It's not just something people say. Change is hard. We must overcome our fears about change just to get started. Add to that fear things like the need to overcome longstanding bad habits, remaining determined in the face of challenge, and the need to stay focused and disciplined, and the challenge can be quite daunting. Below are some tips on how to improve the odds.
The best laid plans can still fail, of course. But nothing stacks the odds in your favor more than a well thought out plan. Here are some things that are necessary for a good plan. Try to be specific and concrete in all parts of the plan. And feel free to consult with others.
To be realistic, a goal must be both concrete and something you have the ability attain. Ambition is fine, and maybe your long term goal is lofty, but success is far more likely with less ambitious, shorter term goals. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, as they say. So maybe you start with learning to create and follow a budget first before tackling become a millionaire.
Break the journey to the new you into small, short steps. Sometimes it's easier to do this by starting at the end and thinking about what the last step before the end would have to be. Think about living according to a budget. To do that you must have a budget, and the discipline to stick with it. That means first conquering impulsive behavior, and acquiring a certain amount of financial literacy. Just keep moving backwards from the ideal you to the current you. write out the steps in order, the
You don't have to do it alone. Call on friends and family, coworkers, and others. There are plenty of websites and apps that will help as well. Add the resources you've identified to your plan, and add in any new ones you discover along the way.
Think about the things that might derail you. Impulsive behavior, for example, if not reigned in can derail any plan. Emotional behavior, especially in decision-making or conflict resolution, are also good examples of risks. Planning for avoiding these risks, or dealing with them when they do arise, should be added into your steps.
Not having deadlines makes it too easy to put things off. Your schedule can be somewhat flexible, because things do come up. But be wary of too readily delaying steps.
Even a well thought out plan can fail if the execution of the plan is poor. Here are some things that can help.
It can really help for this part to use a tracking app. Enter the steps you've identified and the timeline. Then pay attention to the reminders! Straying off course, or falling behind schedule, without a quick and effective course correction is a sure path to failure.
We've talked about using others as a resource for planning. They can also be helpful in the execution, not just with reminders and encouragement to stay on track, but by assisting in the accomplishment of your goals.
Find small but meaningful ways to reward yourself for your achievements. Rewards shouldn't wait for the end result. Reward even fairly small accomplishments.
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