Six Weeks In
February 20th, 2008 | by Molly's Brother |So, we’re six weeks in to the New Year. Usually, the resolutions that we make fall by the wayside during these six weeks. But, since I have redefined my approach to New Year’s Resolutions by creating Financial Goals for 2008. Whenever we set goals, it is important from time-to-time to redefine our goals, refuel our spirits, and reward ourselves.
Redefine My Goals — For example, while I have completely cut out that one coffee purchase every day, I have had less success in eliminating my lunches. Instead of eliminating all of my lunches, I have tweaked the goal slightly. Instead of eliminating 5 lunches a week, I have decided to eliminate 3 lunches a week (for now). By redefining this goal, I have been able to still make some headway in saving money in this area.
Refuel My Spirit — Saving money in such a drastic way can wear you down over a period of time. It may be necessary to take a day or two off and allow yourself a moment to collect yourself and cull your energy again. Indulge a bit. Buy that lunch. Buy that dinner out. Consider it a “break” and not falling in to old “habits.” Last week, I had to do this. I had to understand that a couple of nights out with friends was not going to financially destroy me. I needed to hang out and replenish myself with friends.
Reward Myself – Create rewards for yourself when you meet your financial goal. Rewards are an important way of making sure that we will stay focused on the goals we have set. For example, I am building a rewards system into the money that I am saving. For each dollar that I put away, I immediately move 10% of it into “Reward Yourself” account. This usually means a nice guilt-free dinner or night out.
So, six weeks in to New Year, I have created ways to make sure that I will stay focused on the previously established goals. By allowing myself some flexibility not only attaining these goals, but also adapting them, it probably means that I will experience a higher degree of success.
