Just a quick note to prepare for an important post this week:
Because it's pretty important, I'm going to break it out into two posts. The first is this one - setting targets. The second will be later this week - how to hit the target. I want to make sure you're ready with some specific targets in mind when you read about how to hit them.
This should really help during those times when you feel stuck in a rut, think you're not making progress or feel like you're never going to turn things around.
Do you ever sit down to improve your life and end up confused, overwhelmed, distracted, etc., and give up? It happens to me a bunch where I go on the computer to do something specific that I've been procrastinating and first check my e-mail, then check Facebook, then ... then ... then ... then get tired and fall asleep.
When this happens, it's often because I had a concept and not a plan. And the first step to a plan is a clear target. I'll post a bit more about simple money plans later this week, but take some time to think about what you're trying to accomplish, by when and what you need to do to get there so when you read about how to set up and following a plan. We've done some plans before, with retirement and becoming a millionaire. This week we'll set up a simple, short-term plan that everyone can use!
Quick example:
You have $18,000 but bought the $399 iPod instead of the $18,000 iPod. Your target isn't to "get out of debt." It should be to "pay off my $18,000 in debt in 12 months." See the difference? A target needs to be specific and measurable with a time frame. Otherwise, you're just running around in circles. Now you're ready to attack!
OK. Enough for today. Start thinking of targets in your life and get ready for how to set up a plan to hit those targets so this time next year we're all feeling pretty good. Deal? Try and think of two or three 12-month targets. Those are my favorites.
Until next time, put your credit card down and slowly step away from the mall!
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