Self Discipline and Money

Self-control is one of the many virtues that is something that can be learned by each and every one of us. Learning it will prove to be quiet important in how we handle our finances. Having a sense of self-control somehow helps us to put aside money instead of spending it. It helps people to resist the terrible “itch” they get to spend money the moment they get hold of it.

Often, when people come into a certain amount of money, they have this tendency to rush out and instantly satisfy the irresistible urge to splurge on anything they lay their eyes on. This is a very dangerous mistake. Sometimes people fail to recognize the idea that the future has to be considered, too, whenever spending and savings enter the picture. There’s a spiritual component to money, which is energy in concrete form, paper and metal form and to be haphazard about it shows a lack of spiritual discipline as well. Not to say we should not enjoy life, but if one is spending for the sake of spending or as a drug just to feel better, or fill a void then there is a spiritual disconnect.

The saying “nothing is constant” still rings true today. The stuff people see now as shiny and new will fade and rust away later. And patience and self-control makes people realize and think about the many other more important things that requires more of people’s concern, specifically money-wise. A person’s financial success starts with a conscious effort to control one’s expenditures and save up for the future. One of my sources of income for example I save, don’t spend it, so in the future I will have a nice little nest egg and as I enter my older chapter of life I won’t have to be freaked out about expenses, basics getting covered. I have learned to discipline myself and feel more at peace.

Realizing the high correlation of self-control and saving money, the next question is, how do we start learning and acquire this virtue of self-control, which seems so elusive? Well, there are many ways which people often take for granted. Here are some of the less complicated ones that are easier to follow. Learn them, and hope they grow on you. Try to apply these easy steps in your daily living and surely they will bear you wonderful fruits on your way to financial stability and security.

1. Do not purchase items on impulse. Consider thinking if you really need the item, or maybe you can still put it off for later when you really have the need for it.
2. Identify the your needs from wants. You wouldn’t want to spend so much on something that you may regret doing so in the future.
3. Look for a person who can serve as a role model for you and adapt a financial life similar to what he does. In this way, self-control will seem very easy when you see that others are actually doing it.

Namaste