Simple Randomness

Random Little Inspirations

Every now and then I’ll notice some random thing (go figure ) that makes me think about being better or working hard to be the best I can be. This morning I had one of those experiences.

I went to the gym this morning and was getting ready to do some squats when I saw a girl in there working out with a trainer that only had one leg. And she was working just as hard as anyone else with her trainer. It just made me think, “Man, she’s only got one leg and she’s still doing the work. I’ve got no physical problems like that and yet I’ll make excuses left and right.”

That was a physical, working out type example. But sometimes I get other examples as well that might motivate me in other ways. Like when you see someone who might be challenged or handicapped in some way doing well in school or business. I don’t ever think that I’m better than any of these people, but it just makes me think about how they might have so many reasons and good excuses to just sit back and let things happen, or complain, or whatever. But they don’t.

Things like that just motivate me to want to be better. They make me want to do my best and not make excuses or complaints. I admire those people who no matter what their circumstances always push on. Thanks for being a great example!

Is Debt Getting Out of Control?

Lately it seems like I hear all of the time how much debt people are in… and it’s really not a good thing. I don’t know if it is just uncontrolled spending or people just don’t know how to manage their finances. Maybe it’s a combination of the two.

Last year (or maybe it was the year before) my wife and I decided that we were going to really work towards getting out of debt. We’ve made some bad decisions in the past that had all gone on credit cards and we’ve taken steps to where we no longer have any credit card debt! The only debts we currently have is our mortgage, car loan, and student loans. Now its just a matter of paying those down, too.

Another problem that we’re hearing about all of the time these days is the housing industry and how a good number of people are loosing their homes because they can’t afford the adjusted rates. For any of you that are in this situation you might want to check out CountryWideCredit.com to find out more about getting a better mortgage rate and other credit related topics. Who knows, you might learn something to save yourself having to pay more than you should or even learn more about a refinance.

I really think its time that we all do what we need to do to get out of debt. Take the steps you need to so you can live a better life without debt.

Going Off Candy!

Ok, so one of my themes this year is to get in the best shape of my life.  So as one of the goals that will move me towards that end I’m going off candy.  Honestly, my wife and I have made this decision several times in the last couple of years.  I think the best we ever did was 5 months.  Our current goal is to go for the next 3 months.

So here’s the plan:

• no buying extra junk food candy for myself at any time in the next 3 months
• if there is cake at a family party, eat in moderation (no seconds, and only small portions!)
• I’m also going to cut out non-diet soft drinks (unless I just have to get some caffeine to keep going - the subplan there is to get enough sleep so this isn’t a problem)

It’s a simple thing really, and after all of the junk that I ate the last two weeks I’m very encouraged to make this step.  Anyone else want to join in the fun?

This is quite the change for me, and I’m planning on making it a long term change this time.  In high school it was very common for me to eat a pound of skittles a week.  You think I’d get sick of them, but they are still my favorite candy.  But I’m willing to give them up!