What Does It Look Like?
Did you know there are people who work in groups to study the future? They are called Futurists.
In my attempt to help you build a better mindset for money, I need you to learn to be forward-thinking. Motivational speakers, life coaches, and futurists want you to get into the practice of setting goals for this week, this month, this year, the next five years and longer.
I started the practice of setting goals for the new year, during December. Once you have goals, you have a basis for planning. Each day is limited but planning makes you more productive. Why is that? Because you do things on purpose.
How Do You Set Goals?
Setting goals is like giving yourself permission to dream of being or doing something beyond your comfort zone. Without goals to motivate us, we would all just sit on the front porch swing and watch the world pass us by.
What do you want to do? It takes practice to allow your mind to go places you have never been. Just ask yourself some stimulating questions, like do I want to make more money? Do I want to own a house? If so, how big or what style of house would I like?
More questions to ask yourself:
What kind of work do I want to do?
Do I want to own property, like land, apartments, etc.?
Do I want to be my own boss?
Do I want to run for public office?
I am sure you can think of many more.
Then, What Do I Do?
So, once you have some goals set up, to start, time and more information may change some of your goals. That is why I revisit my goal list, at least annually.
One of my favorite motivational speakers, Jim Rhone, said, “Setting goals is only the start. It is the person you become while striving for those goals that makes it worthwhile.”
So, let us get into what to do to work towards your goals. First, do not be afraid of big goals. They are made up of much smaller steps. Break those down, as best you can, into daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Your goal is the finish line!
Break It Down
In order to break it down, you will need to do some reading and research. The more you know the better you can plan, based on your current understanding of what it will take to reach your goal.
The more you know, the better you can identify the steps along the way. And, with that, you can plan each day, each week, and each month better, to help you reach your goal.
Keep Them Rolling
You should start with simple goals that will occupy your time over a short period of time. Set a date by which to accomplish them.
Each day, each week, each month are periods that are short-term and measurable. Make your goals measurable.
While working on your current goals, start a list of potential goals to add to your list soon. You will reach or accomplish goals on your list. When you do, be ready to add the next wave to your future accomplishments!
Big goals will be made up of many smaller goals. So, detail those smaller goals to work toward bigger goals. Some goals will take years to reach. However, consistent and persistent effort to manage the smaller goals will reap the praise for reaching your bigger goals!
I try to keep and review my goals list, frequently. Early in the process, annual seems soon enough. Then, you will get better at your daily and weekly planning, with your goals in mind. At that point, a monthly review will seem necessary in order to maintain a list of things you still want to do!
So, make setting goals a part of your planning and time management processes. Then, you can keep them rolling!
Keep Dreaming and Planning
Dreaming and planning are good habits. Those habits will make you more purposeful with your attempts to save and with how you will use those savings.
Save. Invest. Dream BIG! Give yourself a chance to grow!