<prompt> Human: Hey PF,Ive been a long, long time lurker of this subreddit - along with the folks at frugal, accounting, etc.I recently began the process of paying down my high-interest debt - based much on the advice I see here.While organizing my finances, regaining control of my spending, establishing a budget, etc have been pivotal to me turning things around - Ive also found that re-establishing my self worth has done equally as much for me.Let me give a brief example - after spending a Friday NightSaturday morning a while ago establishing a realistic budget through Mint and Excel I found myself with the rest of the day free. Feeling accomplished I turned my focus to some jobs around the house: First, I made my way outside and detailed the hell out of my car. I polished the outside, cleaned every section of the interior, organized the bottomless bin next to the driver. At one point I was sat outside on a chair with a rag, polishing the front of the car. After I finished I felt like I was looking at a new car - and this morning when I jumped in to drive to work it felt like one. Everything was immaculate, and I did not spend anything to get it done! I didnt pay a detailer as I had before, with money I did not really have - instead I did it myself. I grabbed a can of white trim paint I had kicking around in the basement, and walked around the house touching up tired looking windows and door frames that needed attention. After spending a couple hours doing this I got a compliment from my other half -she was excited to see the change. It only motivated me further. I did not hire anyone, I wasnt procrastinating anymore. After that, I grabbed a book of the shelf that I read years ago - sat down on the porch, and relaxed. I felt like I actually deserved it.My overarching point here - and what I hope at least someone takes away from this - is that just as much as getting out of debt is paying it down, and being financially responsible, is the mental change that I needed to go through. So if you find yourself working to pay down debt, try and channel some of that energy towards the car in the garage, the trim around the house, the basement in need of organizing, floors in need of mopping, garden in need of some TLC. Much of this stuff can be down without a trip to the store - instead I just focus on using what I have. EDIT: It is great to see that so many other folks feel the same way that I do - only reinforces what Ive learnt here and in the process of becoming more financially secure. Certainly motivated me again to go home and do something constructive - maybe clean the car again???  <response>: Good job! I have noticed, too, that accomplishing one task leads to the self confidence and discipline to complete another. Feels good man. 