So many of us enjoy talking and dreaming about our goals, but achieving them is another issue. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities of what can happen when we accomplish new goals, but unfortunately, lots of us give up or don’t even get started. So in this article, I’m sharing 5 ways to achieve your goals: examples included. Remember that although achieving your goals is rarely easy, it’s totally worth it!

How to achieve your goals: 5 Key ways

These 5 ways to achieve your goals can apply to any part of life, including health, career, financial, and personal aspects. And in addition to strategies for financial goals and goal-setting , I’m also going to share some techniques for changing behavior or habits to help you make progress with your goals! Let’s get into it!

1. Set the right goals

The first of the 5 ways to achieve your goals is to focus on proper goal-setting. Too many of us set unreasonable goals, or we don’t have a plan for reaching them. Setting SMART goals is a top strategy for setting goals you can actually accomplish.

Use the SMART Goal method

In 1981, an article in Management Review coined the term S.M.A.R.T. goals. You’ve probably heard of them, and there have been a few variations of what the acronym should stand for. The guidelines are that your goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

Here is how to use the SMART goal method to take action to reach your goals:

Make your goals specific

First of all, it helps to set very specific goals. Rather than something vague like “I want to start living a healthy lifestyle,” you need specific goals regarding what aspect of health you’re focusing on.

For example, say what healthy action you’ll take each day, such as riding your bike to work or drinking a certain amount of water.

Make your goals measurable

The “M” in SMART stands for measurable. (Other versions might use “meaningful” or “motivating,” but I prefer “measurable” because that’s been one of the keys for me in reaching my most audacious goals. 

If your goals aren’t measurable, how will you know if you’ve achieved them? You could continue reaching for something more, forgetting to celebrate yourself and your accomplishments. 

One of happiness guru Gretchen Rubin’s “Secrets of adulthood” is “You manage what you measure.” She also calls this the strategy of monitoring. I’ve found this to be quite accurate—if I decide my goal is to write 1,000 words a day, it’s easy to know when I’ve reached that goal. 

A measurable goal comes with clear numbers. Phrases like how much, how many, or how often may be applicable.

Make your goals attainable

Next, when designing your goals, it’s important to keep them attainable. That just means it’s within reach! Remember to be realistic about where you are in life. 

The key is to pick goals that challenge you but not so much as to be impossible. You can always set gradually more advanced goals, such as yearly goals, as you progress.

However, if you focus too much on a goal that feels light-years away, you might give up before you even get started.

My advice would be that it’s great to dream big, but when it comes to setting your goals that you can actively work towards now, try not to shoot too far.

In other words, if you’re a new college graduate, it’s great to dream of being a CEO or starting a business from scratch one day.

But it could take a few years, so you might start smaller, perhaps aiming to get your first promotion within one year.

Professional development goals, health goals, interpersonal goals, and other types can all benefit from focusing on what’s attainable. This isn’t to discourage you from aiming high but to ensure you’re close enough to your current goals to stay motivated.

Make your goals relevant

A fourth step in setting the right goals is to be sure your goals are relevant. They need to speak to you and be important to you.

It can be too easy, especially for women, to compare ourselves to others and center our goals around others’ needs and wants. 

If you don’t have a strong desire to accomplish something, there will come a day when you decide it’s not worth the effort. Giving up is too easy as it is—don’t make it harder by picking things you don’t care about.

For example, when setting financial goals, you have to dig deep and figure out what you truly want. Of course, getting out of debt is good for everyone. But what’s your “why?” What would becoming debt-free do for other parts of your life?

The same goes for achieving early retirement.  Retiring at 40 isn’t necessarily the goal for everyone.

If you pursue early retirement, you need strong motivation. Make that goal relevant by figuring out what you’ll do when you’re retired.

Will you volunteer at a homeless shelter? Travel the globe? Write a book? Clarify your goals to fit your personality.

Make your goals time-bound

A final step in the SMART goals framework is to give a time limit on your goals. Doing this simply offers healthy boundaries so you know how much effort you need to put in and for how long. Getting 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity every day for 30 days may be one example. 

Setting goals on different timelines is useful when making time-bound goals. By setting mid-term goals, for example, you can tackle different levels of accomplishment than with short-term or long-term goals.

It also goes hand in hand with the “attainable” part of SMART goals. Setting goals with different timelines can help you hone in on what’s attainable in certain periods of time. Another way to look at this is by setting benchmarks—smaller steps along the road to your ultimate goal. 

Don’t set too many goals

When utilizing these 5 ways to achieve your goals, remember to limit the number of goals you have! Along with using SMART as a guideline to help you set goals, you’ll improve your chances of success by limiting the number of goals you set.

Have you ever written a to-do list as long as your arm? That kind of pressure can be overwhelming, so it’s good not to set too many goals at once.

