Set small goals to make big wins
If goals are hard to reach, they become unattainable. Try scaling them down to be bite-sized and easier to achieve.
Small, bite-sized saving goals help you save and stay on track to your long-term financial goals. It's a win-win. Reaching your long-term financial goal doesn't have to be a far-off dream. Buying a home, paying off debt, saving for a trip or any big financial goal is worth the effort, but it's important to remember that reaching it doesn't happen overnight. Instead of waiting for tomorrow to start saving, start today. Try breaking down an intimidating goal into bite-sized tasks, and give yourself the chance to have a few wins along the way instead of only at the end. Thinking small can be the secret to a big success.
Decide what you want
If you're wondering where to start, it's with that long-term goal. Sit yourself down and ask serious questions about the far-off future, and be conscious of where your mind goes. If you're having trouble honing in on that goal, check out financial goal setting for more tips on clearly seeing your long-term financial goal(s). Once you've landed on your goal, tell your friends, write it down or make a dream board if that's your thing. Do whatever it takes to hold yourself accountable and continue reminding yourself of the big picture. Then, set a deadline. Break down your goals into tasks and map out a timeline. Before you know it, you'll be ten steps into a brand new path of good saving habits.
Set SMART goals
When breaking down your goal into smaller, digestible tasks, remember to keep it simple. Setting the bar too high can de-motivate and discourage. When organizing your small goals, "SMART"is a helpful acronym to use as you get organized:
- Specific: A specific goal is something clearly defined or identified
- Measurable: A measurable goal can be quantified
- Attainable: An attainable goal is something that is possible
- Realistic: A realistic goal is something that can be achieved by you or others
- Time Bound: A time bound goal has a deadline
They need to be actionable tasks that feel doable, not daunting.
Stay positive
On top of being on track to your reach dreams, achieving small, bite-sized goals also adds to your happiness. According to a journal studying dopamine cells, they found that dopamine plays a role in functions like paying attention, staying motivated and making decisions.
So instead of leaving the future to, well, the future, start saving for your long-term financial goal(s), today. You may also want to try "No Spend Days". Having days where you don't spend any money, may translate into some savings and even help you reach some financial goals. Remember to think small to win big.
