Writer’s block? Or no time?
Posted on July 31, 2007 8 Comments
In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve had a bit of a writer’s block lately. The posts have been infrequent, the writing lackluster. Frankly it feels a little like my life: Piles of mail lie around, unopened. The shower curtain I ordered and now hate sits in a corner, waiting to be returned. My hair hasn’t been colored in months and I am in sore need of some new work clothes.
The main issue is that I’ve been working really crazy hours lately. Such is the dilemma of being a blogger who’s trying to make her way in the world. Securing a financial future requires sacrifice and determination, and sometimes working 12-hour days and being available on a 24-hour basis are simply required. I’ve taken on some exciting new responsibilities at the office, including two new accounts – which is great news – but as usually happens when I take on new responsibility, my writing time suffers a bit while I figure out the new balance of my life.
I’ve also decided to train for a 10-K race (that’s about 6 miles) in the fall, so now I have to run several nights a week in order to stick with my schedule. (How’s that for goal-setting?)
I guess these are the things I do – work a whole bunch and spend free time running and writing – that allow me to be a better saver than a spender. (Don’t worry – I still manage to spend a whole bunch of time with my friends and family, so I’m not missing out on that.)
You know how people talk about weight loss being a “lifestyle change,” rather than a fad diet? Well, I think the same concept applies to saving. If you truly want financial security, you have to make a lifestyle change. It might involve working more or taking on new hobbies to fill up the time you used to spend shopping or dining out, but there are definite benefits. I, for one, feel less stressed about my finances than I used to be, now that I have a cushion to fall back on. I also feel healthier, having completed two 5Ks this summer already, and now attempting to move into the 10K distance. Overall, I’m in a much better place now than I was a couple years back. Stressed and busy, yes. But unsure of my financial future, hell no.
Have you made a financial “lifestyle change?” What do you do that signifies you’re a saver, not a spender? Fill me in! I’d love to know.
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8 Responses to “Writer’s block? Or no time?”
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August 3rd, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
Hey Nicole, I am a great saver. I have about $25k in my savings and another $25k or so in my retirement accounts. My problem is knowing the best way to make my money work for me. That $25k should NOT be sitting around in a money manager account!
Anyway, I wanted to say that I had never really thought about hobbies as saving money. Like your running. That’s a great way to think of things. I would love to volunteer more, but I always think I’ll be missing out on Happy Hour with friends, etc. I never thought about the investment it would be in my spiritual self and how much money I could actually save by not going out.
Nice post. And don’t worry about not writing so much. It’s the summer. We all need a break!
August 3rd, 2007 @ 8:42 pm
Hmm. I was born a spender, and am trying to reform into a saver. It’s sort of working, I’m definitely watching what I spend more, but in other aspects of my life, I too, am working longer hours at work (and enjoying it!!) and I’ve started to eat healthier to detox my body – no more white sugar, no more deep fried anything (except for today, I slipped.) And no more juice or sugary drinks only green tea….
August 6th, 2007 @ 6:35 pm
Nyte said…
I’ve always been a big reader, switching from buying to borrowing (Library) was a great way for me to start saving money. Not a whole lot yet, but it is getting there.
Another thing I did was buy a bike. Now I bike to the library and grocery and save money on gas. I start thinking if it isn’t something I’m willing to bike for, then I don’t need it. This really helps with those cravings for snacks. It’s almost never worth biking up the huge hill near my house to the grocery for a bag of chips.
Biking places started getting me motivated in fitness areas as well. I’m now training for a Triathlon. Which means.. yep I spend more time exercising and less time thinking about spending money.
It seems that focussing in one area can bring other things into focus as well. It doesn’t matter where you start, once you start seeing progress it becomes addictive and you want to do it elsewhere.
Grats and GL with the run,
Nyte
August 6th, 2007 @ 8:21 pm
Good luck with the 10k! I’ve always been a runner, so I don’t see that as a saving activity. My biggest move to show that I’m moving into saving territory…I’m going to start using cash again. Even though rewards cards are great, I spend too much with credit cards…so I’m moving to the greenbacks…wish me luck!
August 6th, 2007 @ 9:33 pm
Don’t sweat the lack of posts, dear. They will come as they come.
Among the variables to work through writers block is one of momentum. You may have the interest and desire, but the momentum to move is lacking.
You may find reading to be the spark that ignites your writing. Perhaps a paragraph here or there. If you have interest do not hesitate to contact me.
Have a glorious day.
August 6th, 2007 @ 11:29 pm
I try to make sure that every purchase I make pushes me a little closer to my achieving my six life priorities. If it doesn’t help get me closer, then I try not to spend the money – or at least to minimize the expenditure as much as possible.
August 9th, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
I like your comparison a lot- it’s so true. A few years ago I decided to contact a financial advisor having a little extra money from an insurance claim. It changed my life. I see money differently now- I see saving money as just as thrilling as shopping (hard to believe, I know.) Sometimes it takes an actual step in the direction you want to propel you forward.
August 19th, 2007 @ 4:11 am
Hi there!
I just found your blog and think it’s great!
I have made a financial lifestyle change – over the course of the past two months, I’ve paid off approximately $2200+ of my $13,000+ consumber debt. Yes, I was spending like Carrie, but on a Non-Profit Professional’s salary – and it obviously caught up with me. It’s taken me six years to face up to it, and commit to it. I’m not sure what made the change this time – maybe wanting so many things for my future – and financial freedom being at t he base of them.
I just started a blog to follow my road to financial freedom. Please check it out when you have time: http://payingforplaying.blogspot.com/ I’m finding sooooo many great budget/debt/personal finance blogs – it’s incredible – I definitely don’t feel alone anymore!