If you aim to lose 30 pounds, buy a house to rent out, plan your cousin’s wedding, and write and publish a book all in the same three-month period, guess what? You probably won’t get it all done.

Of course, we all fill many different roles every day. But if you want to know what’s slowing you down, one possibility is overzealous goal setting. You get frustrated and can’t focus enough to accomplish those goals. 

Like Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps can break down financial goals, you can increase your odds of success by focusing on one or two big goals at a time.

Limiting how many objectives you focus on at a time can make it easier for you.

Focus on process goals instead of product goals

You can set the right goals by focusing more on “process” than “product.”

In other words, many of us might say, “I want to raise kids who become honest, hard-working adults.” That’s great—but it’s a product.

Could you break that down into “process” mini goals? Perhaps focus on their age now and the daily steps you could take to help them become the amazing adults you know they can be one day.

Process goals emphasize what you’re in control of right now. You can control your actions, but you can’t always control how your circumstances go. (For example, Don’t say you’ll lose 20 pounds. Instead, you can decide how much to exercise or set dietary preferences.) 

2. Keep track of your progress

Recording and tracking the progress we make toward our goals helps us get closer to achieving them. Often, we do better with things we write down, which is why it’s one of the top 5 ideas for achieving goals!

Write down your goals

Whether you write them in your private journal or on a sticky note you place above your desk, the act of writing down goals is useful. Writing them forces you to clarify your goals, and you can revisit them regularly to see how you’re doing.

When writing these goals, be sure to write them out in full. If possible, include all of the aspects of SMART goals.

State goals publicly

Many of us benefit from sharing our goals in public. It gives you some outer accountability. Even if the people you share it with won’t care, the very act of stating the goal to someone else can make it more real to you.

You could tell a group of friends about your fitness goals or discuss your financial goals with a family member.

Find an accountability partner

You might move closer to goals with an accountability partner. Maybe you pick one friend, and you text her every day to tell her your step count for the day. (Make sure she knows what your goal is!)

Share your goals on social media to achieve them more easily

Another strategy for achieving goals is to post them on your social media. You know you’ll get responses from friends or followers that might be encouraging. You don’t have to talk daily about these goals on Instagram, but posting your progress weekly or monthly could be helpful.

Monitor your progress

Monitoring your progress is essential when you’re setting goals. After all, if you don’t track what you’ve done, how will you know when you’ve achieved your goal?

This step is what we discussed earlier in the “measurable” part of SMART goal-setting.

Choose a method to monitor your progress and keep track of your efforts and the benchmarks as you pass them.

Monitoring your progress is important, whether saving for a family vacation, tracking spending through a budget, or keeping a list of all the money mindset books you read each year.

3. Stay focused on the goals you’ve set

Staying focused is next on our list of 5 ways to achieve your goals. A singular focus is important for any important goal or dream. Don’t let distractions or discouragement drive you away from achieving what you want to do. 

Keep learning through educational resources

Books, podcasts, newsletters, and other resources can help you stay focused. Anything that helps you learn more could propel you to persevere and achieve your goals.

If you really want to learn a musical instrument, you need to take lessons, practice, and think about that instrument—a lot. That education can help you maintain focus.

Make visual reminders as a way to achieve your goals

Having a goal means having a vision, right? You need to envision a different life, whether in terms of family, career, health, or something else. You might even want to try out vision board ideas.

Put visual reminders of your most important goals everywhere. You can stay motivated and focused when you see notes, artwork, or photographs that remind you of your goals.

Ask for help

Sometimes, we need others to remind us what we’re working for. Talk to your spouse about picking up extra slack with the kids, or ask a friend to remind you of your career goals when you get discouraged. 

For me, the goal of writing and publishing a novel meant I needed to find a critique group. Now, I trust the three fellow writers in my group to give me the feedback and encouragement I need. 

Talk to business mentors

When working towards a big career goal, a professional mentor can have a great impact. Talk to your business mentors when you start to veer off course. Ask them what strategies helped them reach the goals you’re hoping to achieve.

4. Create an environment for success

Environment plays a huge role in our success in building habits and achieving goals. Build your environment for success!

Make it easier to do tasks you want to do

James Clear, the author of the best-seller Atomic Habits, writes a lot about making your environment support your habits. Make it easier to change habits—there’s no prize for struggling. An example he gives is if you want to practice a musical instrument, place it in the middle of the living room.

For example, to save more money, automate your finances. Automation is awesome. It takes the decision out of your hands, so you only make that saving decision once, and it remains your daily routine until you cancel it.

Both of these examples make it easier for you to do something positive for yourself.

Make it harder to do things you want to avoid

The reverse is true: you can improve habits by making bad habits harder. Make them inconvenient or difficult, and you won’t do them as much. It can help you stay on the path to achieving your goals.

