Throw them back. Immediately. Take those lemons and nail life in the face.

It happens. Something out of your control. And you have a big setback. Whether the setback is with a personal goal like going to the gym, a work goal, or a new habit you’re trying to lock in.

Sometimes it’s finances.

You’re working hard, spending less, keeping track of purchases… you’re cooking dinner at home, bringing your lunch, not buying fancy coffees at Star-bees. And then something goes amiss. Two things go amiss. And suddenly, THREE THINGS GO AMISS and your $1000 emergency fund is gone. Actually, your $1000 emergency fund plus another two grand is gone. Or, in my case, a car repair comes up that makes you wonder if you really just want a new one instead. This situation is beyond frustrating. It may feel like you’re starting over, or you may feel like giving up because things are even worse than they were when you started on your journey. Sometimes you may feel like just spending even more money or splurging since you’ve already been hammered so hard. So what’s another $50 or $100 on something fun? (Hint- this is a very temporary fix, and, at least in my case, was never very helpful).

First- Remember that nothing lasts forever. Nothing.

Second- With any type of financial situation, what I would always do first is survey the damage. I write it all down and see what needs to go where. I have a good idea of my bills because I write them all down. So that way I can look and see what are the immediate bills that are coming in the next couple months? With any type of emergency, I would take a break from really paying down any debt. This is the time to maintain.

Third- Where can I cut back? In times when I have really needed to cut out extra spending, I could be ruthless! Any extras had to go. Every little bit of padding helps, because all those little bits add up. To big bits!

Fourth- Can I bring in any extra money? Again, a little extra will help. Even if it’s money to get some more groceries or put towards gas. Just a little bit can help. This can be selling unused items, getting a temporary part-time job or some other extra income.

Bouncing back can take a little time. But it helps us build resilience and continue stretching toward those goals. Life is gonna keep on happening. That doesn’t mean that we have to give up on our goals!