Lightbulb moment:  focusing on the denial makes it harder to reach acceptance.

Ergo, to wit:  dieting.

Edelman makes a truly apt analogy with losing weight and losing debt. 
There’s a reason why “diet” begins with “die.”  (heh)

When too fat, the focus is on denial … denial of food intake, of snacky treats, of the stuff that generally tastes good and what likely attached the fat in the first place.

When too broke, the focus is on denial … denial of spending, denial of buying that bauble, trinket, doodad shiny thing that will bring some instant joy and long-term pain … the ingrained, routine, expected habit of spending tomorrow’s money today.

Anyhoo, once folks lose the weight, first thing done to celebrate is – eat.

Once folks have managed to eliminate debt, first thing done to celebrate – spend.

Losing the weight or losing the debt is not the goal … the goal is staying that way … thin(ner), rich(er) …
   / it’s keeping the win (or loss, in this instance … weight / debt)

No lies told?  Living debt free is living rich in its own right.  That peace of mind is priceless.

Being thinner/healthier weight carried on that skeleton?  Heard of pretty privilege?  Welp, thin advantage is also a thing.  Clothes, airplane seats, rollercoasters … the world is kinder to the slim/trim. 

So … what to do?  For losing weight / losing debt, disregard both.  Yup, ahseddit. 

Ignore the fat.  Ignore the debt.  Focus on the goal to be achieved as the result of getting rid of both. 

Don’t set the goal of losing weight. 
Set a goal of being healthier overall, and taking better care of that body. 
Exercise, clean(er) foods, fast and meditate, make the goal/focus to get closer to self.

Similarly, don’t set the goal of losing debt. 
Set the goal of spending wiser (if at all), becoming more financially conscious, of gaining greater control over money – as opposed to money having all the control.

The steps?

Set a goal.  Think about it.  Identify it.  Give it mental weight.  Make it important enough to manifest.

Set a date.  On this date, this will be done.  Make it practical, practicable, achievable.  But stay flexible!!!  Don’t disregard BUT also don’t give up if time goal is not met. 

Aim for the moon, and remain among stars.

Write it all down, with constant reminders. 
Picture/photograph, miniature 3D version, put it on the calendar.

Over here?  Repair/remodel/renovate the house, rebuild monster truck. 
She’s been waiting patiently for almost 30 years, and deserves a brand new life.

Stay focused.  Avoid the sidetrack.  There are only weeds over there.

Obstacles are things seen when focus is lost on the goal. – E. Joseph Cossman (p. 294)

So … let’s get focused.