How do you feel when you hit a goal you have set for yourself? It’s amazing, isn’t?
One of my goals for this year was to lose weight and get in better physical shape.
As I get older (47 years old now), I know I have to take better care of myself.
But I also added another goal this year: to complete my first 5K (3.1 miles) race.
Now, if you know one thing about me, it’s that I don’t run anywhere.
I had not run for anything since I played basketball in High School and we would run up and down that court.
But last night, I did run in and completed my first 5K. I am still on an extremely high note.
As I made that final turn for the finish line, I had a surge of energy I had not felt in years. I even beat the time I had set for myself as a target.
What about Your Financial Goals?
As we close down on this calendar year, what about your financial goals? How are you coming along?
I am assuming you set some financial goals for yourself this year. We all have a desire to manage our money better.
So as you consider where you are with your goals, let me give you some encouragement as we close on this year and prepare for the next.
Decide on your Goal
I set my sights on a 5K. Even though it is a modest distance by most standards, it was a tall order for me.
But I set my mind to do it. I wrote it down as one of my goals for this year.
For you, it may be simply to learn how to budget or finish your beginner’s emergency fund, or pay off that credit card.
Whatever your goal maybe, write it down.
Start taking Action
Once I decided on my goal, I had to actually do something about it. I had to start training.
First, I had to actually at least be able to walk 3.1 miles. Eventually, I added running in small spurts until I was able to run most of the distance. That’s what I did last night.
So when you look at your financial situation, once you decide to do something, go ahead and do something about it.
Prepare your first budget. Make a list of things you could sell in a garage sale to finish your emergency fund. Cut up your credit cards to remove the temptation to borrow more money.
You may need to read on the topic, you may need to ask someone for help, but do get started.
Keep on Running
As I started running more and more, I kept gaining more and more confidence. I did a training run a couple of days before my race and I felt better than ever before.
So going into the race last night, I was ready. Consistency gave me the confidence to execute my plan to hit my goal.
I have to tell you that your first budget will not be perfect. You will hit some bumps on the road as you seek to pay off your debts. That’s life, but you have to keep at it.
You have to keep on running, because that’s the only way you win.
If I can run my first 5K at 47 years old, surely you can learn to win with your money.
Go for it!
“You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.”
Henry Ford, American Industrialist
This post is also available in: Spanish
