Comments on: Use Written Goals to Pursue Your Dreams http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/ personal finance that makes cents Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:28:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Scott Andrews http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-145914 Scott Andrews Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:48:17 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-145914 It's always useful to plan our goals and write them down. I'm an advocate of using journals, mind maps, collages, and 3x5 index cards (for the actual goals), then transferring cardboard and paper to software with Dream Board software, Mind Movie software, and revising our goals regularly as we achieve/realize/become them and as we want to grow and do more. It’s always useful to plan our goals and write them down. I’m an advocate of using journals, mind maps, collages, and 3×5 index cards (for the actual goals), then transferring cardboard and paper to software with Dream Board software, Mind Movie software, and revising our goals regularly as we achieve/realize/become them and as we want to grow and do more.

]]> By: Kendra http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143302 Kendra Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:00:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143302 I put my financial goals for the year on 3x5" index cards and stack them in order of importance on my dresser. When I've met one, I write the date "accomplished" on the back in marker, and put it to the bottom of the stack. And because I see the topmost card every morning as I'm getting dressed, the goals stay in my mind. At the end of the year, the "accomplished" cards all go to a filing box. When I get frustrated, I can riffle through the cards and see how far I've come. It's great! I put my financial goals for the year on 3×5″ index cards and stack them in order of importance on my dresser. When I’ve met one, I write the date “accomplished” on the back in marker, and put it to the bottom of the stack. And because I see the topmost card every morning as I’m getting dressed, the goals stay in my mind.

At the end of the year, the “accomplished” cards all go to a filing box. When I get frustrated, I can riffle through the cards and see how far I’ve come. It’s great!

]]> By: Paul Williams http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143290 Paul Williams Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:52:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143290 @Robert: So what are your "surefire" ways to get rich fast? If there really were "surefire" ways, wouldn't we as a society have realized those ways and everyone have used them? I can think of some "surefire" ways to poverty though...and they're often disguised as "surefire" ways to get rich fast. @Robert:

So what are your “surefire” ways to get rich fast? If there really were “surefire” ways, wouldn’t we as a society have realized those ways and everyone have used them?

I can think of some “surefire” ways to poverty though…and they’re often disguised as “surefire” ways to get rich fast.

]]> By: Writer's Coin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143277 Writer's Coin Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:07:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143277 There's a great bit about the power of writing things down in a book called Influence by Robert Cialdini. It talks about how POWs in Korea were forced to write disparaging things about their country. Once that happened, a lot of them were faced with explaining what they wrote down and they began to defend what they had written. Crazy huh? There’s a great bit about the power of writing things down in a book called Influence by Robert Cialdini. It talks about how POWs in Korea were forced to write disparaging things about their country. Once that happened, a lot of them were faced with explaining what they wrote down and they began to defend what they had written. Crazy huh?

]]> By: Lily http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143264 Lily Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:41:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143264 What if it's hard even to keep on doing what you like and be paid for that? Dreams, yeah, I had lots of those but I don't want to live a life of frustration if I don't achieve them. What if it’s hard even to keep on doing what you like and be paid for that?
Dreams, yeah, I had lots of those but I don’t want to live a life of frustration if I don’t achieve them.

]]> By: Robert http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143261 Robert Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:47:10 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143261 I agree with your advice to write down your goals, but why do you want to 'Get rich slowly'? Set ambitious goals and always aim at getting rich fast. I am not referring to all the get rich quick scam on the net, but there are many surefire ways to get rich fast. But before being able to implement them you have to change your way of thinking. Get rid of the 'slow' mentality. I did it. I agree with your advice to write down your goals, but why do you want to ‘Get rich slowly’?
Set ambitious goals and always aim at getting rich fast. I am not referring to all the get rich quick scam on the net, but there are many surefire ways to get rich fast. But before being able to implement them you have to change your way of thinking. Get rid of the ’slow’ mentality. I did it.

]]> By: jeffrey strain http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143259 jeffrey strain Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:25:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143259 Just to add on, be sure to also break those goals down into small step mini goals. I used to write down goals, but they seemed so far away that I could never motivate myself to start them even when they were right in front of me. It wasn't until I began to break them down into mini steps so I had the goal and what step I needed to take next that I really began to move toward them in a forceful way. Just to add on, be sure to also break those goals down into small step mini goals. I used to write down goals, but they seemed so far away that I could never motivate myself to start them even when they were right in front of me. It wasn’t until I began to break them down into mini steps so I had the goal and what step I needed to take next that I really began to move toward them in a forceful way.

