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πWhen we share the Emerge program with others, one of our key talking points is behavior change. We know that our members will have difficulty achieving financial wellness without first improving the ways in which they think about β and use β money. We also know that many people need help working on today before they can start thinking about tomorrow.
πThe fact of the matter is, behavior change doesnβt happen overnight. Itβs very rare to choose a goal one day, and then have an entire action plan in full force the next. A big goal, like losing weight or paying down debt, takes lots of smaller goals to actually make it work.
πWhen you really think about it, starting a budget is similar to starting a diet in many ways. Itβs easy to begin strong and motivated, but too often, you can try to do too much all at once, causing your whole plan to fall apart.
πThe old adage, βdonβt bite off more than you can chew,β rings quite true when we think about behavior change. Itβs important that we approach a big goal with baby steps. Once youβve tackled one little improvement, you can work on the next. As you chip away at those smaller goals, youβll eventually find that youβve made a big, long-term behavior change.
πOnce we adjust the way we think about reaching our goals, we no longer see them as βjust achievements,β because they simply become part of who we are. Even if you only hit two of your smaller benchmarks, youβve still made a change for the better. And just because you slip up doesnβt mean youβre doomed β we always say that we learn best by making mistakes.
πWhether youβve tossed your monthly budget out the window or youβve had trouble sticking to that new exercise routine, remember that your goals should be tough β they may even scare you a little. Few things are as rewarding as making that lifestyle change, however, so start conquering that dream β¦ even if it takes baby steps.
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