the way. Every time you pay off a debt, take a moment to celebrate. This could be as simple as a small treat or sharing your success with a friend. These milestones reinforce that your hard work is paying off. Staying motivated is key, especially when working through larger balances.

7. Adjust and Refine Your Budget Regularly

Your financial situation may change over time. Review your budget each month to see if you can free up more money for your debt snowball. Maybe you’ve paid off a car, reduced utility bills, or picked up some extra work. Every little bit helps accelerate your debt repayment. Don’t hesitate to adjust your plan as needed to keep your momentum going.

8. Avoid Building New Debt

While you’re working through your debt snowball method, try to avoid taking on new debt. Using credit cards or loans for unnecessary expenses can slow your progress and undo your hard work. If you need tips on building better financial habits, check out these resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Staying disciplined will help you reach your debt-free goal faster.

Your Path to Financial Freedom

The debt snowball method is a straightforward but effective way to speed up your debt repayment. You establish a debt management system that builds confidence through a single debt focus and rolling payments forward. Watching your debts disappear step by step creates a sense of inspiration and satisfaction. Stick with your plan, celebrate your progress, and stay committed to your goal. The debt snowball method helps people achieve unexpected financial progress through its successful debt elimination strategy.

What difficulties or achievements have you faced during your debt repayment acceleration process? Share your thoughts in the comments!

What to Read Next…

Feeling Stuck? 5 Ways to Push Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone

by Leave a Comment

man outside

Image Source: pexels.com

Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, stuck in a safe but uninspiring routine? You’re not alone. Many people are trapped in their comfort zones, hesitant to take risks or try new things. While comfort can be comfortable, it can also hold you back from personal growth, new opportunities, and even financial success. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone isn’t just about chasing adrenaline—it’s about unlocking your full potential and living a more fulfilling life. If you’re ready to shake things up and see your capabilities, this article is for you.

1. Embrace Small, Manageable Risks

Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t mean you have to make huge, life-altering changes overnight. Starting small is often the most effective way to build confidence and momentum. Try saying yes to something you’d normally decline, like attending a networking event or volunteering for a new project at work. These manageable risks can help you get used to discomfort in a controlled way, making bigger leaps feel less intimidating.

Research shows that taking small risks can rewire your brain, making you more adaptable and resilient over time. The key is consistency—challenge yourself regularly, and you’ll soon find that what once felt scary now feels second nature. Remember, growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone, not in the middle of it.

2. Set Stretch Goals (and Make Them Public)

One of the most effective ways to push yourself is by setting stretch goals—objectives that are just beyond your current abilities. These goals should be ambitious enough to excite you, but realistic enough that you can see a path to achieving them. For example, if you’re comfortable saving $100 a month, challenge yourself to save $200 by cutting unnecessary expenses or finding a side hustle.

Making your goals public adds a layer of accountability. Share your intentions with friends, family, or even on social media. When others know your aim, you’re more likely to follow through. According to a study published in the American Society of Training and Development, people are 65% more likely to meet a goal after committing to another person. So, don’t be shy—let the world know what you’re working toward!

3. Seek Out New Experiences Regularly

Routine can be comforting, but it can also become a rut. To break free, make it a habit to seek out new experiences, even if they seem unrelated to your main goals. This could be as simple as trying a new cuisine, taking a different route to work, or signing up for a class outside your usual interests. New experiences stimulate your brain, spark creativity, and help you see the world differently.

If you’re feeling stuck in your career or finances, learning a new skill can open doors you never knew existed. For example, taking a public speaking course might lead to leadership opportunities, while learning about investing could set you on a path to financial independence. The more you expose yourself to the unfamiliar, the more comfortable you’ll become with uncertainty—a crucial skill for anyone looking to grow.

4. Reframe Failure as Feedback

Fear of failure is one of the biggest reasons people stay in their comfort zones. But what if you started seeing failure not as a dead end, but as valuable feedback? Every time you try something new that doesn’t go as planned, you gain insights that can help you improve next time. This mindset shift is essential for personal and professional growth.

Many successful people credit their achievements to lessons learned from failure. Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Reframing failure as a learning opportunity will make you more willing to take risks and less likely to be paralyzed by fear. Remember, the only true failure is never trying at all.

5. Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People

The people you spend time with greatly impact your mindset and willingness to step outside your comfort zone. If you’re surrounded by individuals who are content with the status quo, it’s easy to adopt the same attitude. On the other hand, spending time with growth-minded people—those who embrace challenges and strive for improvement—can inspire you to do the same.

Look for mentors, colleagues, or friends who encourage you to take risks and support your growing efforts. Join groups or communities that align with your goals, whether that’s a professional association, a mastermind group, or an online forum. According to psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck, a growth mindset is contagious, so choose your company wisely.

Unlocking Your Potential Starts Today

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for your personal and financial well-being. By embracing small risks, setting stretch goals, seeking new experiences, reframing failure, and surrounding yourself with growth-minded people, you’ll gradually expand what you believe is possible. Remember, every step outside your comfort zone is a step toward a more empowered, fulfilled, and financially secure you.

What’s one thing you’ve done recently to push yourself out of your comfort zone? Share your story in the comments below!

Read More

How to Think Like an Old Crafty Cat

Resisting Temptation: 5 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund

10 Things Your Personal Trainer Won’t Say (But Should)

by Leave a Comment

personal trainer

Image Source: pexels.com

If you’ve ever worked with a personal trainer, you know the drill: upbeat encouragement, tough love, and a whole lot of sweat. But behind the motivational slogans and perfectly timed high-fives, there are some things your personal trainer probably isn’t telling you—things that could make a real difference in your fitness journey. Whether you’re a gym newbie or a seasoned lifter, understanding these unspoken truths can help you set realistic expectations, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize your investment. Let’s remove the curtain and reveal what your trainer won’t say (but absolutely should).

1. Results Take Longer Than You Think

We all want quick results, but the truth is, sustainable fitness progress takes time. Your personal trainer might not want to dampen your enthusiasm, but it’s important to know that real change—fat loss, muscle gain, or improved endurance—usually happens over months, not weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. So, don’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing dramatic changes after a few sessions. Consistency is your best friend.

2. Nutrition Is More Important Than Exercise

You can’t out-train a bad diet. While your personal trainer might focus on your workout routine, what you eat is much bigger in your results. Research shows that nutrition accounts for up to 80% of your body composition changes. If you’re not seeing progress, it might be time to look closely at your eating habits. Consider consulting a registered dietitian or using reputable resources like Harvard’s Nutrition Source to guide your choices.

3. I Don’t Have All the Answers

Personal trainers are knowledgeable but not miracle workers or medical professionals. Your trainer should encourage you to consult a doctor or physical therapist if you have chronic pain, injuries, or health conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek second opinions. The best trainers know their limits and will refer you to the right experts when needed.

4. You Might Not Need Me Forever

It might sound counterintuitive, but a great personal trainer wants you to become independent. The goal is to teach you proper form, help you build confidence, and give you the tools to work independently. If you still rely on your trainer for every workout after a year, it might be time to reassess your goals and see if you’re ready to fly solo.

5. Rest Days Are Essential

Many people think more is always better, but overtraining can actually set you back. Your personal trainer might push you hard, but they should also remind you that rest and recovery are just as important as the workouts themselves. Rest days help your muscles repair, reduce injury risk, and motivate you. Listen to your body and don’t feel guilty about taking a break.

6. Progress Isn’t Always Linear

Some weeks you’ll crush your goals, and others you might feel like you’re moving backward. That’s normal! Plateaus, setbacks, and fluctuations are all part of the process. Your personal trainer should help you celebrate small wins and stay focused on long-term progress, not just the scale numbers or the bar’s weight.

7. Form Matters More Than Weight

Chasing bigger numbers is tempting, but lifting heavier with poor form is a recipe for injury. Your personal trainer should prioritize teaching you proper technique over adding more weight. Mastering the basics will help you avoid setbacks and make steady progress. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback or to lower the weight if your form slips.

8. Motivation Will Come and Go

Even the most dedicated gym-goers have days when they’d rather stay in bed. Your personal trainer might seem endlessly enthusiastic, but they know motivation is fleeting. The key is to build habits and routines that keep you moving even when you’re not feeling it. Set realistic goals, track your progress, and find ways to make fitness enjoyable—whether that’s trying new activities or working out with friends.

9. Supplements Aren’t Magic

Getting caught up in the latest supplement trends is easy, but most people don’t need fancy powders or pills to see results. Your personal trainer should be honest about what’s truly necessary. Focus on whole foods, hydration, and sleep before spending money on supplements. If you’re considering adding something new to your routine, consult a healthcare professional first.

