The art of managing your desires
The financial goal is not just an abstract dream of a new car or long -awaited vacation. This is a specific, measurable and achievable milestone that leads us to life, filled with order, awareness and inner calm. When we know how to formulate and achieve such goals, this gives a feeling of control over our own life, frees from anxious feeling of chaos and ambiguity, gives confidence in the future.
Many of us are faced with the feeling that money is flowing through the fingers: we work, get income, but do not feel growth or progress. The reason for this often lies not in the amount of income, but in the absence of a clear understanding - where we are moving and why. This article is about how to turn financial dreams into specific goals and, importantly, how to really achieve them.
Why is it important to set financial goals
Financial goals are not just plans. This is a kind of navigator in the world of everyday decisions. Without them, we become victims of impulsive purchases, other people's priorities and short -term pleasures that bring only temporary satisfaction. But with clearly defined landmarks, even the smallest steps acquire meaning.
When a person has a goal, he also has motivation. It’s like a lighthouse that is visible in a storm: it helps to stay on the course when you want to turn aside and spend money on momentary pleasure. The formulated goal helps to maintain a focus, develop discipline and make decisions corresponding to your long -term interests.
How to formulate financial purposes correctly
1. Use the Smart method
The Smart method helps to turn abstract desires into clearly structured tasks. According to this technique, the goal should be:
- S (Specific) - specific: Do not "want to be financially free", but "accumulate for the repair of the kitchen."
- M (Measurable) - measurable: You must understand when the goal is achieved.
- A (Achievable) - achievable: The goal should be realistic, otherwise it is demotivated.
- R (Relevant) - significant: The goal should correspond to your values and priorities.
- T (Time-Bound)-limited in time: Determine the deadline for which you want to achieve the goal.
2. Share goals by the deadline
- Short -term goals: Released in 3-6 months (for example, collect money for vacation).
- Medium -term: 6 months - 2 years (for example, collect the amount for training courses or household appliances).
- Long -term: from 2 years or more (for example, accumulate for the first fee for housing).
Creation of a personal financial plan
The financial goal is the top of the mountain. And the financial plan is a route along which you rise to it. To make it effective, you need to take the following steps:
1. Analysis of the current position
Before moving forward, it is important to understand where you are. Analyze your income and expenses, determine the share of mandatory payments, find the "holes" through which the money is flowing. This will give a reference point.
2. Determination of priorities
Often there are many goals, and all of them seem important. But the resources are limited, so you need to set priorities. Think about what goal is closest to you in spirit, which will bring more satisfaction or ensure stability in the future.
3. Divide the target into stages
Break a great goal into small ticks. Small stages are easier to monitor and control, which makes the achievement of the goal more realistic.
4. Create automatic tools
To achieve the goals, you can use the automatic distribution of funds: a separate account, to which a certain amount is automatically transferred, helps to avoid the temptation to spend everything at once. This makes the accumulation process less stressful and more systemic.
Psychology of achievement: how to preserve motivation
1. Visualize the result
Create the image of the ultimate goal for yourself: print the photo, make a collage, make a goal diary. The more lively the image will be, the easier it will be for you to keep the focus on it at moments of doubt.
2. Mark progress
Nothing inspires as visible results. Take a table or diary where you will celebrate each replenishment of your financial reserve or the completed stage. Small victories create great motivation.
3. Do not punish yourself for deviations
There are no ideal scenarios. There are unforeseen expenses, emotional moments, weaknesses. The main thing is not to give up. Get off the course? Return. Didn't work in one month? Comers to the next. The main thing is to maintain a movement vector.
How the environment affects the achievement of goals
Your environment plays a huge role. If loved ones support your goal, this makes the path easier. If, on the contrary, they criticize or make fun of attempts to save, this may undermine confidence.
Create a supporting environment around you. It can be:
- Friends with similar values.
- Communities on social networks dedicated to conscious financial management.
- Bloggers telling about discipline, goal -setting, minimalism.
The influence of the environment is a powerful tool. Use it for your good.
How to maintain a balance between savings and the quality of life
It is important to remember: the financial goal should not turn into suffering. Savings should not be total. If the path to the goal turns into deprivation and depression, the risk of breakdown increases. Balance is necessary.
Leave a place for joy. Plan minor pleasures: walks, meeting with friends, hobbies. This is not a consumption, this is a resource. The more harmonious your life will be during the path to the goal, the more stable your motivation.
Conclusion: your financial story is starting now
The financial goal is not only about numbers. This is about dreams, about respect for yourself and your life. This is a story about how you learned to be the author of your reality, and not its hostage. The goal gives the support point, helps to choose what to sacrifice and what to protect at all costs.
Start small. Do not expect ideal conditions, high salary or inspiration. The main thing is to take the first step. The financial goal, whatever it may be, is already beginning to be embodied at the moment when you deliberately formulate it. And from that moment on - you do not just live. You are building. Create. Manage. And be sure to come to what you really want.