What is that one thing that you always dream about when sitting in the car waiting for a light or having your morning coffee? That one thing that you fantasize about? The one thing that gets you excited about doing? That gives you those butterflies when you spend time thinking about how great it would be? It could be a boat, running for public office, writing a book, or taking a year off to travel the world. Well, you’re going to do it. That’s right. Whatever that one thing is that you have always wanted to do, but didn’t have the money, or didn’t have the time, or didn’t have the support–you are going to do it!
First, imagine that your “thing” is done. Let’s use my example of writing a book. I’ve always dreamt of writing a book, going on tour, helping tons of people save money to live their ultimate lives, capturing my tricks of the trade, and my life philosophy to show people how to live their best lives. I love being able to change people’s perceptions and beliefs about money so that they can improve their and their family’s well being. It makes me feel like a million dollars. My book is coming out in a week, and all of these dreams and ideals are coming true for me. They can come true for you too.
Right now, write down on a piece of paper how awesome it would be to complete your number one dream. Think about the future when you have that boat, you’ve run for public office, or you’re on the trip around the world. Feel the freedom, the creativity, or that sense of accomplishment that you experience by stroking off your number one goal.
Now let’s get it for you. On a piece of paper write the very first thing that you need to do to accomplish your goal. Let’s use the boat as an example. 1. Find my perfect boat. Awesome! This is the fun part. Scour the internet, magazines, boat shows and dealerships for your perfect boat. Decide on the colour, size, and even the Captain’s hat you’ll get for the boat. Taking action towards getting your boat is admiral. (Get it?)
What is the next step I need to take to get that boat? I need to find a place to keep it. So figure that out. Find a garage, rent a place, a friends cottage, etc. Your brain will come up with a million suggestions and you just have to pick the next one.
You’re on your way! What is your next step? Money. Now ask yourself, how can I possibly get this boat? How much do you have saved? How much will it cost? How many months of saving will it take to buy the boat? Is there something that I don’t want that I could sell to contribute to the boat, like a smaller boat or old tires in the garage? Keep asking how, how, how can I get that boat in a practical and responsible manner? What resources can support me to get this boat?
Once you have a financial plan (see my blog on how to get a free car; it works for boats too), have the savings come out automatically from your pay. You’ll know every month that when a deduction towards your ULTIMATE dream comes off your pay, you’re getting closer to your dream. Be sure to get the best interest possible for your dream too. Shop around for the best interest rate to contribute to your goal. You’ll find yourself putting away your birthday money, working extra shifts, or cutting back on dinners out to get to your ideal future faster.
Whatever you dream of when you’re alone, this is the day to make your very first step towards it. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Dave