10. Your Mental Health Matters, Too

Fitness isn’t just about physical gains. Exercise can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. But it’s also important to recognize when you’re pushing too hard or using exercise as a way to cope with deeper issues. Your personal trainer should encourage a balanced approach and support you in seeking help if you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or body image concerns. Remember, a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.

Empower Yourself for Lasting Results

The best personal trainers are those who empower you with knowledge, honesty, and support. By understanding these ten truths, you can set realistic expectations, avoid common mistakes, and take charge of your own fitness journey. Remember, your personal trainer is a guide, not a magician. The real magic happens when you combine their expertise with your own commitment and self-awareness.

What’s something you wish your personal trainer had told you sooner? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Read More

12 Private Clubs Only the Wealthy Can Afford

10 Things You Should Never Try to Negotiate in a Job Compensation Package

10 Things People Regret Avoiding Because They Feared Failure

by Leave a Comment

things people regret

Image Source: 123rf.com

That knot in your stomach, the racing thoughts, the sudden urge to retreat – we’ve all felt the chilling grip of the fear of failure. It’s a powerful emotion, one designed to keep us safe from potential harm or embarrassment. But what happens when that fear becomes paralyzing, preventing us from taking risks, pursuing dreams, or simply living life to its fullest potential? Often, the long-term result isn’t safety, but a heavy cloak of regret for the chances we let slip by simply because we were too afraid to try and possibly fail.

1. Asking Someone Out

The potential sting of rejection can feel overwhelming, making the prospect of asking someone out seem terrifying. We build up scenarios of awkwardness or outright dismissal in our minds, often convincing ourselves it’s safer not to try. Yet, letting this fear dictate your actions means potentially missing out on a wonderful connection or relationship. Looking back, many people regret not taking that leap of faith, wondering “what if?” more than they fear the memory of a potential rejection. Embracing vulnerability, even with the risk of refusal, opens the door to possibility rather than closing it with fear.

2. Starting a Business Venture

Dreaming of being your own boss or bringing a unique idea to life is exciting, but the fear of financial ruin or public failure stops many aspiring entrepreneurs in their tracks. The “what ifs” – what if nobody buys it, what if I lose money, what if I’m not good enough – can drown out the passion. Avoiding this path guarantees you won’t face business failure, but it also ensures you’ll never achieve that specific entrepreneurial success. Regret often surfaces later, especially when seeing others succeed with similar ideas, prompting thoughts of the potential life they didn’t build. Remember that even failed ventures provide invaluable lessons that can fuel future success.

3. Applying for a Dream Job

Seeing the perfect job listing can simultaneously spark excitement and dread, especially if it feels like a significant reach. The fear of not being qualified enough, bombing the interview, or facing rejection can lead people to avoid applying altogether. They might rationalize it by finding small flaws in the opportunity or convincing themselves they aren’t ready yet. This self-sabotage prevents potential career growth and fulfillment, leading to later regret when stuck in a less satisfying role. Taking the chance, even if unsuccessful, builds confidence and provides application and interview experience for the future.

4. Learning a New Skill

Whether it’s mastering a musical instrument, learning a foreign language, or tackling coding, acquiring a new skill often involves a period of awkwardness and incompetence. The fear of looking foolish, making mistakes, or simply not being naturally talented can deter people from even starting. They might tell themselves they don’t have the time or the aptitude, avoiding the discomfort of the learning curve. This avoidance closes doors to personal enrichment, new hobbies, career advancements, and deeper connections (like speaking another language). Regret often manifests as a wish they had started sooner, realizing the fulfillment they missed.

5. Traveling Solo

The idea of exploring a new place entirely on your own can be incredibly liberating, but also daunting. Fears about safety, loneliness, navigating unfamiliar environments, or not enjoying the experience can hold people back. Sticking to group travel or familiar destinations feels safer than facing the unknown alone. However, avoiding solo travel means missing out on unique opportunities for self-discovery, building resilience, and experiencing complete freedom. Many who overcome this fear find it transformative, while those who don’t often regret not pushing their boundaries and discovering their own capabilities.

