Look back and recognise your successes
As 2017 draws to a close, it is incredible to think we will be celebrating Christmas in a few days. Looking back when I started the year, it wasn't the easiest of years. But it wasn't also the worst year. In fact, the last quarter of it was worth the fight. And therefore, it is with gratitude that I reflect on the work of the past year.
Sometimes, I'm hard on myself because I know what I am capable of. But taking the time to reflect is important. It helps me to focus on how far I've come. This also serves as the positive motivational element that I need to stay on the path to success.
Even if there’s still a long, rough road ahead, looking back on your progress can help you gain the encouragement and motivation you need to get to the finish.
Here are reasons to look back:
1.You can avoid making the same mistakes financially. Just like life, the personal finance journey is unending. So you are going make mistakes. The first time you make a mistake you are a victim, the second time... you are just volunteering. It's important for you to make sure that you don't repeat the same financial mistakes in the coming year. I know, some buying habits are hard to break away from. But what is the point of those habits if you end up being unhappy. The purpose of money is to help you and serve your interests. If your money is not doing that, then you need to change your thinking about it. That's why I've learned it all boils down to self-love. Without it, it's really hard to deal with money in a way that it's effective.
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2. You can look forward to the future. You can use your past to acknowledge your successes and build on that. I keep a success journal so that whenever I am about to do something I have never done before, I can go through my success list in order to build up my confidence level. It’s like saying to myself, “If I’ve done all these things, then I can, without a shadow of a doubt do this new thing.That is why it's advisable to look at your financial goals at the end of each year so that you can see if you are still on the right track and if the things you are doing align with your future plans. So find a method that you can use to help you see your future brighter and brighter.
3. To remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing. Sometimes we get into the rut of life and do things because that's what we've been doing for years. Many people have lost money on pension funds, investments, etc. because they signed up to these ventures long time ago and never checked them.That is why it's advisable to look at your financial goals at the end of each year so that you can see if you are still on the right track and if the things you are doing align with your future plans. Knowing where you have been, and how long it took to you to get there, can help you set more realistic goals that are more likely to be accomplished in 2018.
So instead of avoiding or denying what has happened to us in the past, embrace all that has happened, and you will be in a much better position to improve your results. Looking at your past accomplishments, no matter how small is still a step in the right direction.
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