For instance, to save money, you can switch to an all-cash envelope system for a few months, and leave your credit cards at home. Not having credit cards with you makes spending inconvenient.

5. Plan for obstacles and failure

That’s right, I said you should plan for failure! We’re human, so we should expect some level of failure or major obstacles along the way. Here is how to use failure as a step to success so you won’t give up on yourself.

Decide how you’ll deal with setbacks

It’s almost guaranteed that your journey won’t be smooth sailing all the way.

Whether you’re hoping to achieve millionaire status, launch a business, find the best way to get out of debt, or any other goal, planning ahead for setbacks can help you succeed.

You can decide in advance what your response will be in certain situations.

For instance, if your goal is to make $500 fast and save it in a month, but you come up $200 short, don’t throw in the towel. Look at your budget and your earnings and make a game plan for how to save more next month. (Or, adjust the goal if necessary—there’s zero shame in that.)

What you don’t want to do is quit on yourself after your first setback. Mistakes and failures are part of life. 

Learn from failure

It is one of the hardest things to learn and one of the most valuable: failure is a great teacher. We all need to learn how to fail and deal with potential obstacles.

Failure is actually an important part of how you can become great. Thomas Edison famously said of his numerous attempts at inventions, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

By reframing the way you think about failure, you can start to see it as a tool you need to succeed. It’s a great way to achieve your goals, no matter how difficult they seem.

Expert tip: Don’t get discouraged

Goal-setting can be just as overwhelming as it is fun but you can break down your goals to be manageable. This means that whatever your goals are, you need to take the right path and one that works for you, to reach them. Get your life organized and focused so that you know the tasks to do to make step-by-step progress. 

Remember that the most worthwhile goals will likely include some frustration, but that doesn’t mean the end! You have to push through setbacks and trust the process, and you can achieve more than you think. 

Examples of ways to achieve your goals

As you consider some of the ways to implement your goals, take a look at these examples of 5 ways to achieve your goals from different areas of life. 

Lift weights three times a week for six months

Here’s an example of a fitness goal. It’s clear, measurable, and even time-bound. It focuses on your actions rather than an outcome you can’t control. 

Eat 9 fruit and vegetable servings daily

Another specific and measurable goal would be to eat nine fruits and vegetable servings every day. You can get more nitty-gritty if you like, but that’s a good general guideline to aim for if you don’t have enough produce in your diet. 

Send pitches to one potential client each weekday

If you’re building a business and need to find new clients, here’s a great goal for you. Decide to send a pitch to one new potential client every weekday (for a month or even indefinitely). It gets you in a habit that pushes you to grow your side hustle or full-time business.

Save $10,000 in one year

A financial goal like this one can help you reach other financial goals, like being able to buy a newer car. Figuring out how to save $10,000 in a year is something measurable and time-bound. Make it easier with an accountability buddy to stop you from making an impulse purchase when necessary.

Take your kids to the park twice a week 

Let’s shift gears to look at a family-oriented goal. If you have kids, might set the goal of taking your kids to a local playground twice a week. Again, it’s specific and reasonable (but if that’s not a reasonable goal, pick something that works for you). 

Work on your new side business for three hours weekly

If you’ve dreamed of starting your own business but can’t find the time, determine if there are a few hours when you could work on it. Don’t expect to make five figures immediately, but you can make real progress even with just three hours a week dedicated to your business. 

Read for 20 minutes a day

Here’s another goal that you might set to help you learn or relax. Making your goal attainable (20 minutes isn’t a huge amount of time) helps strengthen your commitment. Plus, you aren’t saying how many pages or books you’ll read because that can lead to frustration if you choose a difficult book. 

Spend a summer in Europe in five years

Maybe you’re like me and dream of spending long periods of time in Europe. I might put photos of the country I want to live in all over my home, computer, car, and phone. Making a vision board is a fun way to stay motivated as well. 

Pay off all credit card debt within two years

Many of us struggle with paying off credit card debt. Looking at what you owe and choosing a reasonable time period for paying it off can help you reach that milestone. 

Practice morning affirmations

Perhaps you’re dealing with a lack of self-confidence, and you’d like to improve that. A great way to improve self-talk is to try morning affirmations that remind you to believe in your abilities. 

What is stopping you from achieving your goals?

To determine what’s stopping you, start by thinking about the challenges you face every day. You might have trouble because of the following:

• People who doubt your potential
• Not enough hours in the day
• Low self-confidence (try these confidence building exercises!)
• Uncertainty on how to achieve your goals
• Financial limitations (read about breaking the cycle of poverty)

Millions of articles and thousands of self help books exist that can teach you the best ways to find success. You’ve likely heard a few of them, but if you’re serious about making progress for real, then try setting SMART goals and staying focused.

What is the first step towards achieving a goal?

Before you can achieve a goal, you need to identify your goal.

