Getting Financially Fit

How would you describe your physical fitness? How about your financial fitness? Did you know there’s a connection?

At some point, we’ve probably all had to face that fact that we needed to get in better shape. That includes our bodies and bank accounts!

And you know what that means! The D word: Discipline.

The mindset that we have to adopt when setting a goal is the same for our bodies as well as our finances. We have to exercise consistently, eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and get enough sleep if we want to stay healthy. Likewise, we need to work consistently, save, give and invest to become good stewards. It doesn’t happen overnight.

Sacrifices have to be made and deadlines have to be met. You don’t just show up for a triathlon without proper training. You set a training schedule and have others hold you accountable.

To save a certain amount of money, prepare a budget, set a timeline, and recruit others to encourage you along the way.

As you get into a daily routine, you begin to challenge yourself. You run a little faster, swim some extra laps, cut variable expenses in your budget, or put in some overtime.

When you start seeing results, it motivates you to keep moving forward. Before long, exercise, healthy eating and living on a budget become a lifestyle – one you fully embrace.

Failures will come along. Injuries happen – just like surprise expenses. But, you shake it off and keep going. Patience and persistence pay off – and progress is the result for the steady plodders.

So, set some goals, renew your minds, and run the race!

Remember Hebrews 12:11, discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

If you need a training plan for your finances, download the Money Map. It’s a visual guide that will help you set and reach your financial goals. Find it for free at crown.org/moneymap