Ever since I decided to become a full time blogger, I’ve spent many hours worrying thinking about my finances. It’s not that I believe Emma and I will starve one day, but what will happen when my income is cut to 25% of what it originally was? How will I feel when the checks aren’t coming on a regular basis?
My gut instinct is telling me that it is not good for me because my worry intensifies when I spend more energy trying to analyze the situation. So, I decided to write this post to help me organize my thoughts and also listen to everyone’s comments on what I should do. Thanks in advance for your support and advices.
What Happens When I Start Worrying About My Finances
At the beginning, worrying about my financial situation was good. The concern helped me decide whether going full time was the right choice for me and Emma, but once I decided and made the choice, worrying about it didn’t help at all.
Worrying further raised many questions about the future. The more questions, the more I wanted to know and the more time I spent trying to find out possible outcomes, the more questions were raised.
What I Should Do Instead of Worrying
Do Something Constructive
Once I decided to go full time, I should stop worrying and start facing the situation. I knew that there would be no way to know what would happen in the future, so the time I spend worrying was totally wasted. Instead, I should do something that actually helps the situation. In this case, I can spend time thinking of ways to grow my blog (or write articles) instead of thinking about “what if”.
Think of the Positives
There’s no substitute for attitude and outlook. In order for me to stay positive, I should remember what I have going for me. These include:
- I have a substantial emergency fund to weather any downturns
- If the whole online industry really tanks in the future, I can always find another job so it’s not the end of the world
- Emma is extremely supportive of what I plan to do
- Emma and I are frugal enough that our expenses are low to begin with.
- Not having a great income will force me to think creatively in ways to save money. This will be allow me to share what I learn on the blog
- MoneyNing already has great readers like you that I can speak and talk things with, which is not true with every business ventures that first start out
Listing these out really helps remind me that it’s not as bad as I thought. The future is as bright as our minds let us to believe, so stay positive.
What This All Means for You
When it comes to our finances, we all worry at times. Next time this happens, turn the situation around by:
- Focusing on Solutions to the Problem
- Being Optimistic
- Stop Worrying.
{ read the comments below or add one }
I also have the “talent” to worry way too much sometimes. And despite the fact that I’m fully aware it’s a complete waste of time, it’s hard to stop doing it. Worrying about my finances will not help me make more money, on the contrary it will get me stuck. Thinking positively and taking some action is a thousand times better, and I’m trying to make it my favourite habit.
Stumbled on this blog this morning. Great blog. I have a hard time with worrying myself sick (literally) with finances and the lack of funds. I’m trying to overcome this with being thankful for what I have and not what I want. Give me a week and I may not want what I thought I had to have.
The power of positive thinking is real.
However, I find it difficult to turn the thinking into real action without substantial work on my behalf.
Great tips.
Great points. I’m a worrier, too, so I try and do exactly what you’ve outlined because it IS so time-wasting to sit and worry. And I love the part about positive thinking — that, IMO, makes a huge difference.
I must say, it strikes me that someone who is sufficiently driven, determined and successful to take the leap to blogging full-time is not going to want for avenues and opportunities – whatever the outcome of your enterprise.
Of course positive thinking is important, but so is being realistic. As you pointed out, you have a healthy reserve. That is very important.
Before deciding to leave the comforts of a full-time job, make sure you do have a healthy reserve.
Good luck and I know we’ll be in touch.
Being optimistic and thinking about the good things is what keeps me going. It’s a great move on your part to go full time. It really makes me want to have a blog 🙂
Good luck because you have something going great here. I enjoy your articles a lot.