Personally, I know I won’t be able to figure out any of the next steps without first knowing what I want to achieve. And that opportunity to work towards a goal needs strong motivation. 

Thinking carefully about what you want to accomplish will help you determine the best ways. You don’t just miraculously save a huge down payment for a house without preparation. You need to identify that goal and then take steps to reach it.

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If you found these step-by-step instructions for winning with your goals helpful, check out these other posts!

• How To Set Goals For A Small Business In Order To Grow
• 6 Reasons Why Failure Is The First Step To Success
• New Month New Goals: Ideas For Goals To Set Each Month
• How To Be Smart About Money: 5 Ways

Leverage these tips and examples of how to achieve your goals!

The great thing about goals is that they can always keep evolving as you do. After all, we never really stop learning, so why wouldn’t our goals change along the way? Implement just a few ways to achieve your goals, and you’ll be unstoppable.

So, what are you waiting for? Take charge of what you really want, set yourself up for success, and start progressing toward your goals today!

The post 5 Ways to Achieve Your Goals With Examples To Motivate You appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

Learning how to make a money vision board can be incredibly helpful for financial management. When it comes to goals, the adage rings true: “Out of sight, out of mind.” But if you take the time to create a vision board, you’ll constantly be reminded of your goals.

As cited in Verywell Mind, vision boards can improve success and mindfulness. For this reason, creating one can help us stay focused on working toward our financial goals.

What is a vision board?

A vision board is a collage of pictures and phrases that depict things you want to accomplish in your future. It’s a visual representation of your hopes and dreams. Its purpose is to serve as inspiration and motivation for working toward your goals.

Being able to see exactly what you want to accomplish gives you something to work toward, rather than just letters on a page. After all, even though there’s still value in writing your money goals down, seeing is believing!

I personally create a money specific vision board every year to keep me focused on the money goals I want to accomplish.

Why is a money vision board a good idea?

If we think about it, most goals are connected to our finances in some way. Our dream house, car, and vacation will require money. Having a money vision board can help us stay focused on attaining those things.

A money vision board is a great idea because it’s designed to visualize your intentions for money. Whether it’s how to save money, paying off credit card debt fast, or increasing your income, your ideas can be put into visual form.

Financial vision boards often utilize charts (such as a savings goal thermometer) to track progress. So if your vision is to become debt-free, you may include a debt payoff tracker on your financial vision board.

When it comes to saving money, I love coloring in my savings thermometer as I cross each savings milestone that I’ve set for myself. Just seeing this visualize reminds me of the progress I’m making.

Using a vision board to achieve your money goals

Using a vision board for your financial goals is no different from any other goal. The whole point is to create a physical representation of what you want to accomplish. If you’ve had a hard time handling money in the past, perhaps this fun exercise will help keep you motivated.

Plus, building a board for your money can easily be integrated into your financial planning process. As you develop a plan, simply create a board to go with it.

For example, you can think of it as the final seal on your list of money intentions. Here are some steps that I personally use and find helpful. You can leverage them to bring your vision board ideas to life:

1. Decide on a physical or digital vision board

There are several different ways to make a vision board.

For example, you can go the old-school route by cutting out words and images from old magazines, this is my format of choice. Or you can make a digital one using an online graphics tool, like Canva. Both options are free and/or very affordable, so it just depends on your personal preference.

Here’s what you’ll need to create a physical vision board:

• Poster board or cork board: Though most vision boards are pictures glued to a poster board, you can also use a cork board and tack images instead.
  
• Old magazines: You’ll use magazines to find pictures, phrases, and other visual inspirations that represent your goals. They’ll need to be old because you’ll be cutting things out. You may be able to grab old editions of magazines from your local library or convenience store for free or at a reduced price.
  
• Your affirmations or inspiring quotes: These are words, phrases, and sentences that inspire, motivate, and help you focus on what you can achieve.
  
• Images from online: If you can’t find old magazines, you can always find inspiration online. You can print out images that you find suitable.
  
• Glue or tacks: You’ll need to glue or tack your pictures to your poster or corkboard. I recommend a glue stick if you’re using glue.
  
• Scissors: You will cut out images to add to your board, so have a pair of scissors handy.

Here’s what you’ll need to create a digital vision board:

• Powerpoint, Keynote, your Notes app, or a graphics app like Canva
• Digital images
• Affirmations or inspiring quotes

2. Write down your financial intentions before you start

Your intentions will be your foundation. So, the second step in figuring out how to make a vision board is to write down your goals.

These goals should be very clear so that you know exactly what you’re trying to accomplish and how you’ll accomplish it. One way to do this is by using the SMART goals method.

This goal-development method teaches you to create specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely goals. When you have SMART goals, you can easily see what you’re working toward.

For example, my financial goal may be to “save $10,000 for emergencies by Dec 31, 202X.” This goal is very specific; its success can be measured; it is realistic for me, and it has a timeframe.

