January is the miracle month of champagne wishes and caviar dreams. It’s the time when you can promise yourself anything you want – nearly limitless possibilities for personal change. For the first few days of the year your financial picture is nearly perfect, or not…
There are a million websites, books, and speakers that have all the answers on how create and sustain achievable goals. Most of these resources are inspirational and effective. I suggest you look them up and follow their steps, but this article will help you learn how to avoid potential speed bumps in your way.
The Murky Middle
Writers call the middle of a novel “the Murky Middle.” It’s the middle section of writing that’s the toughest; you just don’t know if the hero is going to be able to save the day in the end. But the murky middle applies to tracking financial goals as well. The first week of positive attitude can be forgotten by week two and three, and then it’s “Oh no, better scrimp this week to catch up.” Don’t let that happen to you. Put a paper calendar somewhere prominent or use your phone’s calendar and to set up reminders toward the middle of the month – “This is the murky middle. Don’t lose track of your goals.” Set up automatic texts or timers to remind yourself every day. This is the most precarious part of your goal process.
Pat on the Back Syndrome
This can occur a few months into your money saving campaign and can really sneak up on you. This is when your friends at work notice that you stopped drinking soda out of the vending machine. The same plastic water bottle has often clocked in more time than some of your fellow employees. You let it slip that you cook dinner at home every single night. “Wow, you really got yourself together.” Uh oh. Don’t fall for that trap and don’t believe the hype. All the praise is nice and will ensure that you won’t forget your lunch box, but it has a nasty side effect. Too much praise can make you slide on your other goals. “I’m doing so well. I deserve a treat.” Stick to the plan, Stan. Don’t deviate. But do build treats or breaks into your plan and when you decide to pencil them in, enjoy.
Life
Life happens and sometimes seems like it’s out to derail all your plans and aspirations. But don’t let it. Get back on track as soon as you can. Try again. Only you know that you’ve been trying to save a Christmas fund for the last four years and have failed each time. Maybe 2015 will be your year to put all your practice saving to good use. As Julie Andrews once said, “Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding on the 20th.”
“Lifestyles of the Rich and the Famous” used to be a TV show hosted by Robin Leach before it was a Good Charlotte song. After each show the host, Robin Leach, would end every episode wishing viewers “champagne wishes and caviar dreams.” Here’s wishing you self-created windfall wishes and caviar dreams in 2015.
By Nataleigh Palmer
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