This month marks my 16th-month playing "Par for the Course," a virtual debt reduction game I came up with to help me have fun while pursuing financial independence. The first seven months weren't so good. In fact, I had seven bogeys out of seven months meaning I consistently came up short. That didn't bother me because even though I was failing miserably, I was still paying off my debt, albeit at a slower rate than what I wanted. The way the game works, I earn an eagle every time I exceed my monthly target of debt reduction, a par if I meet my goals, and a bogey if my debt reduction goal comes up short for the month. The idea is to have zero balances on everything including my mortgage at the end of thirty-six months.
Like anything in life, you don't get better unless you learn from your mistakes. Adapting to changing conditions is also helpful. For example, the COVID-19 virus crept into the game creating a new hazard. There were some unexpected medical bills from my auto accident that showed up on the first hole even though I thought everything was paid in full. I didn't complain, I simply kept swinging away. Some might say I was flailing. I was out of sync as much as Happy Gilmore but I stayed focused on getting better. What I'm discovering is that the little things matter. It's the everyday choices that add up. I'm gaining confidence. I may earn my first eagle soon. The only thing certain in this game is that I won't give up no matter how many obstacles come my way. I'm thankful to have my wife as my partner on the virtual course. She gave me a free haircut yesterday after our picnic at Lake Iowa and I'm giving her an eagle for her performance. Thanks to her act of kindness, I no longer look like a crazed caveman. Stay tuned for updates on the Par for the Course Game. Have a great day.
No comments:
Post a Comment