Since this goal has a very clear description, finding a suitable visual representation will be easy.

No matter what your financial objectives are, it’s important to clearly define them and write them down on paper before you start getting creative and building your money vision board.

3. Consider including charts and graphs

Whether creating a digital or a physical vision board, you want to choose pictures and words that motivate and inspire you.

But don’t forget about numbers! Including charts and graphs alongside the visual elements on your vision board can help make it even more specific to your goals.

Now, when you’re putting together a financial vision board, you may also include money savings charts. Money savings charts are charts that help you with tracking savings for specific goals.

For instance, if one of your intentions is to pay off debt, you could include a debt payoff coloring chart that tracks your progress. Every time you make a payment, mark it on your debt payoff chart—and watch your vision board become your reality!

These charts come is several different styles and formats. You can even design your own. My favorite money chart is the thermometer format.

4. Place your vision board somewhere you can see it every day

The point of creating a vision board is to have visual inspiration for the goals that we’re trying to accomplish.

That said, your board needs to be in your vision literally. In other words, you have to put it somewhere you’ll see it every day!

So think: What place do you most frequent in your home? That’s exactly where your vision board should be.

Put your board in a place where you can see it every day. That way, it’ll serve as a daily reminder to continue working toward your vision.

Consider places like your bedroom, office, or even your refrigerator door. You can even take a photo and make it the screensaver on your mobile phone or computer desktop. I have mine as my phone screensaver and also in my home office.

Additionally, now that you’ve created your vision board, take a moment to review it. Is there anything that you want to add? Do you feel motivated?

If you haven’t already, add phrases and money affirmations that align with your goals.

5. Stay motivated by hosting a vision board party

We all know that there’s a lot of temptation to spend and, thus, a lot of temptation to stray from our money intentions.

So, to help yourself stay motivated and on track, consider hosting a party.

Gather friends together who are also focused on improving their personal finances. You can spend the day together outlining your goals, cutting out pictures, and creating your vision boards. Then, you can check in with each other monthly to follow up on your progress.

Believe it or not, this sense of accountability can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals. As Forbes explains, “…accountability groups can positively impact task performance and academic performance.”

6. Track your progress with a money journal

Creating a board for money goals is a great way to get inspired and energized to start working towards your long-term financial goals. But over time, it’s easy to lose some of this initial momentum.

One way to help yourself stay on track with your personal finances is to start a money journaling habit.

Money journaling is more than just writing down what you spend and save each month. It’s also a place to take notes on how you feel about your spending and saving, your thoughts on your finances, and your observations on your goal-tracking.

Don’t think journaling is worth the extra step? One study discovered that those who write their goals are 42% more likely to actually accomplish them.

7. Edit as you go

Another way to track your progress toward your financial goals is to edit your money vision board.

We already talked about adding money savings charts. But if you’re not a facts-and-figures person, there’s still another way you can track your progress visually on your board.

For example, suppose you’ve added three goals: 1) Pay off credit card debt; 2) Start emergency fund; 3) Open retirement account.

Every time you meet a goal, you can draw a big green checkmark next to it. For one, drawing this checkmark will probably feel satisfying. (You know that feeling of crossing an item off your to-do list?)

Plus, it’ll be another visual reminder that you are making progress on your goals—which will give you more motivation to keep going.

8. Consider creating multiple vision boards

If you have a lot of different financial goals, making more than one vision board may make sense.

Here are a few different ideas:

For example, suppose one of your goals is to save up for a down payment to become a first time homebuyer. That could be the subject of one board, where you’ll include pictures of your dream house and inspiring quotes about homeownership.

At the same time, you might have another financial goal to spend less each month by adopting minimalism. On this vision board, you can focus on minimalism.

Write down minimalist quotes to remind yourself that less is more, and you don’t need to buy that new dress this month. You can also include a chart where you list all the things you wanted to buy but didn’t to congratulate yourself on your willpower—and keep up the good work!

Vision board ideas

If you are still stumped on what to include in your vision board, you can always find inspiration on sites like Pinterest. Doing a quick Google search will also lend some examples as well. Remember that your vision board is unique to you, so only use them as inspiration.

Travel example

Here is an example of a financial vision board I created several years ago. At the time I was on my debt-free journey. I also wanted to save money, overcome budget challenges, and budget effectively so that I could travel the world.

As you can see, I included phrases like “saving money,” “debt-free,” and “budget” on my money vision board as a reminder of what I was working toward. I also included flags and cutouts of different countries I wanted to visit once debt-free.

If you have a keen eye, you’ll notice that debt-free is crossed out and that there’s a checkmark beside the word budget. There’s also a year under the flag for the United Kingdom. That is because I was able to actually accomplish these things!

After getting on a budget, I could pay off debt, save money, and travel abroad. There are still several flags and countries that don’t have a year below them, which means it’s still something that I’m working toward.

