If you want to be successful at eliminating credit card debt permanently, you have to think about it differently. The reason we keep getting back into debt is because we think about credit cards the wrong way. There is a deeper issue that no one is addressing with these kinds of financial instruments, and that is their power to influence us to spend more. The credit card companies themselves sell merchants the idea that accepting credit cards will increase their sales because consumers spend 12% to 18% more when they use credit cards. Behavior is 90% of the problem; we all have a tendency to do the wrong thing.Since the problem isn’t solved by educating people on how credit cards eventually put you in debt, we need to dig deeper to get to the real motivations that are being tapped into by the credit card companies. These are much deeper emotional needs than any financial problem or need for convenience. We are meeting emotional needs by hanging on to credit cards and justifying it with financial arguments. At some level, we are all afraid of what might happen if we run out of money. We are afraid of being able to meet our bills if something happens. We are also secretly looking to preserve our freedom to do what we know we shouldn’t do, buy things on impulse. We want to be sure we can preserve our image to others, even if it is a façade.

So how do we address this deeper problem? Basically, there are eight decisions we must make. First, we must recognize that we are powerless over our urge to do wrong so we must recognize we need help. If you are carrying a balance on a credit card and you can’t admit this, you are in denial. There is no good reason for carrying a high interest loan, none.

Second, we need to decide to find help. This means seeking someone or some group that can help us move out of our dependency on credit cards. It could be a financial recovery group, or just a good personal finance educational program that puts an emphasis on behavior as the problem.

Third, we need to decide to let go of the insecurities that are helping us cling to our fears about money and the approval of others. We have to decide to relinquish the control we crave that comes from our guilt, fear, worry, and doubt. We need to give up on the idea that money and things can buy will satisfy those needs. Fourth, we need to make the decision to share our guilt, fears, worries, and doubts with those who are committed to helping us. By letting these secrets out, we will feel a great sense of relief, and will be ready to move on. When you tell others these things that you have never told anyone else, you are ready to make progress.

Fifth, we have to decide to make the necessary changes in our behavior. Changing the behavior won’t happen on its own. You have to take it one day at a time, and let someone be there to hold you accountable. Focus on those desires to buy things you haven’t planned to buy. You have to have a plan to follow, and you have to cut up your credit cards and use cash, so you can feel the pain of spending again. You won’t be able to do this in your own willpower; you have to have a system in place that constantly reminds you.

Sixth, there are going to have been people you have hurt by overspending. Maybe you spent money on yourself and later had to deny your spouse something as a result. Or maybe the balances on your credit card have caused financial arguments. There may be other bills you haven’t paid as a result. Evaluate all your relationships and find hurts you have caused and make amends.

Seventh, decide to continue the commitment to personal growth and commitment to buying only what you have the money to buy without using credit.

Lastly, help others do the same. We learn more by helping others, while at the same time we help others in their struggles.