6. Speaking Up or Sharing an Opinion

In meetings, social gatherings, or even online forums, the fear of saying the wrong thing, being judged, or facing disagreement can lead to silence. We worry about appearing unintelligent, offending someone, or simply drawing unwanted attention. Staying quiet avoids immediate conflict or scrutiny but can lead to frustration and a sense of invisibility. Regret often comes from not contributing valuable ideas, failing to stand up for beliefs, or missing chances to connect authentically with others. Finding the courage to voice your thoughts respectfully builds confidence and ensures your perspective is considered.

7. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Saying “no,” protecting your time, or communicating your needs clearly can feel uncomfortable, especially if you fear disappointing others or creating conflict. The desire to be liked or perceived as agreeable can lead people to consistently neglect their own boundaries. This avoidance often results in burnout, resentment, and unhealthy relationship dynamics. Looking back, people regret not establishing boundaries sooner, realizing the toll it took on their well-being and relationships. Learning to set limits respectfully is crucial for self-preservation and fostering mutual respect.

8. Pursuing a Creative Passion

Whether it’s writing a novel, painting, making music, or starting a craft project, the fear of criticism or not being “good enough” can stifle creative expression. Comparing oneself to established artists or worrying about the vulnerability of sharing personal work leads many to keep their passions hidden. They might dabble privately but avoid finishing projects or putting them out into the world. This avoidance denies them the joy of creation and the potential connection that comes from sharing their art, leading to regret over unexplored talents. The process itself is often more rewarding than the outcome.

9. Investing or Managing Finances Differently

Fear surrounding money – losing it, making bad decisions, not understanding the complexities – often leads to financial inaction or overly conservative choices. People might avoid learning about investing, sticking only to basic savings accounts, or delaying financial planning due to anxiety. While this might feel safe in the short term, it can lead to significant regret later when they realize missed opportunities for wealth growth or achieving financial independence. Overcoming this fear through education and seeking advice allows for more proactive and potentially rewarding financial management.

10. Making a Significant Life Change

Contemplating a major move, a career change, ending a long-term relationship, or going back to school involves stepping into the unknown, which naturally triggers fear. The fear of instability, making the wrong choice, disrupting comfort zones, or regretting the decision itself can lead to inertia. People remain in situations that no longer serve them because the fear of change outweighs their current dissatisfaction. Years later, the regret often stems from wondering how much happier or more fulfilled they might have been had they found the courage to make the leap.

Embracing the Possibility of Failure

Regret rarely stems from the failures we experienced, but rather from the chances we didn’t take because we were afraid to fail. Each instance of avoidance represents a closed door, a path not taken, a potential lesson unlearned. While the fear of failure is natural, letting it consistently dictate our choices limits our growth, experiences, and overall fulfillment. Learning to see failure not as an endpoint, but as a stepping stone and an inevitable part of a life lived fully, is key to minimizing future regrets.

What’s one thing you’ve been avoiding due to fear of failure, and what’s a small step you could take this week towards facing it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Read More

Return to The Office? 8 Reasons You’ll Regret Going Back to the Cubicle

The 5 Most Expensive Pets to Own (And Why They Cause Instant Regret)

How to Utilize Rewards

by Leave a Comment

On this site, we talk about credit, investing, and how to pay off debt. One thing that’s often missed around the debt subject is rewards.

Rewards are incentives to keep going. It’s something we can use to motivate us on our journey, no matter what that journey is.

Whether we are trying to pay off debt, lose weight, or just, straight up, improve our life. You need to reward yourself, otherwise, it’s go go go, all the time.

In this article, we’ll talk about when it’s a good time to reward yourself, how, and things to look out for.

Habits

A reward should be centered around two things. Habit formation or commitment, and goals.

If you are trying to make an improvement on something, whether it’s your health or your finances, you have to develop good habits.

If you want to exercise more, do it six days in a row, then take a break. That break can be your reward. If you want to eat better, do it for six days and then take a little break with a cheat meal.

The first step is creating the habits to get yourself to that better place.

Goals

The next reward will come when you hit goals. You want to get to a certain place, say saving $20,00 for a down payment, eliminating your debt, or losing 20 pounds.

Those are great goals, but you should put in place incremental ones to help you get there. That could be a reward for every $5,000 saved, every $5,000 paid down, or every 5 pounds lost.

It’s a lot like Dave Ramsey’s “Snowball Method” with applications in different areas of life. The goal with that method is to give you small wins to keep you motivated.

