Ahhh, OP, I'm sorry, this is a miss. "Jump into your fear" - but he doesn't look afraid AT ALL. And where's the reward part? Maybe it could be like this: He looks afraid, he jumps in the water and it sucks, but then after awhile he's having fun and splashing around or whatever.

Honestly, I'm going to give you some advice that I struggle to follow myself.

Think of someone you love. And then imagine they have the EXACT financial situation as you. And they tell you they need/want something. What advice would you give them?

I've been having heart palpatations and my arm is numb, but I have such a high copay. Would you tell them, "Yeah, it's probably OK to put off seeing a doc and see if it just goes away on its own"?

I literally have not bought new clothing for myself in 3 years, and my pants are becoming threadbare. Would you tell them, "Yeah, you really don't deserve new pants until you have another $2,000 in savings"?

See what I am saying? Thinking of a loved one helps you love and respect yourself a little more. And trust yourself. You know you wouldn't steer your loved one wrong. Why are you doing it to yourself?

Yay! How wonderful. No shame in being grateful for what you have and just enjoying life.

However, when I feel like this (it's been awhile - I'm kind of in chaos right now!), I found it pleasurable to plan a vacation.

It's not necessarily a "goal" - because you could go anytime if you have a little money in the bank and a little bit of freedom. But rather, you can make planning it sort of make it a long term project. Study up on a language, learn about the culture, climate, economy. And then get into the nitty gritty of hotels, restaurants, public transportation.

Eventually, TAKE that vacation, decompress, then start planning the next one at your own pace.