One of the things that makes me high is the thought of succeeding on something that has a high possibility to fail. Whether it’s about meeting a deadline at work, pleasing a very fickle-minded client, organizing a trip on a budget or finishing a photobook in two weeks, you can bet it will be the only thing in my mind until I’m done with it. I’m not saying I always succeed, but the thought of trying even though you might not make it, is what keeps me going.

Last month, I challenged myself to earn twice on my sideline projects. This meant accepting any possible design projects or website updates even at a very low rate. It kept me wide awake, hours after midnight. I wanted it so bad, not so much the money, but just to prove to myself that I can. In the end, I did increase my earnings. But it wasn’t really a challenge because it was too easy. I love what I do so the money naturally follows.

This month however, I want to do something huge. Instead of earning more, I’m challenging myself to spend less. Now this is just downright impossible. I’m always surrounded with Christmas sales, rare finds on bazaars, 0% interests for 12 months on gadgets and furniture, coupon codes on toys, apparels online, etc. Not only that, but most of my online friends are shopaholics and always flooding twitter with their recent finds. I used to be good at this but ever since I found a way to ship items from the US, I became unstoppable.

I need to change. I want to save NOW, not next year or the year after that. I bought enough stuff already not to feel deprived. Instead of being obsessed in finding new clients, I’ll just relax and make sure not to touch the money that’s coming in. Who knows, I might be able to save enough money so I can spend it on bigger things. Like a house maybe?

Wish me luck.