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As a small boy we would often take trips to visit relatives. Distance was not measured in miles or time but specific markers along the way. As we would pass a certain restaurant or a specific church, I knew where we were on the journey. The markers along the way kept me engaged as I focused on going from one to another. As a small child, the overall trip seemed daunting and was beyond my scope. But by following a trail of markers, the trip became easier.
Often times we try to approach financial issues in a way that stops us before we even begin. We see such a huge gap between where we are and our desired goals. Trying to focus on the entire trip handicaps us and limits our forward direction. We must choose markers along the way of our financial path to plot our course. Moving from marker to marker keeps us on track. This keeps us focused on the smaller goals that added together will take us to our destination. The entire trip is built upon a series of smaller sections. Each section is independent and designed with one goal in mind, to take us further down the financial road towards our chosen destination.
“A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15
Setting the mile markers for the journey is not a difficult task but there are a few guiding principles that need to be kept. The first is an issue of honesty. Being honest with yourself is the key. When someone begins to rationalize what they are really doing is telling themselves, “rational - lies”. Only when you are willing to take a sober look at your situation and habits will you be able to put together a game plan to change them.
Once you have determined your starting point, the next issue becomes your destination. Where do you want to go? You must have a clear destination with measureable goals. Just saying, “I would like to do better” is not enough because it is too ambiguous. In order to place the mile markers, you must have a clear starting and ending point.
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Luke 14:28-30
There are a few rules to use when setting the mile markers. These can be applied to each marker as well as the ultimate goal as a whole.
1. Is the mile marker measurable and specific? You must have a specific goal to know when you have arrived. This can be an amount in savings or a debt that is paid in full. The marker is up to you but it must be specific and clearly defined.
2. Is the marker within your control? If obtaining your goal depends on someone or something outside of you, then you have no control. The only thing that you can control is your actions and attitudes.
3. Is the marker congruent with your beliefs? Your goals must match your beliefs or you will sabotage yourself. For instance, if you believe having savings limits faith in God, then as you develop a saving account, you will find yourself sabotaging your efforts.
4. Is the marker worthwhile? Every goal takes effort. To make the changes needed, the change must be more desirable than staying the same. Staying the same and changing, both take effort. When a goal is not worthwhile there is no reason to apply effort to it.
Often times we try to approach financial issues in a way that stops us before we even begin. We see such a huge gap between where we are and our desired goals. Trying to focus on the entire trip handicaps us and limits our forward direction. We must choose markers along the way of our financial path to plot our course. Moving from marker to marker keeps us on track. This keeps us focused on the smaller goals that added together will take us to our destination. The entire trip is built upon a series of smaller sections. Each section is independent and designed with one goal in mind, to take us further down the financial road towards our chosen destination.
“A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15
Setting the mile markers for the journey is not a difficult task but there are a few guiding principles that need to be kept. The first is an issue of honesty. Being honest with yourself is the key. When someone begins to rationalize what they are really doing is telling themselves, “rational - lies”. Only when you are willing to take a sober look at your situation and habits will you be able to put together a game plan to change them.
Once you have determined your starting point, the next issue becomes your destination. Where do you want to go? You must have a clear destination with measureable goals. Just saying, “I would like to do better” is not enough because it is too ambiguous. In order to place the mile markers, you must have a clear starting and ending point.
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” Luke 14:28-30
There are a few rules to use when setting the mile markers. These can be applied to each marker as well as the ultimate goal as a whole.
1. Is the mile marker measurable and specific? You must have a specific goal to know when you have arrived. This can be an amount in savings or a debt that is paid in full. The marker is up to you but it must be specific and clearly defined.
2. Is the marker within your control? If obtaining your goal depends on someone or something outside of you, then you have no control. The only thing that you can control is your actions and attitudes.
3. Is the marker congruent with your beliefs? Your goals must match your beliefs or you will sabotage yourself. For instance, if you believe having savings limits faith in God, then as you develop a saving account, you will find yourself sabotaging your efforts.
4. Is the marker worthwhile? Every goal takes effort. To make the changes needed, the change must be more desirable than staying the same. Staying the same and changing, both take effort. When a goal is not worthwhile there is no reason to apply effort to it.
5. Is the marker taking you towards your ultimate goal? Your purpose of setting up mile markers is to help guide you towards your goal. Those mile markers need to be in line with your goals. Ask yourself, does this take me closer or further from where I would like to be?
Be sure to reward yourself as you hit each marker. The reward should be in line with the goal. For instance, when you hit a marker of having some savings, do not go out and spend that entire savings to reward yourself and go backward. However, make sure that you do something to reward yourself for hitting the goal.
By setting up the markers, you are beginning to take charge of your financial future. God has given you control to manage everything that He has given to you. We are to manage it to His honor and glory. When we fail to manage or choose not to take an active role, we do a disservice
to God’s plan. Establish the markers and work towards your goals.
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