You’ve probably heard the saying the goes like this: “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
I like that saying, because it reminds me that while I can’t change the past, now is exactly the right time for me to get started on (or continue working on) the things I want to do.
Financially, this means that I can start out each day by asking myself what I can do to move forward.
Saving money and investing is important to me, so I can move a little money toward those items — or at the very least I can ask myself whether what I’m about to buy is worth it before spending money.
It also means that I don’t need to keep actively kicking myself about that $1000 that I spent unwisely years ago, or about the time I withdrew money from my 401k.
Instead, I can focus on now. Now is exactly the right time — and the best time.
Posted in Financial health on 03.11.10 with 8 comments.
I really need to work on this. I’m great at the starting things now part, but I also keep kicking myself for past mistakes for YEARS. I’ll try harder to just let it go…
Budgeting, yes, there’s no sense beating yourself up about the past. The past is in the past
Thanks for this–”It also means that I don’t need to keep actively kicking myself about that $1000 that I spent unwisely years ago, or about the time I withdrew money from my 401k.”
I have really been kicking myself lately about past financial decisions. I needed to hear this today! Gracias.
CF, anytime! Time to stop that kicking
Jackie, I really love little quotes and saying like this, because they really help remind me of they way I really should be thinking about certain things.
Perfect, great little post. Thank you!
Pat, I enjoy them too. I have a whole chalkboard wall full of them as art, but also as a reminder.
Great post Jackie! In fact I just came across that quote last yesterday, it’s spooky haha. Easier said than done, but if you keep reminding yourself, you’d be more likely to take action today than 99% of the people around you.
Thank you!
How funny Ken. I agree, and if you take action today, you’ll probably get a whole lot further than 99% of the people around you too.