Your Big Goal

Let’s cut to the chase. What’s your big goal? What is the number one thing you want to accomplish in life right now? The thing you’re obsessed with?

It could be a personal goal. Maybe a professional goal. But, all of us have something our brains are devouring like a fresh bowl of ice cream with sprinkles.

I’m going to leave a little blank space so you can really think about it.

I’m going to leave a little blank space so you can really think about it.

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I think Taylor Swift would agree, that’s enough blank space.

I think Taylor Swift would agree, that’s enough blank space.

One of the beautiful things about the business I’m in—creating financial solutions to life problems—is that you hear countless stories about people’s lives. You hear the good, the bad. You hear stories of people at their highest moments. Others when they’re at their lows. You see which decisions led to success. And, which decisions, unfortunately, did not.

Better understanding each of these stories helps myself and our team better solve a specific issue for a specific person.

But, these stories also better inform us to help others in similar situations. That’s what I aim to do here.

But, these stories also better inform us to help others in similar situations.

Here are 5 lessons I’ve learned that will maximize your ability to achieve that big goal in your life.

Make the commitment: It seems real obvious, but just getting started separates those who succeed and those who don’t. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. If a goal is years into the future, it stands to reason, you will not know the outcome for years. That means today you will not face any consequences for indecision. Same for tomorrow, next week, next month and maybe next year. So, if it’s truly a big goal of yours, get started today.

Prepare your mind. I’ve found any goal that is more than a month away requires preparation of the mind. It requires you to understand the mission will not be accomplished today no matter what. It will not be accomplished this week. It will require a diligent effort day in and day out. The easiest way I’ve found to prepare the mind is to think about running a marathon. I’ll pick the New York Marathon. I’ve always wanted to run it. To journey through all 5 boroughs. What an experience, it must be.

I’ve found any goal that is more than a month away requires preparation of the mind.

The runner must recognize no matter how fast they run the first mile, they still have 25.2 more to go. There’s no prizes for a speedy start. Completing the entire journey is what counts.

Step into success : Yes, your big goal is your big goal. That is what you aim to achieve. However, it’s far easier to stay motivated if you feel progress along the way. The marathon runner feels better with each passing mile. Progress is being made. The goal is getting closer and closer.

Automate your habits: Getting started is hard. Staying committed is also a challenge. This is why automating some actions can be powerful. If any of your goals has a financial component to it, automate your savings. The marathon runner may not want to save for the flight to New York, the hotel. And, obviously, you can’t complete the New York City Marathon if you’re physically in New York. Sorry, AI can’t solve that problem just yet! So, if saving money is going to be a battle, take that pressure off your mind. Automate a monthly amount to go into a savings account. This way you only have to make that one decision to start saving. The rest is taken care of for you.

Automate your habits: Getting started is hard.

Get back up. Listen to almost anyone’s success story and you’ll hear many moments when it all looked to be over. They either wanted to quit or they seemed to face an insurmountable problem. But, in every case, they bounced back from any momentary setback to keep going. It could’ve been a leg or foot injury for the runner. It could have been a recession for the business owner. It could have been a market setback for the retirement saver.

There you go. Five ways to power your journey. Five ways to help you find success.

What’s your big life goal right now?

What’s your big life goal right now?

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional, legal or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation.

All views/opinions expressed in this newsletter are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views/opinions held by Advisory Services Network, LLC.