Get Out of Debt Guy

Get out of debt fast, but don't run

Posted January 16, 2013
Updated February 6, 2013

Have you ever noticed in the real world, not the TV world, that paramedics don't generally run to take care of patients? I was a rescued patient recently and it got me thinking about the logic behind why they don't run and why. If paramedics aren't running then there must be an exceptional lesson to be learned there and one that can probably be applied to those wanting to get out of debt.

So here is the answer I learned after talking to several paramedics. Paramedics are taught that running is a bad thing. It reduces the ability to process the scene around them, it stimulates adrenaline production that's not helpful for thinking clearly, and it makes them more susceptible to injury.

Those same professional skills that paramedics learn after lots of training and practical experience, need to be absorbed by people facing debt problems.


  • I don't have a financial problem.
  • Money feels like it's getting a little tight.
  • Oh no, I'm in big trouble. I need to find a solution now! The sky is falling. Help. Help. Help.




That fight or flight response is a biological trigger that's hard to not react to since a ton of adrenaline has just been dumped into our blood stream by your body. It leads us to experience: confusion, muddled thoughts, illogical thinking, paranoia, stress, an emotional flood, tunnel vision, etc.

Bottom line, you want to run away from the problem.


I need for you to understand that you didn't get in debt overnight and you probably are not going to get out of debt overnight.

The goal in getting out of debt is to not make the problem worse. Don't make silly decisions that will negatively impact you for the rest of your life. Don't assume bankruptcy is bad or that long term payment plans are good. Don't assume anything. Assumptions are deadly.

It's just like a paramedic not running to a patient so they don't harm themselves and arrive exhausted and then make silly choices.

If you let the debt panic get you in its grip, you will fall victim to the first debt relief sales message you hear. You might even be fooled into thinking that some of the non-profit companies out there promising help are the instant way to go.

But I say, STOP! Don't run. Don't act impulsively.


You don't know what you don't know and if you did know the best ways to deal with debt, let's be honest, you probably wouldn't be in the spot you are in right now.


Walk with purpose.

Steve Rhode

Get Out of Debt Guy

If you have a question about debt you'd like to ask Steve, just post it in the comments section below.



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  • steverhode Jan 17, 2013

    Thank you for your feedback. But in what way was this not helpful in your opinion?

  • davidk_at_unc Jan 17, 2013

    Well ... this was a very helpful and informative article ... NOT!

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