How to reward

If you put those habits in place and hit those goals, it’s time for the reward. The great, but the challenging part about that is everyone defines reward differently.

So when you create a reward for yourself, you should keep two things in mind. Make sure it’s good enough to release some dopamine, but small enough that it doesn’t set you back on what you are trying to accomplish.

If you’re trying to lose weight, your reward should be a little cheat meal or a day off from working out. Not a day of binge eating or a week without breaking a sweat.

If you’re trying to save money or pay down debt, don’t let whatever the reward is negate you from saving that month or add to your debt.

Large enough to make you feel good, but small enough so you stay on course.

What to watch for

The biggest thing to watch for is the size/duration of the reward. It mustn’t be too big or too small.

It’s a fine line and may require a little trial and error before you get it right. Start small and work your way up.

As I mentioned, it shouldn’t detract you from the pursuit of your goals, but it should also make you feel good about the progress that you’ve made or the habits you’ve created.

How I handle rewards

I won’t lie to you, rewards are a challenge for me. I’m very much a black and white type of person.

I keep junk food out of the house because I can’t be tempted with it. I make regular transfers from checking to savings in order to keep “discretionary money” out of my bank account for fear of spending it away (mostly on take-out, honestly).

It’s hard for me to put the pedal to the floor and take it off for a day. I’m either all on or all off, but I’m starting to figure it out. It really just takes some practice, a little will power, and some self-awareness.

Related Reading:

The Psychology of Money

Diving Deep into Debt

Money Anxiety

My Life and How I Manage Stress

Running and Your Career

by 6 Comments

My friend Stacey ran the Boston Marathon a few weeks ago. It was inspirational at best, and depressing at worst. When a good friend accomplishes a big goal while I’m grabbing the next doughnut it can make me feel a little self pity.

For the uninitiated, the Boston Marathon is unlike most others: you have to qualify for the race to even be allowed to enter a lottery to run in the race.

So, to review:

a) be one of the fastest runners in the world; and

b) be lucky enough to get into the race.

I’m a runner. I’ve run five marathons and three half marathons in 400 days (two of the half marathons were the day before a marathon). Sometimes, like today, I’m staring out the window, thinking I should be slugging through another run, but I’m sitting at the keyboard instead. My friend Stacey ran Boston because she wouldn’t have made the same choice. She ran it because there was no doubt in her mind that it was the right thing to do.

Business is the same way. We’re a product of our choices. In my time working with executives it’s been interesting to see what’s successful and what fails. Often, the person wasn’t able to see the failure until it was pointed out to them. It took a coach or good friend, or sometimes a poor review to set them on the right path.

Here are similarities in my mind between running and your career:

1) Better preparation creates better race results.

I don’t like speed workouts. They don’t feel good. Because of that, I’m often left as the slow guy when the run heats up. It’s the same with business. Early in my career, I’d “wing it” because I was good on my feet. Only

2) Don’t get overly emotional.

Business is a marathon. When I run a 5k, I play pump up music on my iPod to bring me through the three miles. In business, that’s like getting all fired up about a single staff meeting. Sure, it’ll help in that meeting, but business is a marathon.

For longer races, I’ll intersperse mellow tunes to actually keep my adrenaline down. In business it’s easy to get on an emotional roller coaster. “Is the customer going to buy? Will they call me back? Is that supplier going to come through?” By keeping your emotions in check you’ll make better decisions instead of the in-the-moment expediting one.

 

3) Focus on your attack, not on the pain.

When a run gets down to the final miles, it’s painful. I’ve coached enough runners that succumbed to the pain to know: working through pain ain’t easy. Everyone wants to find a way to win, and to do so, you have to be able to control your mental state. Job one: constantly worry about your priorities and overall strategy. This keeps out the pain of the moment.

 

4) Remember Jens Voigt

I often think about cyclists when I’m in the middle of a long, boring workout. My favorite rider in the Tour de France is a guy that many casual fans haven’t heard of named Jens Voigt. The biggest group of riders (called the peleton) ride behind someone who works as a windbreaker. This person sets the tone and pace. The mental and physical exertion of a rider in the front far exceeds that of riders who follow.

Jans Voigt is 40 years old and is often found at the front. He doesn’t win races, he helps others win. Everyone wants Jens on his team because he can ride for long distances pulling the load.

