From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, the Three of Coins; from the Viking Lenormand, Key:
You’ll never out-earn bad habits. Fix those first.
―Joseph C. Kunz Jr.
We all know folks who are skilled, knowledgeable and work hard, yet they always seem to be broke. Becoming proficient in any field includes money management. Not only do we need to balance the costs of our resources with what we charge for our product or services, we must learn to spend what we make wisely. A big payday means covering our bills and putting some in savings before we splurge. The Key suggests looking for answers - in this case, controlling our addiction to spending. Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz created four steps to take when our craving begins to replace our common sense:
Relabel - Remind yourself of the reality: “I don’t need this, it’s only an obsessive thought, an unfounded belief. Even though there is a feeling of urgency, there’s not anything urgent actually going on.
Reattribute - Place the blame on your brain: “My brain is sending me a false message. Because my desires are ingrained in my brain, they are easily triggered when I’m stressed, tired, unhappy or bored. They feel powerful, but they’re only arising from an automatic brain mechanism, not a moral failure.”
Refocus - The compulsion will pass if given some time. Find something to do that is enjoyable and will keep you active. Teach the brain it doesn’t have to obey the addictive call.
Revalue/Devalue - Realize the impact of the addictive urge. The addicted brain puts a false value on the behavior. It has caused many more problems than it has ever fixed.
Those 4 steps will be helpful to remember! I'll put them to use to avoid sugar and junk food and alcohol.
ReplyDeleteGabor Mate borrowed these and uses them in his work. They really are helpful!
DeleteI took a screen shot of this list—very helpful for spending plus junk food as Kate says. Whew, that “feeling of urgency” is very apt. (J)
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm stressed, I often get these impulses - and they always feel urgent!
Delete