Though this board is several years old, I still keep it nearby as a reminder of the things that I still want to accomplish financially.

Debt-free & savings example

If your goal is to become debt-free, here is a debt-free vision board example. As you can see, this board includes images of someone cutting up a credit card and a savings goal of 26%. This is a very vivid representation of their financial goals.

First home example

Need some inspiration for buying a house for the first time or even your dream house? Here’s my latest board that includes images of home elements I plan to have.

The board also includes images and a phrase related to money. That’s because I’ll need to have money saved and a plan of action to achieve this new financial goal.

Investing & early retirement example

Are you interested in retiring early? Check out this simple vision board.

Investing and retiring early often go hand in hand. That’s because if you can invest strategically, you can withdraw from your investments to retire early. Learn more about what it means to achieve early retirement.

As a reminder, these examples are all meant to inspire you. Find what motivates and inspires you when creating your board.

Expert tip: Keep a positive money mindset

It’s clear that building a vision board can play a big part in helping motivate us to work towards our money goals. But don’t forget to approach it with the right financial mindset.

After all, learning how to create a mindset of financial abundance can help you realize your dreams.
Whether you want to save a certain amount of money, retire early, buy a house, etc., a mindset of financial abundance helps you remember that the goals on your vision board are achievable—and that with the right planning and action, you can make them come true.

How do you format a vision board?

There are several different ways to format a vision board, but the first step is to always clearly define and set your short and long-term goals.

You can do this digitally, with a Word document, a spreadsheet, or just your Notes app. Or you can go old-school and just start writing on a blank piece of paper with a pen. You can even get creative and color-code your money intentions with a marker.

After you know what your goals are, find images and words that align with them, and add them creatively to your board. It’s all about creating something that’s to your liking visually so that when you look at it you feel inspired and motivated. So tap into your inner artist!

You can also find great vision board photos and examples on sites like Pinterest or watch YouTube videos on how you can create a vision board.

What questions should you ask yourself when creating a financial vision board?

Creating a financial vision board isn’t just about cutting out pictures of things you want to buy. Instead, you need to take the time to sit down and really assess your personal finances and your goals.

You can ask yourself questions as they related to your financial goals. For example, ask yourself:

• Do I have debt I want to pay off? How quickly do I want to pay it off?
• Do I want to build an emergency fund? How much do I need to save?
• I want to save for my children’s college education with a 529 plan; What would that cost?
• Am I saving enough for retirement? How do I bridge any gaps?
• How do I adjust my retirement strategies to retire at 50 instead of 65?
• What does my dream home look like? What views do I want to see from the windows?

Questions like these can help you get clear on what you should place on your vision board.

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• Changing Your Perception Of Money
• Motivation For Saving Money: 12 Top Tips!
• 10 Money-Savings Charts To Save More Money
• Examples Of Financial Goals

Knowing how to create a money vision board can help you improve your finances!

Money vision boards are an extremely valuable tool for helping you reach your financial goals. They’re also a fun exercise, and you can get as creative as you want when making your own.

The truth is that merely writing your goals down and visualizing them won’t automatically help you achieve them. You must also do the necessary (sometimes hard!) work and hold yourself accountable.

The best way to do that is to surround yourself with others working toward similar goals. You can even get an accountability partner to work alongside side you.

If a community is what you’re missing on your financial journey, then check out the Clever Girl Finance courses and community. Here, you’ll find the resources and accountability you need to be successful with your money.

The post 8 Tips To Make A Money Vision Board appeared first on Clever Girl Finance.

Do you want to truly take charge of your day and create more opportunities in your life? Well, it all starts with planning. Yes, I know learning how to plan your day for success might sound dull, but trust me, it's the secret sauce for success!

 

Table of contents

• 1. Go to sleep a little earlier and then wake up refreshed
• 2. Set an alarm
• 3. Set clear and specific goals
• 4. Prioritize tasks
• 5. Create a to-do list
• 6. Schedule your day
• 7. Try time blocking
• 8. Break tasks into manageable chunks
• 9. Eliminate or delegate non-essential tasks
• 10. Perform a quick budget check
• 11. Incorporate buffer time
• 12. Review and reflect
• 13. Adapt and stay flexible
• Expert tip
• Common pitfalls to avoid
• An example template
• How much time should planning take?
• What is the ideal method for planning your day?
• How can you determine what the most important tasks are?
• Related articles for how to plan your day
• Knowing how to plan your day for success can change everything!

When you plan your day effectively, you set yourself up for greatness, paving the way toward achieving whatever big hairy audacious goal you have for the day.

From optimizing your sleep routine to effective task management, unlock the secrets to a successful and fulfilling day. Get ready to supercharge your productivity and also achieve new heights of success.

So, let's dive in and discover 13 tips to plan your day like a boss!

