Do you know most people have NO idea what they want when it comes to money. In fact, try it for yourself. Ask people. Chances are you'll get one of three answers: 1) Dunno, 2) Some really flashy big thing that they obviously don't believe they'll get, like winning the lottery, or 3) What they don't want e.g not to be poor. Did you know that the single most effective thing that most successful people attribute their success to is having goals? If you want to be one of the chosen few, then read on
So what do you actually want in your life? If a genie came and offered you three wishes, what would they be? How could money make that happen? Most people have no idea where they want to get to with money, they just bimble along hoping for the best and feeling wistful about their far-off dreams, and this affects their results. Don't be one of them! Get crystal clear about what you want from money. A map's no use if you don't know where you wanna get to on it
Also your goals will be totally personal and individual to you what you think is worth working towards may be totally unique and different to everyone else's goals. Money info often assumes you want stuff like a mortgage, pension, insurance etc when you couldn't care less about these things you're told you should go for. There's no such thing as lack of motivation there are only floppy goals. Make yours fit, toned and firm by speaking to your heart's desire. Maybe a Running Away Fund to head off round the world floats your boat. It could be lifestyle, music, seting up your own business, singing lessons, funding your break into a new career as a TV presenter what makes it worth it for you?
This bit's supposed to be fun, so get your dreaming hat on
here we go. First grab a pen and paper to help you with the following.
1. Let's start simply. Why are you here on this website? You're here for a reason to get away from problems, or move towards goals. In your subconscious there's something better you want instead of what you've already got. What is it?
2. Now look into your future. By sorting out your money
where do you want to be:
In 6 months time
what does your life look like if it all goes to plan cashwise?
Are you off benefits? Cleared your student loan? Started online banking?
What's the next step to achieving that? What can you do today?
In 12 months time
..what's your money allowing you to do, be or have now? Are you a zeronaire? Have you started your investment dragon's egg? Paid your dad back? Opened an ISA? Started your round-the-world trip?
Whats' the very next action you can take right now towards making this happen?
In three years
.What would you do if you knew in advance that you could not fail?
In 5 years in the future
what do you want to have achieved?
And what does that goal mean you need to start doing right now, this week?
The trick is to convincingly link your present with your future in a way that excites and makes sense to you and that you really believe in.
3. Take your goals and make them SMART. That stands for:
Specific: Which countries on your dream trip? How many bedrooms in that house, and where exactly? What does 'enough money not to have to worry' look like in pounds?
Measurable: How will you and others know when you've got it? What will you see?
Achievable: Dream big, but don't tell yourself you'll be the next Richard Branson if that's never going to happen your subconscious hates bullshit and won't cooperate. Make sure you believe it and really want it.
Realistic: i.e don't depend on never-nevers like a lottery win or a fat inheritance.
Timebound: Want this when you're 76? No: you want it by 13th February 2009, that's when.
Once you've got your money goals, here are some ways to make them even sharper:
Frame them positively not negatively i.e say "I want to be totally debt-free and in control of my cash" or "I want to be a Zeronaire," not "I don't want any more debt or money dramas"
Make sure it fits with the rest of your life: if getting your goal means robbing cars, having no time with your boyfriend/girlfriend or working yourself to frizzle point, it ain't gonna work change it so it will.
Schedule stuff in: Don't just say "I'll call the bank next week" actually put it in your diary for 3pm on Tuesday that way it's more likely to happen.
Create a timeline for your goal and then count back: 'If I want to achieve X by October, that means by mid-August I'll need to have done Y and Z."
Take action every day. Goals are achieved in terms of minutes and small actions like the interest on your money, it all adds up incrementally. And if you break anything down into small enough chunks and reassure yourself that you've done it before, anything's do-able.
Keep your goals present in your mind: put pictures or notes up to remind you play that top tune that reminds you of how good it'll feel to achieve it. Put an alarm on your mobile that alerts you every day to whether your current, present actions are moving you towards your money goal, or away from it.
Don't be a loner. Tell other people about your goals (as long as they'll support you) bring them out into the world and get support find a debt-busting buddy or a fellow Financial Superstar-in-training and share resources.
Read books by people who've done what you want to do.
Declare your goals on the forum here find other people with similar goals. Get together!
