First of all, I want to say that it takes a lot of courage to be this honest with yourself about your financial situation. Acknowledging the problem is already a huge first step.
Using a tracking journal like Quantified Self to explore your spending habits is a smart move. Reviewing your expenses daily or every couple of days will help you spot patterns and identify triggers—whether it’s boredom, stress, or social pressure—that push you toward unnecessary spending.
Since you already have the habit of tracking expenses, the next challenge is building the habit of sticking to your budget. One approach is to set clear, realistic limits for different categories and celebrate small wins when you stay within them. Breaking your big debt into smaller, manageable chunks can also make progress feel more tangible and less overwhelming.
Another thing that can help is creating a “frustration buffer.” For example, if you feel an impulse to buy something outside the plan, give yourself 24 hours before acting on it. Often, the urge passes when you take a pause and reflect.
Finally, since your goal is debt freedom, keep a visual reminder of your progress—like a chart showing how much of each debt you’ve paid off. Seeing that decrease over time can be very motivating and reduce anxiety.
Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Patience, self-compassion, and consistency are key. You’re already taking actionable steps, and that’s what really counts.