]]> By: Tabs http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143249 Tabs Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:09:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143249 Great post, accomplishing goals is all about keeping them in your immediate presence. I find starting the week with goals posted on the wall on Sunday night, because some Tuesday mornings I wake up and I don't even know my name, talk less of what my goals are. I use everything I can get my hands on to keep myself focused. Thanks for the reminder. -Tabs Great post, accomplishing goals is all about keeping them in your immediate presence. I find starting the week with goals posted on the wall on Sunday night, because some Tuesday mornings I wake up and I don’t even know my name, talk less of what my goals are. I use everything I can get my hands on to keep myself focused. Thanks for the reminder.

-Tabs

]]> By: Karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143246 Karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:02:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143246 Never thought to post it on a white board, but that's a good idea. It's always right there in your face, reminding you to stay on track. Excellent guest post! Never thought to post it on a white board, but that’s a good idea. It’s always right there in your face, reminding you to stay on track.

Excellent guest post!

]]> By: Jill http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143242 Jill Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:55:28 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143242 Conscious goal-setting is a relatively -- and powerful -- thing for me. During a conversation with a friend a couple of years ago, I realized: (1) I had goals, but they all developed organically (or even spontaneously) and not as part of a deliberate process; and (2) All of my goals related to my professional life -- not my personal life. Since then, I've tried a more intentional approach and found out that the process of goal-setting is valuable in and of itself, in terms of identifying priorities and areas of one's life that could benefit from more attention and energy. Now I try to set goals related to my hobbies, my marriage and my finances, as well as my professional life. I find it's helpful to commit to doing one thing -- however small -- each day toward whatever goals I've set. Conscious goal-setting is a relatively — and powerful — thing for me. During a conversation with a friend a couple of years ago, I realized: (1) I had goals, but they all developed organically (or even spontaneously) and not as part of a deliberate process; and (2) All of my goals related to my professional life — not my personal life. Since then, I’ve tried a more intentional approach and found out that the process of goal-setting is valuable in and of itself, in terms of identifying priorities and areas of one’s life that could benefit from more attention and energy. Now I try to set goals related to my hobbies, my marriage and my finances, as well as my professional life. I find it’s helpful to commit to doing one thing — however small — each day toward whatever goals I’ve set.

]]> By: jim http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143241 jim Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:37:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143241 Great post. I have all my goals on a sheet of paper next to my computer in my office. I have both business and personal goals. It is exciting to see the goals achieved over time. We had the goal to pay off our house. We paid it off in 10 years. Thanks for the great reminder. Great post.

I have all my goals on a sheet of paper next to my computer in my office. I have both business and personal goals. It is exciting to see the goals achieved over time. We had the goal to pay off our house. We paid it off in 10 years. Thanks for the great reminder.

]]> By: Beth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143238 Beth Wed, 06 Aug 2008 01:07:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143238 I thought the fact your wife had her goals from when she was 6, very sweet. I'm dying to know what they are (even though I know it's not my busines). Dying all the same. Nice post. I thought the fact your wife had her goals from when she was 6, very sweet. I’m dying to know what they are (even though I know it’s not my busines). Dying all the same.

Nice post.

]]> By: Grant http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143236 Grant Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:31:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143236 I've done the same as Nickel (above) and have posted my goals online. At the very least it keeps me honest between my family and friends and serves as a constant reminder for my plans this year and in the next. I’ve done the same as Nickel (above) and have posted my goals online. At the very least it keeps me honest between my family and friends and serves as a constant reminder for my plans this year and in the next.

]]> By: Venecia http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143226 Venecia Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:52:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143226 I just wrote an article on that very topic! Gee, now I feel like a creepy stalker. I just wrote an article on that very topic! Gee, now I feel like a creepy stalker.

]]> By: Andys http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143223 Andys Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:12:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143223 Great points. I keep my short and medium term goals typed in a small piece of paper in my wallet. Whenever I have some free time with nothing to do (like waiting for a bus/train), I try and review and see how I am tracking. Another good avenue is a blog, and that is what I try and do on mine by publicly stating my goals, like $300 in passive income by year end. This gives me a certain level of accountability. If you don't have a blog, share your goals with those closest to you. Also when setting goals, they should be S.M.A.R.T. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound. Great points. I keep my short and medium term goals typed in a small piece of paper in my wallet. Whenever I have some free time with nothing to do (like waiting for a bus/train), I try and review and see how I am tracking. Another good avenue is a blog, and that is what I try and do on mine by publicly stating my goals, like $300 in passive income by year end. This gives me a certain level of accountability. If you don’t have a blog, share your goals with those closest to you.

Also when setting goals, they should be S.M.A.R.T. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound.

