Goal Setting | Priming your pump for a brighter future.

Dana Lookadoo Determination

Determination: a fixed purpose, the power and will to persist, resolve, to have the drive, to have grit, to go the distance, to be hell-bent on reaching a goal and getting it done no matter what.

Dave Ramsey calls is Gazelle Intensity. When the Cheetah of Debt or Life is trying to run after you and kill you, the only way to escape is to RUN!  Run hard, run fast, run often.

I say that because life does not tend to lean us in the direction of wealth, prosperity, or good fortune. Cars break, budgets bust, and jobs don't pay enough. There is never going to be enough month at the end of your money. If you are waiting to "Get Ahead" before you plan your life, you'll be 90 and wondering where the time went.

So now that you have all that information on banking and finances (we've discussed in previous posts), what’s next? 

What are you going to do different?

You know what a checking is, how items post, and how to keep a record. You know a little more about credit and debt. You know a little more about planning for retirement and investing.

What’s next?

            

If you aren’t a tither, that would be the first place to start. Malachi chapter 3 points out that the devourer comes to kill our financial crops.

By tithing you stop that devourer. Non tithers often say things like: “It seems like I put my money into pockets with holes in them.” Start by putting aside the money and paying your tithe.

Open a separate account and have your paycheck auto deducted for the amount needed. That is the first step toward financial freedom.

~Goals~

You need to set goals. What do you want to accomplish in the next 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years. You really don’t need to be that specific at first. Just make a list of everything you want to accomplish in life. Put a time frame next to it if you have one.

Feel free to have an unknown amount of time on large dreams. Also, don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than you planned, just keep going forward. Maybe you are dreaming of something but have no idea how long it will take, that is fine.

Just set goals. 

I have a friend who once made a simple list of everything he currently wanted to see happen in his life. There were goals about marriage, jobs, places he wanted to see, etc.

Within 2 years he pulled that out one day and realized all the items had been accomplished. It’s not so much about setting out a plan to make it happen; just the act of making goals will set your mind and spirit to working them out. 

You could even post the goals on the wall by your door, then everyday read them to yourself and every time you walk by just say:

“I receive that!”

~Taken Action~

            

Take action.

That is the most important part of making changes. If you have been overdrawn a lot in the past, or maybe you are right now, take the examples given earlier. Close out the account and deal with cash, or put away the card and checks, and deal with money orders. If you are not keeping a detailed record start one. 

If you want to know more about investing, get a book, do some Google searches and learn more. 

If you need to start saving; start by putting aside as little as $1 or $5 a paycheck. Use a jar at home if you can’t find a free savings account.

Once you have saved the amount needed to keep the minimum balance, usually $300, open the savings with it.

Some banks now offer plans that transfer money to your savings every time you use your card. 

~Be Creative~

You should have giving goals. I want to give this item, or that amount, by the end of the year. I’ve set a goal of giving away a debt free car.

I did it once.

I now have a goal of taking someone to a car lot and letting them pick the one they want. I’m not there yet, but I’m working toward that.

            

Have goals regarding your lively hood or calling.

What has God called you to do?

If you don’t know what your calling is yet, just consider what you are good at. It probably has something to do with it. Work toward your talents and passions.

If you are not sure what your passions or calling are, check out this article (HERE - Discovery | Finding your place in God's plan).

Make small attainable goals.

If you play guitar, learn a new song, work through a book that teaches you a new skill set or style.

If you are a computer person, buy a new program, or learn a new set of codes.

Attend a seminar or class that touches on your passion.

Whatever your station in life, take an hour, or even a day, to pray and ponder, what your goals ought to be. Make simple, attainable goals. If you have a large dream, break it up into smaller pieces. 

You want to own a multi million dollar restaurant? 

Great! Go get your business license, research what you need. 

What is the cost of the building, the equipment the upkeep?

Take steps; don’t worry about the money to start it, at first.

If you start taking steps and working toward it, God will bring the increase if it’s His passion that has been birthed inside of you. 

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Go stepping. 

The Insider

The Insider is a BIG fan of Dave Ramsey:

• Go read/listen/watch Dave Ramsey and he'll teach you how to do it right!

• Listen to The Dave Ramsey Show (HERE)

• Or by his most popular book: (HERE) The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness