Are you where you want to be financially? All the steps you have taken in the past have led you right to where you are today!
Now if that’s not where you thought you would be, it may be time for a change. If you are in pain dealing with money and your money nerve is throbbing, you are probably ready for a change. And being open to change, you will find the motivation to create a new path. Determine what motivates you to target a new goal or lifestyle; you can then point yourself in a different direction.
Visualizing the destination you want to reach is a powerful tool for making a mental shift. Before you start on any new journey, you have to know where you are, know where you want to end and decide how you are getting there. Once you have set a destination, it is easier to make adjustments, change the road you travel on or take more time to get there. You are still planning to reach your goal, but allow yourself to be flexible.
Having a visual image of your goal is also called “mental mapping.” Much like reading a road map or setting the GPS in your car, there are many routes that lead to the same destination.
In the same vein, by identifying your current financial position, you can now set your financial GPS to reach your new goal. By creating a path from A to Z, you have built a powerful tool for traveling in the right direction. You may make adjustments, take the scenic route, or even choose another road to get there – but you are always traveling to a specific location. And that makes the trip easier.
It’s possible that the journey may have some roadblocks or detours along the way, slowing you down at times. You may have to take some extra turns or allow more time to get there. Just like a physical roadblock, mental blocks or old habits can hamper your efforts to make financial change.
Are you still juggling numerous credit cards and making a big payment to one card and the bare minimum to all the other credit card companies? Do you only have one card with a balance low enough for you charge stuff? Do you consistently spend your money before your paycheck arrives? Do you make the same choices over and over, without really thinking about why?
Be aware of your surroundings! Whether you are driving on the freeway or you are managing your money, too many roadblocks (unsustainable financial habits) can raise your probability of having an accident. And I guarantee nobody wants that!
Ready for change? Let’s go!
Bob