]]> By: Pamela http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143220 Pamela Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:36:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143220 I have my goals written out as appointments on my Google Calendar, and i think they work for me. I set them up early this year, and during a particular funk when I didn't think things were working out as I hoped, I got an automated e-mail from myself through the google calendar before one of my goal dates and some inspirational quotation which had a lot of relevance to myself. I had forgotten about the appointments, and it sort of helped to kick me back onto track. I have my goals written out as appointments on my Google Calendar, and i think they work for me. I set them up early this year, and during a particular funk when I didn’t think things were working out as I hoped, I got an automated e-mail from myself through the google calendar before one of my goal dates and some inspirational quotation which had a lot of relevance to myself. I had forgotten about the appointments, and it sort of helped to kick me back onto track.

]]> By: Shanel Yang http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143219 Shanel Yang Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:36:47 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143219 Great post! It reminded me of "The Bucket List" starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It's important not to let go of our childhood dreams. They in fact help us realize what will truly make us happy as adults. I wrote about that in my post "Childhood Happiness" at http://shanelyang.com/2008/07/25/all-about-you-day-3-childhood-happiness/ Great post! It reminded me of “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It’s important not to let go of our childhood dreams. They in fact help us realize what will truly make us happy as adults. I wrote about that in my post “Childhood Happiness” at http://shanelyang.com/2008/07/25/all-about-you-day-3-childhood-happiness/

]]> By: A. Dawn http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143218 A. Dawn Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:36:22 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143218 I believe in Journey, not in destination. Goals should be a part of the journey; don't make goals your destination. Life is not a destination; it's a journey. The journey is the destination. A. Dawn I believe in Journey, not in destination. Goals should be a part of the journey; don’t make goals your destination. Life is not a destination; it’s a journey. The journey is the destination.
A. Dawn

]]> By: Mathieu http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143217 Mathieu Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:32:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143217 Great post Jimmy. I think that everyone should have their own system, find what works for them. I use my bedroom wall, with 2 billboards, a ton of sheets posted on them and a few notebooks. Works for me. =) Great post Jimmy. I think that everyone should have their own system, find what works for them. I use my bedroom wall, with 2 billboards, a ton of sheets posted on them and a few notebooks. Works for me. =)

]]> By: Metroknow http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143214 Metroknow Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:20:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143214 Thanks for this post. I use a combination of visual tools - I have two whiteboards in my office - one that I bought new long, long ago, and one that I made out of a big sheet of plexiglass. I use one for specific goals, and the other for mind mapping and as a random idea catcher. The other tool I use is Samurize for my Windows computer (I don't have one for my Mac). I track story ideas in a simple text file, and it displays them on my desktop dynamically. When I'm struggling to find a subject to write about, I can check my prioritized list of ideas that I see every day on my desktop. It's been working pretty well for me so far. Thanks for this post. I use a combination of visual tools - I have two whiteboards in my office - one that I bought new long, long ago, and one that I made out of a big sheet of plexiglass. I use one for specific goals, and the other for mind mapping and as a random idea catcher.

The other tool I use is Samurize for my Windows computer (I don’t have one for my Mac). I track story ideas in a simple text file, and it displays them on my desktop dynamically. When I’m struggling to find a subject to write about, I can check my prioritized list of ideas that I see every day on my desktop. It’s been working pretty well for me so far.

]]> By: Adam http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143213 Adam Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:19:04 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143213 I replied to this several minutes ago, but apparently the software ate my post. If you want to get really serious about setting and achieving goals then I encourage everyone to take a look at the Getting Things Done system. Look here for a good primer (and a good productivity site): www.43folders.com/2004/09/08/getting-started-with-getting-things-done I replied to this several minutes ago, but apparently the software ate my post.

If you want to get really serious about setting and achieving goals then I encourage everyone to take a look at the Getting Things Done system.

Look here for a good primer (and a good productivity site):
http://www.43folders.com/2004/09/08/getting-started-with-getting-things-done

]]> By: john http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2008/08/05/use-written-goals-to-pursue-your-dreams/#comment-143211 john Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:11:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=1971#comment-143211 Not only do you need to write your goals down, you need to re-read and re-adjust them as you move along. I try to task out my goals through outlook tasks. That way they are in my face all the time and pop up on the desktop when i forget about them. I use a similar concept with working out, if my gym shoes and equipment right there, then i am more likely to use them. Same with finance, if you have a spreadsheet on your desktop where you track investments and expenses, you can limit one and grow the other better. Not only do you need to write your goals down, you need to re-read and re-adjust them as you move along. I try to task out my goals through outlook tasks. That way they are in my face all the time and pop up on the desktop when i forget about them. I use a similar concept with working out, if my gym shoes and equipment right there, then i am more likely to use them. Same with finance, if you have a spreadsheet on your desktop where you track investments and expenses, you can limit one and grow the other better.

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