I found this piece, and the whole idea of finding a metaphor to represent the positive side of the balance sheet, to be very powerful. Thanks for adding the “forest” metaphor to my thought pattern.

Excellent metaphor. The snowball/snowflaking idea has certainly been making the rounds, and I guess the exact origination isn’t that clear – although Dave Ramsey is often given credit.

The snowball metaphor is fine, I guess, for someone who’s trying to correct past mistakes. Starting out in life with a clean slate, debt-free and concentrated on financial independence is of course the ideal – I have tried to do that, although certainly some of my efforts have been more half-hearted than they should have been. But many people embrace the snowflake/ball idea simply because it IS simple. I think it’s an idea that gives people hope – every tiny snowflake can be used to build a giant snowball, or something like that.

I like your metaphor better, but to extend it – some people are buried in the huge pile of logs and trash they’ve accumulated and can’t see the forest anymore, let alone tend it. Or they never started planting a forest in the first place.

So it’s a good metaphor, but I wonder whether someone who’s buried in the “debt lifestyle” can manage to look at this world this way. Obviously they need to at some point, but it’s more of a struggle than it will be for someone like me (who started tending the forest, albeit haphazardly, at a young age) or someone like you who is REALLY focused on tending the forest.

Hm. Very interesting post.

(I’ll have to distinguish myself from the other Steve here – too bad since I really enjoy his comments, wish I could take credit!)

@Moneyblogga – LOL, after just experiencing a snowstorm that left us without power for 5 days, I can really relate to the snowflake idea. It is amazing to watch how a few snowflakes start to become a massive accumulation in just hours.

On the other hand, I’m not all that fond of using metaphors. I prefer the direct approach, where one equates each expense with a deferment of financial independence.

@bripblap – I think Trent (Simple Dollar) is the one behind the avalanche, but I’m not 100% sure.

@The Executioner – I use the diet/exercise metaphor a lot. It’s almost perfectly matched when it comes to the psychology of the problem.

I believe Paid Twice (www.paidtwice.com) started the “snowflaking” phrase.

I agree that too many people see things differently. That is what makes things interesting! When I teach my class, I realize I can not get through to everybody, but I can make sure they pay attention. Influence the people you can.

@krantcents – Maybe I’m already maxed out in terms of who I can influence.

[…] The power of metaphors @ Early Retirement […]

Beautiful thinking, and there is an ongoing side to it. Finally the forest grows old and stops growing. If you don’t cut your trees you work will be wasted. You have to know when to cut and then be ready to start all over again with the seeds. It gives you the feeling of continuity of the life itself.