goals

i had to read a book for my bookclub this month which drove me crazy -- but simultanously got me thinking seriously about one aspect of my life i really need to get serious about: my financial goals.

so, i hated the book because the author's tone of voice really drove me crazy. but i won't go into that. lets just focus on the positive... i'm trying to apply the strategies that were presented to me. i've only just begun, but its off to a good start.

phase 1: what exactly are my financial goals, for the next year? 3? 10? and how am i gonna reach them? it's time to get specific, because if i keep doing what i'm doing, there's a chance won't make it.

the book said, in more words:

- write down my top 10 goals
- pick 5 i can reach in the next 3 years (i rounded up so that it's goals to reach before i turn thirty)
- write down details. specifics.
- write down challenges that might keep me from reaching them.
- write down solutions to the anticipated challenges.
- write down steps i can take in the next 2 days to get moving on these goals.

in addition, conor and i wrote down our goals for the next 2 months, 6 months, and year.

and i gotta say, these exercises were a bit of any eye-opener. not that i necessarily learned anything new... just that it made all the little notions floating around in my head Real. why shouldn't i accomplish this stuff? it's not that hard - just takes a bit it self restraint, intelligence, and planning.

(and i think the planning thing is the key here)

it's one thing to want something and another thing to take the steps to accomplish it. so... debt-free, land-owning, car-driving, nest-egged life... here i come!