Consistent thoughts are, naturally followed by consistent behaviors that are conducive to managing anything, including money and finances.  For example, just because you have created a spending plan or budget does not mean that you are set, and your finances magically improve. 

Now comes the part where you have to stick to that spending plan. 

Being consistent in doing the things you need to do to manage your money well will get you to the financial freedom you desire.  It is already difficult enough managing money and all the competing demands that money commands, but to consistently do the things to manage that money well, takes more effort, which makes it more challenging.  Let’s face it, money is time. 

However, spending time managing money well is time well spent.   

Think of it this way, it is quite difficult for businesspeople and financial statement users to make projections and plan when the data, is not organized and therefore measured in the same way over time.   A lack of consistency over time can distort the financial trend and create extreme uncertainty in evaluating a company and its performance. 

How about this, let’s say we have an accounting entity that is not using the same accounting procedures from period to period.  Would you make financial projections and financial decisions about the business with unequal financial data?  Not me. 

Apples are not oranges – consistency.

And Your finances are the same way.  The lack of consistency in managing your finances can distort where you are financially and be unproductive.  Constituency in your financial management practices and behaviors will allow you to plan, compare, and make good financial decisions. 

What is Consistency? 

According to Dictionary.com, consistency is steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, or form as consistency in a particular pattern of behavior.  So, consistency or staying the course is a critical aspect of success, no matter what the endeavor.  Managing finances well is not a one-time thing; it is like a job and commands consistency.  It’s not a project that has a beginning, middle, and end. It is an ongoing way of being.

Consistent Thought

Developing the right mindset for any endeavor requires consistent thought.  Managing money well is a way of being that stems from developed thought.  Each time you have a thought, neurological pathways are reinforced.  New thoughts lead to new pathways.  Which leads to strengthening pathways and a habit is formed. 

Consistency and money management, like all things, begins in the mind with thought.  All of our beliefs, feelings, and behaviors begin in thought.  You can create neurological pathways that reinforce the notion that you are capable of managing money well.  And practicing these thoughts consistently builds the pathways.  Each thought has the capacity to help us follow through with the appropriate behavioral response automatically.

Though this process may appear to be quite easy, it is important to note that some of the thoughts may not be supported by your underlying belief system.  Therefore it will take some time, and practice to build the neurological pathways for the things you want to achieve.

You are no different from any person that manages money well.  Managing money well can be a matter of perception.  Take a few moments each day and:

• Learn, embrace, and practice good money management
• Believe that you can succeed
• Be grateful
• Look at your goals often- keep them in front of you

With the use of other tools such as a spending plan, gradually, the process of managing money well becomes second nature, allowing you to achieve the goals that you visualize every day.  Your thought processes naturally lead to behavioral follow-through that is consistent with your ideas.  Focus on what you can accomplish, and you will begin to improve, fundamentally and consistently, your finances.