Money is a tool to help us achieve some particular goal. Money is for making things happen. If the way we handle our money conflicts with our personal values, we are not going to have fulfilled lives. All you need to do is get clear about your values. Put your money where your values are. Once you have done that, it will be easy to develop your financial goals.

We recognise that money is important but when your goals and values are not in line it is as if you have two horses pulling you in different directions.

Ask yourself, if you had a magic wand, what would you like to see included in your future? Ignoring the ideas of how you’ll get there, vividly imagine your ideal life, and what would be included in it. Then take a few minutes to list, on paper or on your computer. Here are some examples, but you could well have some different goals or values:

Personal Goals:

• Have £1 million
• Not run out of money
• Change jobs by…
• Retire by age…
• Save X amount by…
• Get an international job by…
• Be fluent in French by…
• Donate money
• Start my own business
• Get married
• Stay married
• Buy a house
• Get a new car
• Retire rich
• Travel

 Values:

• Freedom
• Security
• Achievement
• Work-life balance
• Job security
• Happiness
• Helping others
• Doing meaningful work
• Relationships
• Happy family life
• Personal growth, learning
• Variety and excitement
• Free time for personal interests
• Financial success
• Travel
• Confidence
• Making a difference
• Realizing my true potential

No matter what and how big your dreams are, it’s important that you make it a habit to write them down on paper. Yes, you read it right – write them down on paper.

You might be thinking, how can such a simple task of writing down my goals on paper help me achieve them? I am a firm believer in goal setting. I believe it works. It has been said that a goal is a dream with a deadline.  

I know that unless you put your goals in writing, your chances of achieving them are quite small. This is the first step you have to do to show your commitment in achieving your goals.Our subconscious mind is a goal-seeking mechanism that unless given an objective to achieve, it floats around aimlessly. Once it has an objective or a target to aim for, your subconscious mind will employ you with the technique needed to manifest your desires.    Each of your goals should have these main characteristics;

1.     Your goals must be believable. 

Let me repeat that; your goals must be believable. To whom? To only one person in the whole world? You. It doesn’t matter who else believes in them; in fact, most of your goals should be too personal to reveal even to your spouse. But unless you believe that you can achieve them, you won’t.  

2.      Your goals must be clearly defined. 

If you’re not exactly sure what your goals are, you don’t have goals. Wishes or hopes maybe. Goals, no. They must be specific, and the more specific, the better. 

3.     Your goals must be vividly imagined.

If you can see yourself in possession of your goal, it’s half yours. Several times a day, form the habit of vividly imagining yourself having your goal. Write down your goals on a paper and stick them anywhere you can see it everyday. Take some immediate action within 48 hours to start moving toward your goal and then take small action steps toward your goals everyday, and of course, don’t forget to put yourself on the line.

Thoughts become things… so choose the good ones!

Mike Dooley

Have a great Sunday.

Julia Simavi