Getting to the next level The discipline and deferred gratification mindset.

[Steven Maduro]

Hello. 

I wanted to openly share a problem I am having and have yet to really fully over come it although I have been able to address and tackle some of the pitfalls I am encountering.

I am renovating a downstairs space to create an apartment.

I will need anywhere between 8-11k to complete. depending on how much work i do myself and what level of appliances and cabinetry I choose.

So far after one year I have only done the electrical. demo. sheetrock and plumbing 

the plumbing was pretty extensive as an ejector pump had to be installed and the pipe routed over 16 feet across the attic space above the ceiling. 

a washer dryer connection was made and plumbing for refrigerator sink and bathroom were all completed.

I am still so far away  doors, both exterior and intererior. flooring. cabinets. appliances. paint. bathroom remodeling.

currently I do not have a lot of cash flow because I purchased a Bmw. 

and the note is eating into my operation budget.

I should have waited (that is the deferred Gratification piece)

also the occasional hiccup has caused grief like 

a tree that had grown around my outside water meter. 

and had to be removed 

only to have a hot water heater fail the next month. 

followed by property taxes

so it has been five months since I have done anything in the apartment.

I can probably manage to put 1000 per month consistently toward this project.

It will take sacrifice and not too much personal pleasure indulgences.

This would have been the first month I was going to start the doors

but I started teaching bass guitar so bought a bass then another then another in a five day period.  (its a musician thing you wouldnt understand)

When I create a budget or a plan Usually

I am confident I can do it 

until I see a new keyboard or Bass guitar I NEED  lol

or a trip my girlfriend is begging me to accompany 

So how do you guys 

manage to do the saving thing and the self sacrifice 

which will ultimately lead to greater rewards down the line.

Sometimes I think that committing less resources may be more realistic

so if i bring in 2,400 in rents instead of 

saying i will put 1,500 to the apartment

I should commit 1,000 so at least something is done each month 

and if one month I want to do more I can. 

this is where my mind is right now

I am confident that if I had waited on the bmw until after the apartment was completed I would not be in this situation

any suggestions?