1. Go to sleep a little earlier and then wake up refreshed

Let's kick off with the foundation of a productive day—getting enough sleep.

Now, I can already hear the collective gasp from all the night owls out there. But trust me, it's worth it.

Sleep routines help with productivity and energy

Waking up refreshed does wonders for your productivity. You're giving yourself a head start before the world wakes up.

By establishing a consistent sleep schedule that allows for ample rest, you'll wake up energized and also ready to tackle the day ahead with gusto.

2. Set an alarm

We all need a little nudge to wake up in the morning, especially if hitting the snooze button is your superpower.

So, when it's time to rise and shine, set an alarm.

Tricks to wake up on time

But here's the trick: opt for a gentle alarm tone or use the gradual wake-up feature on your trusty alarm clock or smartphone. Let's avoid those jarring, heart-pounding sounds that make you jump out of bed in panic mode.

And here's a sneakier tip: place your alarm away from your bed.

That way, you won't be tempted to hit the snooze button and then crawl back under the covers. It's all about outsmarting the sleep monster, my friend.

3. Set clear and specific goals

Starting your day with a sense of purpose that reflects your personal core values is crucial.

It's like putting on a superhero cape and channeling your inner Wonder Woman.

Stay motivated and organized

So, take a few precious moments each morning to define clear and specific goals that align with your long-term aspirations. Then, consider what you want to achieve: acing that presentation, launching unique side hustles, or mastering your financial journey.

You'll feel a surge of motivation and a clear sense of direction when you have well-defined goals. It's like setting the GPS coordinates for success.

4. Prioritize tasks

Ah, the art of prioritization. Imagine Marie Kondo stepping into your to-do list and then decluttering it with joy.

Here's a simple yet powerful tip—prioritize when considering how to plan your day effectively.

Do urgent and critical tasks first

Determine the most critical and also urgent tasks that will impact your goals most. You know, the ones that move the needle forward and make you feel like a total rockstar.

By focusing on what truly matters, you'll progress toward your aspirations purposefully and efficiently.

5. Create a to-do list

The trusty to-do list. It's a loyal companion that keeps you on track and helps you conquer the world. Make it your best friend.

Add everything to your list and then prioritize

Create a comprehensive list with all the tasks you need to tackle. Then, jot it down on paper, use a snazzy digital tool, or unleash your creativity with color-coded sticky notes.

The choice is yours!

Just remember to organize the list based on priority and also allocate realistic timeframes for each task. Crossing items off your list is ridiculously satisfying, trust me. You'll feel like giving yourself a high-five every time you accomplish something.

6. Schedule your day

Now it's time to get structured.

We're talking about developing a schedule that outlines specific time slots for different activities and tasks.

Choose a scheduling method and stick to it

Whether you prefer a fancy planner or a digital calendar, find a system that works for you and stick to it like glue. You'll sail smoothly through the day when you allocate time to each task.

You'll have a personalized itinerary for your own epic adventure.

7. Try time blocking

Time blocking, my friend, is a game-changer. You're creating little sanctuaries of productivity in your day. And if that isn't motivating enough, remember the value of time and money and how much of both you could be saving by time blocking.

Use time blocking for each activity

Block out dedicated periods for focused work, meetings, breaks, and self-care. By assigning specific time slots to different activities, you'll maintain focus and, in addition, make sure you have ample time for essential tasks.

Your days become a well-orchestrated symphony where each instrument plays its part in perfect harmony.

8. Break tasks into manageable chunks

Sometimes tasks can feel as daunting as climbing Mount Everest. But fear not!

I have a trick to make them more manageable as you learn how to plan your day.

Make tasks smaller to help you accomplish them faster

When encountering a large or complex task, break it into smaller, more manageable sub-tasks. Taking one step at a time, celebrating your progress as you complete each sub-task.

Trust me, progress breeds motivation, and before you know it, you'll have conquered that metaphorical mountain.

9. Eliminate or delegate non-essential tasks

Not every task that's on your to-do list is a superhero-worthy mission. Some are more like sidekicks that can be delegated or even eliminated.

Understand what each task requires

So, take a moment to identify tasks that don't align with your goals or can be handed off to others. You'll have more time for the tasks that truly have the most significant impact on your success in life.

10. Perform a quick budget check

Oh, money, the eternal dance partner in our lives. As part of your daily planning routine, including a quick budget check is essential.

Steps to check your budget fast

Review your finances and ensure you're on track with your goals. Then, identify any unnecessary expenses that can be trimmed and make adjustments to avoid any budget challenges.

Being mindful of your financial situation helps you maintain focus and reduces stress throughout the day. Make your money work for you.

11. Incorporate buffer time

Life loves throwing surprises at us, doesn't it?

That's why you must include buffer time in your schedule—a safety net to catch you when unexpected interruptions or delays pop up during the day.

