How to Create Wealthy Habits - Part 2

As I shared last week in Part 1 of How to Create Wealthy Habits, we are never in a state of "trying." We are either doing what we need to do or we aren't. Once we recognize that there is no in between, we can begin to take charge and implement the habits that will create the success in our finances and lives we desire. 

Here are more ways to create wealthy habits today:

SEE AND BELIEVE

Writing the vision and making it plain is only one part of the process. It is vital to also create a visual representation of your goals. I have always used dream/picture journals and vision boards as a focal point in turning my desires into reality. Find magazine photos or pictures online and post them somewhere where you can see them at least daily. Use the power of your visual sense to keep you focused on your goal. This focus is what will keep you motivated when you are tempted to slip back into your "not-doing habits." 

Related Post: How to Create the Life You Want (I explain how to create vision board here.)

REMAIN GRATEFUL

When you remain grateful, you allow yourself to find wealth in whatever situation you may be experiencing at any given moment.  When you are grateful for what you already have as well as those things you desire, you become happier and healthier and continue to attract more of the same. As you read, say to yourself, "I am grateful for all the money I have now." Have you ever heard the saying "What you resist, persists?" Murmuring and complaining has never created wealth.  Actually, it only achieves the opposite.  Being discontent will take your focus off of your goal by wasting time and energy and moving you further away from what you claim to want. 

DEVELOP A “SO WHAT, NOW WHAT” ATTITUDE

The reality is that obstacles are going to be thrown your way no matter how much positive thinking and prayer you use.  Instead of allowing life’s distractions to throw you off course, you have to accept them, learn the lesson and move on – continuously pressing toward your goals.  When you can look life head on and say, “XYZ challenge has occurred, but what can I do now to move on?” you will reach goals you never thought were possible!  Taking on this type of attitude teaches you to act in spite of your own doubts, ridicule from others, fears, etc.  When you press on despite the unexpected, you build courage and take down challenges one by one!


Additional Wisdom: 
George Lucas discussing his "So What, Now What" attitude on Oprah's Next Chapter

How To Set Financial Goals You CAN Achieve In 2011

It’s that time again! We’re nearing that brief stretch of the year where resolutions become the topic of discussion around our workplace water coolers. At a time when many of us have been so disappointed by having the economy involuntarily defer our dreams, what better time than a brand new year to rejuvenate our greatest hopes and desires?

So, what goals are you aiming for in 2011? . . . . . When I recently asked a client this same question, she gave me answers that many of us can surely identify with:

"Improve my FICO score.
Save more.
Pay off debt."

Those dry, bland and grossly vague answers might work at the water cooler, but they didn’t work for me! Pretending that those type of generic goals actually effect change in anyone’s life is a complete waste of time. The question you must ask yourself is “Do I want to rattle off random and generic goals just to make small talk?” OR “Do I want to set goals I can actually achieve and use to change my life in 2011?” If you chose the latter, then keep reading!

1. Be specific. So you want to improve your credit, save money and pay off bills? Great! Join the club. What do you really want to achieve though? Undefined goals are nothing more than dream killers. In order to achieve financial goals you must be deliberate about your intentions by using concrete numbers to gage your success. Write down the goal and be clear about dollar amounts, percentages, dates for accomplishment, etc.


ie.  Goal #1: I will improve my credit score by 40 points with all 3 credit bureaus.
      Goal #2: I will save $1200 in my Roth IRA account by December 31, 2011.
      Goal #3: I will pay off $2120 of debt and eliminate 1 credit card and 3 medical bills.