240 | How to “Check Yourself”

“Check yourself before you treat yourself” sounds clever, but how in the “h-e-double-hockey-sticks” do you do it?

It’s only natural to assume that strict guidelines are needed.

But it’s less rules, and more reflection if we’re trying to build a habit that can last a lifetime.

And once we’ve proven we can spend less than we make, that reflection can be simple.

With any spending decision…

• Is it a small amount or a big amount?

• Is it a one-time occasion or will it repeat?

• Is it something we can change easily or are we making a commitment?

If it’s small, one-time, and easily changed then it probably doesn’t need more attention (even if it’s fertile ground for moralizing preferences!).

But if it’s big or likely to repeat or putting us on the hook, then extra reflection is wise…

• Will it provide lasting value or only immediate value?

• Will it positively impact multiple people or only one?

• How is this spending more like an “investment” than an “expense”?

As we ponder these questions, we allow ourselves to begin measuring wealth by more than money.

And we disconnect the decision to spend from the fickle reward of earning.