How to add some extra time to your day

So, when crafting your schedule, account for those little curveballs that life throws your way. Having some extra time, you can adapt to unforeseen circumstances without derailing your entire day.

12. Review and reflect

Before you shut off for the day, take a few precious moments to review what you accomplished and reflect on your progress.

Celebrate and evaluate for tomorrow

Take time to celebrate yourself, acknowledging the small and big wins.

This reflection allows you to identify what worked well and what could be improved. So you can fine-tune your planning process and make adjustments for future success.

13. Adapt and stay flexible

Remember, while planning is crucial, staying flexible is equally important when considering how to plan your day for success.

Things happen, and sometimes our plans need to be adjusted.

Stay open to changes in plans

Embrace those twists and turns, be open to tweaking your plans when necessary, and seize the day with a spirit of adaptability.

After all, flexibility is the secret ingredient to conquering any obstacle that comes your way.

Expert tip

The most important thing to remember with how to plan your day effectively is to simply think ahead. Rather than just considering what you'll do in the next hour, also think about the next day, next week, and even next month.

In addition, get rid of any activities that are a waste of your time, and try new organization methods that save you time.

Common pitfalls to avoid when you plan your day

Now that we've covered some fantastic tips let's address a few pitfalls to avoid.

Even the most organized among us can stumble into these traps, so keep them in mind as you plan your day.

Falling into the procrastination trap

Procrastination can be a sneaky little devil, tempting us with distractions. But fear not! Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

It's easier to tackle small bites rather than a whole feast.

You can also try productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves short bursts of work interspersed with timed breaks, or try these 7 ways to overcome procrastination.

Overloading your schedule

You're ambitious, and that's awesome.

However, avoid overcommitting and cramming your schedule with a million tasks. Instead, be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. Leave room for unexpected tasks, or simply give yourself a breather.

Remember, quality over quantity.

Neglecting self-care

Self-care is non-negotiable.

Include self-care activities like self care Sunday, breaks, and downtime in your daily plan. It's crucial to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Take time for yourself, whether it's taking a walk in the park, a short yoga session, or indulging in your favorite guilty pleasure.

Failing to prioritize

Not all tasks are created equal.

Consider each task and score 1-5, 5 being the most important or urgent. Prioritize accordingly. Allocate time and energy to tasks with the most significant impact on your goals.

Stay focused on the big picture.

Ignoring personal energy patterns

We all have energy patterns throughout the day.

Some people are morning birds, while others are night owls.

Identify your peak energy periods and schedule challenging or important tasks. Then, maximize productivity by aligning tasks with your natural energy levels.

Not reviewing and reflecting

Remember to hit that pause button at the end of the day.

Take time to assess your progress. What worked well? What could be improved?

By reflecting on your day, you can make adjustments for future planning and continue growing.

An example template of how to plan your day effectively for success

Now that we've covered the tips and pitfalls, let's put it all together with an example of a well-planned day:

6:00 AM: Wake up refreshed and energized

6:30 AM: Set clear and specific goals for the day

7:00 AM: Prioritize tasks and create a to-do list

8:00 AM: Block time for focused work on the most important task

10:00 AM: Take a short break, stretch, and recharge

10:15 AM: Attend a team meeting

11:00 AM: Complete smaller sub-tasks related to a larger project

12:30 PM: Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break

1:30 PM: Delegate non-essential tasks to team members

2:00 PM: Perform a quick budget check and make necessary adjustments

2:30 PM: Incorporate buffer time for unexpected interruptions

3:00 PM: Tackle another important task

4:30 PM: Review and reflect on the day's progress

5:00 PM: Adapt plans for the next day if needed

6:00 PM: Wrap up work and transition to personal time

How much time should planning your day take?

Planning your day should be a fairly quick activity. When you're deciding what tasks to do and making your schedule, try to stick to a 10-15 minute routine. Otherwise, the planning is too complicated.

What is the ideal method for planning your day?

There are many ways to plan your daily life, from calendars and apps to to-do lists. Choose the planning method that makes the most sense for you and is also easy to follow.

How can you determine what the most important tasks are?

When you prioritize tasks, consider what is important and cannot wait until tomorrow, and do those things first. Then prioritize what is the next most important, and so on.

Related articles for how to plan your day

• How To Create The Ideal Day For Your Life And Finances Every Single Day
• How To Successfully Plan For The Year
• Daily Routine Examples For Financial Success
• Essential Life Planning Tips For Success

Knowing how to plan your day for success can change everything!

And there you have it! Planning your day effectively is the key to unlocking your full potential.

Implementing these 13 tips and avoiding common pitfalls creates more life opportunities.

So, grab that planner, and start paving the way to success one day and week at a time. You've got this!

And remember, planning your day is a great way to start prioritizing yourself, and it can also help you learn about how to manage your money.

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