Upon talking to those who are living a debt-free lifestyle because they have taken the hard road and paid of all of their debt, we can glean some important motivators which we can use to help spur us towards our goals.

For some it can seem disappointing to hear this because it may not appear that there is any way that they can join the ranks of those who have traveled this path successfully. But the idea to keep in mind is that these people were once in the same position (some worse) and were able to work their plan in spite of their circumstances.

So, what was it that they did that you are not? How were they able to reach their goal? It all comes down to desire and focusing on the benefits of a debt-free lifestyle. Consider these benefits for yourself:

The Paid off Mortgage. What would it be like to no longer have a mortgage payment? How would it make you feel to know that each month you do not have to write that big check? Imagine what you could do with that money to help prepare for retirement. Think about being able to afford college for your children. All of these can become a reality without a mortgage payment every month.

Necessities Paid for. When you are living a debt-free lifestyle, you no longer struggle to pay for things that you need. Budgeting is not a chore. But, probably most importantly, you will find yourself in the position of being able to live off of one income, not two. This is especially true given the economic climate that surrounds us today with jobs being lost all around you.

Stay home with Children. If there are children in the family, imagine being able to stay home and raise them. This is especially important as they are younger. They will benefit from you being there for them when they need you not when you can give them time after you are home from work and are exhausted.

Take the Job of Your Dreams. What would it be like to be able to take a job doing what you always wanted to do regardless of the income from that job? How would that make you feel about your career? This can be a reality if you work hard to live a debt-free lifestyle.

Act on Your Dreams. Your dreams have a much better opportunity to become reality when you are unfettered by debt. Being able to do things that you always wanted but could not afford can become a reality. The possibilities are limited only by your thinking.

Use these as motivators while you create a plan with which you will move towards debt-free living. Understand that you will be going against the grain of mainstream society, but that reaching your goal will make it all worth the effort.