Do Your Things Own You?

Do you have things like a bicycle, jetski, or swimming pool that sit unused? Is it that you don't have time to use them because you have to work so much just to pay for them? Sometimes it seems like all the things we own somehow own us.

The bad news is that it's often true. We have to arrange our lives around our things. You get a new truck that can go anywhere, but you're too busy working to go there. Someone is out fishing while you are putting in overtime to pay for your fishing boat. You use your large-screen television a lot, but does it sufficiently reduce the debt-stress that came with it?

Break The Chains!

The good news is that there's a better way. Actually, there are three better ways. First, know what you really value. Second, use cash instead of debt. Third, learn how to look at costs and benefits.

Will you really enjoy that $2,000 mountain bicycle enough? Maybe. This isn't about right or wrong desires. It's a question of truly seeing your own values. Think back to things you've bought but not used, or not used enough. What truly enjoyable things could you do with that money if you had it now? You've got to be self aware and honest.

Cash is king. The price may seem the same, but put those things on a credit card and, with interest, you'll pay a lot more. Cash means you have to save and wait a little for things, but you can buy more and have less stress. Credit cards provide the illusion of a richer life. Escaping debt gives you the reality.

Finally, learn to understand costs and benefits. A friend once came to the realization, using pen and paper, that his jetski cost him $300 for every hour he used it the first year. Loan interest, gas, insurance, depreciation, repairs, licenses - these things add up. And he thought it was too expensive to pay $100 per day to rent one! Consider the real costs of things, and look for a cheaper way, or at least make an honest decision that it's worth $300 per hour to you.

Your things should be making your life better. If they aren't, you need to start looking at them differently. Don't let your things own you. Change your approach.

Steve Gillman writes on many topics including brainpower, weight loss, meditation, habits of mind, creative problem solving, generating luck and anything related to self improvement. Learn more and get free e-courses at http://www.SelfImprovementNow.com

---

Two Principles That Can Change Your Life Completely

First principle: You and the universe is one.In order to... Read More

Listening Is As Important As Speaking

While engaging in conversations with friends and co-workers, how often... Read More

Why Cant You be More Like Me?

Here is a non-scientific, but fun way to see which... Read More

The Modern Geek - Changing the Stereotype

The day of duck-taped glasses, suspenders and pocket-protectors are quickly... Read More

Whos World Is It? The World Is Yours - Invite Success

Who's World Is It?Who's world really is it? Is it... Read More

10 Ways to Survive and Celebrate Valentine?s Day When You Are Single

Do you feel all alone and out of sorts on... Read More

Feng Shui To Attract Love

Not having much luck in love lately? Relationship falling apart?... Read More

How Do You Treat Others?

When others are angry with you, loving to you, critical... Read More

Self Improvement and Self Growth

Nowadays the terms self-improvement, self-growth and self-help have become popular.... Read More

Prosperity on Purpose for a Purpose

Whilst everyone seems hell bent on becoming "wealthy" at all... Read More

What Do You Do?

When I go out and talk to business people, I... Read More

The Magic of Mike

The woman stood over the stove stirring a pot of... Read More

Security Is An Inside Job

While I was growing up, my dad repeatedly told me... Read More

Millionaire Mindset: We Become What We Think About

In studying wealth, we learn the power of using our... Read More

Do You Want Raspberry, Chocolate Or Vanilla?

Descartes once wrote, "I think, therefore I am!" and 'hidden'... Read More

Your Gut Instincts & Ability to Get Along Quiz

How well do you understand how gut instincts ? yours... Read More

Finding Truth

Why Must We Find Truth:Finding truth can be a very... Read More

Your #1 Path to Hidden Power

Imagine that you could boost your confidence, courage, and compassion... Read More

A Minute of Deliberate Attraction is Better Than None

Before I explain why a minute of Deliberate Attraction is... Read More

Looking to Where the Grass is Greener?

I've written this article specifically for individuals contemplating change with... Read More

Antagonists And Fear

It is important to have your own values, beliefs and... Read More

Quick Tips On Becoming The Best In Your Field

Want to be the best in your field?Edward W. Smith,... Read More

Body Language Counts!

Why communication through body language and appropriate language are crucial... Read More

So, The Thing Is... We Reap What We Sow

So, the thing is? we reap what we sow.A few... Read More

What Will It Cost You?

What will it cost you if you don't do it?Everyone... Read More

A New Beginning With The People At Work

There's a big opportunity here! The holidays bring a change... Read More

Right Thinking

Nothing ever happens by chance. Everything, good or bad, that... Read More

The Pearl Story

I'm going to tell you the story of one of... Read More

Create a Climate for Success by Mastering Your Total Image - Part 2

In part 1 of this series, we discussed your Total... Read More

How to Improve Your Love Life with the Power of Feng Shui - Without Spending a Dime!

FENG shui (say "fung shway") is the art of creating... Read More

Why These Berkeley Scientists Were Baffled!

Breakthrough Scientific Research on the Amoeba And Why You Must... Read More

Ending the Internal Conflict

If you read personal growth or self-help books at all,... Read More

Abundance Prosperity Based on Wallace Wattles and Napoleon Hill

It is arguable that the definition of wealth is the... Read More