I’ve thought a lot about what financial savvyness is as I prepare for all that awaits in 2010. I’ve also been reflecting a great deal on my past mistakes of wanting to achieve too much too soon, or being too hard on myself for not being as good as others at knitting, baking, crafting, sewing, simplicity, minimalism and the list goes on. Let me also admit, when I say not as good as others at sewing, in all honesty I mean I don’t even know how to sew on a button 
My reflections have made me think about one of my biggest tips as we begin this year. For me, it is to remember to forgive myself and move on while learning from past mistakes. Yes technically that is two tips, but I think they go well together
When I begin to feel overwhelmed with where I’ve gone wrong, I begin to think I can not accomplish this task I’m on, I begin to see all the stumbling blocks as barriers I can’t push aside. In reality that gets me nowhere, and in fact is like taking giant leaps backwards. Instead admitting my mistakes, learning from them and forgiving myself allows me to keep putting one foot in front of the other and remove those barriers that at times seem insurmountable! You don’t start a weight loss plan 50 pounds lighter, but each pound is one step closer (even if you occasionally fall off the bandwagon), similarly you don’t begin a savings account with £10,000, but each pound saved gets you all the nearer! Forgiving yourself for having to spend a few pounds unexpectedly will allow you to keep that end goal in sight. Yup, it’s a journey, not a race.
Wise words.
I often feel very impatient with myself when I look at where I want to be and then take a look at where I actually am – almost like a child stamping their feet and wanting it NOW!
I am slowly learning to see those stumbling blocks as learning opportunities, your comment that life is a journey and not a race is a thought that I know I should bring to mind often.
Great post
I have often thought you might be a bit hard on yourself. You want to do SO MUCH and that puts a lot of pressure on you.
I am also a “Do-er” I want to learn everything. I want to do everything and it’s hard to recognie sometimes when we need to slow down a little.
You are a good person FT. Remember though, you are only 1 person and you have to look after YOU first and foremost.
I do hope 2010 brings you that great love you are waiting for.
(((HUGS)))
You are right here, I think. You need to learn to love yourself (and that means also being gentle to yourself) before you can love others as you want to. Each day we just need to do the best we can do that day, moving in the direction we want to go. But we all walk with baby steps. It’s ok. It’s what we do. Just keep in your heart the direction you want to go in, and why you want to do this. Smile. Sing along the way. You are doing so well!
Be gentle and face whatever comes. Its not a race to have all the skills you need either, they come in time, all you need to do is decide to have a go and with practice things do get easier. One step at a time, the important thing is to be willing to take the step. Great post.
I think you are doing a great job on your journey, you are an inspiration to all.
You wise old hen you. Wish I’d learned that when I was in my twenties. xx
I agree totally, and this is something that I need to tell myself more, so thank you for highlighting it.
It’s too easy for the feeling of guilt (from falling off the band wagon) to feed more guilt within yourself, and then you get stuck in a hole you can’t get out of.
I go through this cycle a lot as a bipolar, especially with my spending
“forgive myself and move on while learning from past mistakes.” – I really needed this today and feel lighter in spirit after reading it.
Thank you!
I fall victim to this issue a lot myself – too many dreams and ideas, and too much pressure on myself to get them all done and, frequently, to get them all done NOW. This year I’m trying to cut myself a bit more slack whether it’s regard to my dissertation, teaching, or budget (I always try to stay way under budget) and accept that a lot of small steps are really the way to see a difference in the end.
Definitely a journey.
One inch lost can make a big difference, and $10 saved is a start to saving more
Very good piece FT!
Thanks for such an inspiring blog post – it helped me today.
A belated happy new year!