Often in mind-numbing business situations I remember Jens Voigt. I have to pull through the boring parts successfully to get to the satisfying finish. It isn’t the final few steps that matter…it’s those little steps in between that create a championship race. I call those Jens Voigt moments.

I’m not the only one who likes Voigt. Here’s a Wall Street Journal article about why Jens Voigt is a role model for so many: Nobody Suffers Like Jens Voigt.

 

5) Nutrition is Your Key to Success

In Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz’s book The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal, they compare athletes to business people. In a race, you should stretch beforehand, manage your pace so you can finish, and continually feed your body water and nutrients to make it to the end of the marathon.

Why is it that we don’t do the same for business? Why do we think that we can eat a cheeseburger and mess of fries for lunch and perform in the afternoon? Why don’t we stretch out and get the blood pumping before big meetings? We take all of this research that athletes have learned over the years and dump it. Instead, bosses tell workers to sit longer and “get more done.” I’d suggest that those two ideas don’t work well together.

 

Photos: Women Running: Infomatique;

Enhanced by Zemanta

It’s A Bad Day When A Munchkin Dies

by 9 Comments

I had to tear myself away from the petition to kick the Kardashians off the air long enough to write about a horrible event I just came across online.

This morning I read with much sorrow that Karl Slover, one of the last living munchkins from the The Wizard of Oz, has died at age 93. It says in the article that Mr. Slover enjoyed late-life acclaim at events celebrating the classic film. It’s inspiring that he was nearly as famous at 93 as he’d been when the film was made. He played three different roles and was one of the shortest munchkins at 4-foot 5 inches short. I’m sorry to say that my knowledge of all things “munchkin” is also short. I’ve only been an expert on the awesome round variety down at Dunkin’ Doughnuts (where’s my endorsement, DD…I plug you nearly every $#!@ post).

I DO know a little about their cousins, Oompa Loompas, from the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (NOT that awful Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake, thank you). Like Mr. Slover changed Dorothy’s life as he and his friends led the girl and her dog down the yellow brick road, Oompa Loompas helped change my world view. I’m not sure I wanted to get close to those creepy monkeys in the Wizard of Oz, but a golden ticket tour of a bad-ass chocolate factory? Sign me up, brother! That’s a world I would have loved to experience,

and some say that I still live in.

Regardless, as I said before: with apologies to Mr. Slover, I’m not an expert on munchkins, but I think Oompa Loompas have a lot to teach us about living.

 Let me count the ways:

1) They’re original. Oompa Loompas don’t worry about acting like “ordinary” people. They wear goofy outfits and have horrible hair. Most important: you’ve never seen an Oompa Loompa trying to keep up with the Jones’.

2) They sing all day. How awesome would it be to spend your day singing? Wouldn’t that wipe away your @#$! horrible mood? In my case, people around me would absolutely hate me, but crooning always makes me feel great, even though my vocal cords don’t know a note from a full-on letter. I don’t sing enough. I don’t celebrate enough. It’s time to start singing.

oompa_loompa3) They work in an awesome job. We’ve all read the statistics. Most people who are lucky enough to still have a job dislike their work. Baby, if I was making chocolate all day I know two things:  I’d weigh seven-hundred and fifty six pounds AND I’d be giggling every moment I wasn’t singing.

4) They stick close to the visionary. Willie Wonka wouldn’t be the easiest boss to work for, but I’m fairly certain his brain wasn’t focused on charging thirty cents more so they can meet Q2 earnings. He didn’t have time for cover sheets on TPS reports. Nope. Willie was designing a flippin’ elevator into the sky and was intent on finding the right person to carry out his legacy. That’s a guy to have as a friend. 

What does this have to do with you? With money?

Money is a fuel for your life. The passing of a munchkin should remind us that we’re only here for a finite amount of time before we’re all off to see the wizard. Forget the dead end job and your next four percent raise. Chuck social climbing and start mountain climbing. See the world. Celebrate. Set goals and use good money habits to claim your own chocolate-fueled adventure.

….and most of all: remember to sing.

-Facts in story: Us Weekly story, 16 Nov. 2011

-YouTube video: Warner Brothers pictures

-Willy Wonka pic: Warner Brothers pictures

Here’s a sales pitch, but it’s for awesome stuff:

Don’t have any of these three classic films? Why not make holiday shopping easy AND support your favorite blog at the same time?