If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got!

This is my favorite quote - hands down!

"If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got!"

At various times in my life I think back to this quote and how I love it. I wanted to share it with you guys because it's perfectly appropriate for those of us in debt. It's actually a great quote for anyone who needs change in their life. Look at it closely:

If you do what you always did...

Fill in the blank. It could be anything really - shopping, smoking, drinking, eating, gambling, etc.

you'll get what you always got.

You're going to get the same results! Over and over again. Bad habits are a vicious cycle. Take it from me, I know. Isn't it true that doing something over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity?!? You've got to stop the bad behavior to initiate change. That's why some finance people tell you NOT to consolidate your debt because you won't learn to stop the bad behavior that got you in debt in the first place. I believe that's true. My opinion is that only with old fashioned hard work will you be able to live a changed life.

So, the next time you find yourself about to do the thing that you are looking to change, take a moment and remember this quote. You may still decide to do it, but taking that moment to consciously make the decision is important, instead of doing it on autopilot. Over time you may find yourself thinking about it a little longer and maybe one day you will make a different decision (the right one) and break the cycle. Only then will you get to enjoy a different outcome, a better one.

Lessons Learned : Change is good, change is growth, change is what is going to get you to where you want to be.