Week 4 - Spending Plans: Settings Goals & Speaking Leaks
Setting goals gives me the energy to move forward. The act of writing my goals down and crossing them off my list makes a sense of accomplishment.
Goal setting helps me with focus and direction. The focus to stay determined about the results I anticipate, and the guidance needed to maintain the course in the direction of my goals.
What I attempt to do with my goal setting is to surround myself with reminders. My reminders include notes to myself, a reward and punishment system, reflection and evaluation.
The use of reminders helps me to maintain my motivation by keeping my goals and progress on alert.
The reward and punishment system I use, help me with staying on track with the motivation to move forward.
Reflection during my goal setting stage helps me to remain optimistic about being realistic and purposeful with my goals. During the reflection process, I am able to take a clear look at my accomplishments, see areas that I may need improvements or adjustment and recognize my accomplishments. Sometimes it may simply be the wrong narrative I have rehearsed that may draw me away from my goals into a distracted thought process. Reflection helps me to redirect the distraction or false narrative.
Using an evaluation system with goals setting helps me to keep a realistic view of the normal interactions within life. A health set back, a change in lifestyle or some other unforseen circumstances, has the opportunity to be navigated or integrated within the evaluation process.
Overall, the goal setting systems for me, provides an opportunity to turn large goals into smaller, manageable and realistic opportunities to complete any task.
I have started to notice that establishing goals enhances my organizational skills. Nevertheless, implementing the SMART acronym renders the goal more attainable in my perspective. It shifts my mindset towards believing in my capability, adding a realistic aspect to the realization that my goal is achievable. Setting goals for myself grants flexibility to adjust and adapt them as my life evolves. This approach helps me gain clarity and offers a means to track my progress effectively.
ReplyDeleteABSOLUTELY. I have been setting goals, or trying to save my mindset and remain positive. The last few classes, have been challenging, just because in my mind im look uugh things are so expensive but i feel as though YES things are expensive, but we have to do the best we can, and focus on trying to put things in a better financial perspective.
DeleteOnika I like how you are shifting your mindset and remaining positive. Life's tough but if we resonate in the positive in our lives things are better and easier to manage.
DeleteSettings goals and making them visible is helping commit to sticking to my progress. SMART is a valuable tool to make things happen and be accountable for my actions. I got my close friends on board to help me thru this journey. It became real for me when I started doing my budget sheet. WOW!!!! I was spending unnecessary money that could be towards my debt elimination
ReplyDeleteI love that you have your close friends onboard to support you through this journey! I resonate with your words around goals "making them visible." With these pieces in place, Stacy, I believe - you've got this!
DeleteNicole I totally agree with everything you said. I'm getting better with organizing and my mindset is much better. I was scared and dealing with anxiety moments. I just take deep breathes and start praying for reset in my life.
ReplyDeleteNicole I totally agree with everything you said. I'm getting with organizing and changing my mindset. I was scared and having anxiety moments. I just stop and starting taking deep breathes. Praying for a reset in my life.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about the whole SMART model and thinking about how it can make it more effective in my short and long term goals. I actually started thinking that even though i have a limited budget, its less then doable, but with certain changes it is doable Specify what/when I want, I can Measure it to achieve my goal, utilize those services, that maybe out to assist , create a timeline. But I feel like Im getting "comfortable" with what Im currently working for. The ultimate goal is to be as Financially successful as possible.
ReplyDeleteI resonate with your line of thinking here, Onika. Creating a timeline sounds like a tool that would help me make things visible. ...and measuring your progress sounds do-ably optimistic!
DeleteI'm curious about what being financially successful looks like for me. Hmmmmm....
Being financially successful will give Us all the security, or sense of security to know that we Can do what we need to do to live comfortably in knowing our debts, are lifestyle is taking care of because we took the time to set goals..
DeleteOnika that SMART model is a great tool. I'm happy that you are feeling comfortable in what your doing. That's important to have a great comfort level. Love your ultimate goal. You got this.
ReplyDeleteYES!! Thank you
DeleteHi Stacy, having a physical template helps us make our goals more achievable. I find satisfaction in holding myself responsible. Also having a documented agreement and allows us to be dedicated to the importance of our self-improvement. Examining my budget has truly been an eye-opener.
ReplyDeleteHello Onika, I think using the SMART model gives us a moment to reflect and find a way to manage our objectives. The SMART model allows us to look at what is possible in both the short ant and long term versions of life as we pace ourselves. It allows us to prepare for the financial marathon of life. You will be financially successful!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you I certainly hope so for us all. No greater feeling then being comfortable or financially free to make a planned purchase. And maybe a unplanned purchase occasionally but confidently..
DeletePrior to this course, I had huge dreams - goals ...which I have come to realize did not have 'legs.' I used to think wings were needed (faith.). I now understand the tools, which have been taught thus far, are giving me insight and clarity: action + faith will help see me thought. The tools are allowing me to take action steps. SMART g's, writing down my spending, and evaluating where I am at the end of the month with the whole of this - are just some of the things I am beginning to incorporate in my life.
ReplyDeleteThe reflection & evaluation pieces quicken in me the call/the need to stay present & focused on my goals. I am unsure of what reward I might give myself, though I can see celebrating my successes with the people in my life who care, support, and cheer me on would be splendid.
Your statement is so true writing down,evaluating and reflecting are keys in helping us to stay focused and present with our goals. Definitely celebrate and reward yourself for your success.
DeleteThanks, Liz. Celebrating the littlest of successes was something I had first learned about in a Prosperity Course. The facilitator had handed out a Staples "Easy" button and encouraged us to celebrate the smallest of things which felt easy. I notice my mind is rather conditioned, up until now, to expect change and success to be hard or a challenge. She invited us to ask ourselves: "What if it was easy?" :)
DeleteWOW!!! I love these words, such intention and purpose , with that reflection definitely reward yourself in a way that would allow you to be happy and financially freeing.😊
ReplyDeleteI love setting goals for myself. My Sundays usually contains of me writing down my weekly goals. Once I get them done, I check them off and it feels good and accomplishment no matter how small it was.
ReplyDeleteI also have a to do list for my week. And I am known for my sticky notes "boyyy" do I use sticky notes. I feel like I can't do without them. Specially for work. Then I go one by one and as I get them done, I toss them.
Goals, inspire me and just the thought of knowing that I set a goal for myself makes me feel good. Then when accomplish the feeling is even greater.
I love reading everyone else's thoughts and ideas :)