Achieving goals: Remembering the big picture

Julie Murphy • February 16, 2011

When you’ve initially set this big goal, you feel a lot of excitement. We make huge strides towards achieving what we set out for; and we justifiably feel a ton of pride for what we accomplish. Sometimes, though, when we’re on our path towards our ideal lives, we lose sight of the ultimate goal and get lost in the everyday hurdles.

So this week, I wanted to give you some tips on remembering the big picture when going after your big goals. Stop sabotaging your progress when it gets hard, and don’t allow falling off track to be an option.

Document your progress

When people are losing weight, they do a lot of things to keep track of their progress; weighing themselves every week, measuring themselves, or taking weekly pictures are all popular options. So why not do the same thing with your money goals?

When money is automatically transferred into your dream savings account (you have automated your savings, right?), have a spreadsheet set up. Update it with the day and amount you deposited into your dream account, and then keep a tally of the total. Seeing not only your total amount in savings, but also how many times you’ve invested funds into it is a rejuvenating thing.

Set up reminders

In the beginning, you may not know what will trigger the weaker moments. But once you figure it out, have a reminder system in place. If the clothing store right next to your favorite lunch spot makes you want to spend, spend and spend some more, set up a push notification on your phone for every day at lunchtime that just says “Dream Loft” or “Full-time Freelancer.” Seeing your ultimate goal is motivating, and you’ll be less inclined to spend excessively.

Have an accountability crew

Nobody can set you straight like your peers; and I’m not talking about the people you do drinks and go shopping with. I’ve talked before about surrounding yourself with people who doing the things that you want to be doing. Be sure to tell them your goal of being debt free (or paying for a new car in cash) by the end of the year. And then have them check in on you every so often to make sure you’re making progress. If they have a big goal they’re working on (maybe a seven figure retirement portfolio), you can bounce ideas off of each other and keep each other accountable.

Next time you feel the urge to abandon your big dreams, take a moment to consider the big picture. Whether it is through post-it notes on your desk at work or setting up an account at a different bank, remember your goals and be ready to counter the weakness with strength. Continue to encourage yourself and be proud of what you’ve already accomplished.

Tags: goals, dreams, ideal life, money, money management, personal finance, achieving goals, achievement, Julie Murphy, emotion behind money, Chicago finance, Chicago personal finance, Chicago money

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