The Modern Day Caveman

After the highs of Day 1 and the lows of Day 2, Day 3 was a much more level day by all accounts.

We have a bit of a tradition on a Friday afternoon at my parents’ house where we walk to the local brewery and catch up on the week’s events over a few pints. Despite it being Friday and me having a fairly positive week at work, and more importantly a good week in the sense that I didn’t give in to any impulsive spending, I decided to walk to The Mountain Ahead after I finished work and let my parents go to the brewery without me.

It still baffles me how I can find the willpower to go on a wet and windy 7km walk rather than walk to the brewery just around the corner, when less than a month ago I couldn’t find the same control to stop spending £300 a day on things I didn’t need.

So much of what we do, whether it’s pushing ourselves to be disciplined with exercise, eating well, or trying to improve, or giving in to the temptation of alcohol, gambling, or an easy lifestyle, all comes down to willpower.

On another positive note, during today’s walk I decided to listen to a podcast instead of music. It was called “How to Get Out of Debt the FAST WAY.” Most of it covered things I already knew like the avalanche and snowball methods, but it was still motivating to listen to.

There’s a quote I heard a few years back that has stuck with me: “You are what you consume.” It’s true not just in terms of food, but also the media we take in. Constantly listening to sad or negative content isn’t going to lift you up. Filling your head with positive, motivating podcasts or upbeat music can only make you think more clearly and act with purpose.

I’ll link the podcast below, as it’s a great listen, especially for anyone at the start of their debt-free journey.

After returning from my walk, family arrived for the weekend. Rather than joining in with the welcome drinks, I had a mint tea and went upstairs for an early night.

The fact I didn’t have an alcoholic drink today was a huge win, especially when there was plenty of temptation. The real test will be tomorrow when I meet friends at the pub to watch the football. I’m not saying I won’t drink, but limiting myself to one day a week already feels like a big step forward.

Metrics

• Steps: 10,742
• Garmin Stress Score: 30
• Mental Health Rating: 8/10
• Remaining Debt: £44,052.03

Food Log

• Breakfast: Weetabix, milk, orange juice
• Lunch: Bean stew
• Dinner: Quorn chicken wraps, sweet potato wedges, salad
• Snacks: Banana, apple, Graze flapjack bar, mint choc chip ice cream (it was a Friday after all!)

I don’t say this enough, but I was genuinely proud of myself today. I overcame some willpower struggles and made positive choices. On to the next page.