During challenging times, we are implored to count our blessings as a method of encouragement. I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment, and routinely give thanks for the health of my family, our welcoming home, our good fortune to live in a country that offers freedom and opportunity, and even the simple joy of waterproof mascara. However, I’ve found another complementary and active method of “counting” that propels me through challenges—counting mile markers.
Researchers have studied marathon runners and discovered that in the absence of mile markers indicating each progressive mile in the 26.2-mile course, a higher percentage of runners don’t finish the race compared to runners who could track their progress each mile. Further, the runners who quit consistently reported they would have kept going if they had realized how close they were to the finish line—often only three or four miles away! Both recognizing your progress and knowing what more is needed to accomplish a goal have a profound positive psychological effect.
Just as in running, acknowledging your progress toward lifetime financial goals also propels continued success. And frankly, the bigger the goal, the more important it is to appreciate these milestones. When you’re facing the prospect of saving a million dollars+ to fund your retirement while still saddled with a mortgage and other debt, it can feel impossible. This is where the process of financial planning with an advisor can be empowering. At 994 Group, we leverage a financial plan to first identify clients’ long-term financial needs, and then break down the saving requirements in annual and even monthly increments. Then, clients can focus on managing their budget for the next month or two while slowly building up to heftier annual goals. Plus, if you get frustrated or tired, we’re there to run side-by-side with you.
As a frequent runner, I always use this strategy! I generally track progress about every half mile, except when I’m running up hills (and there are a TON in my neighborhood). The steeper the hill, the shorter and more frequent I track progress even as closely as driveway-to-driveway. So, go ahead, eat the elephant one bite at a time—there’s no need to boil the ocean!
Disclosure
Services offered through 994 Group, a Registered Investment Adviser. This website is solely for informational purposes. Advisory or Financial Planning services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where 994 Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance provides no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and potential loss of principal capital. 994 Group is a DBA of MJR Financial LLC. No advice may be rendered by 994 Group unless a client service agreement is in place.
994 Group does not provide tax or legal advice. This material is prepared for informational purposes and is not intended to provide or be relied upon for tax or legal advice. Consult your tax or legal professional before guidance.
994 Group occasionally provides links to websites produced by other providers or industry related material. Accessing these links may direct you away from 994Group.com. 994 Group is not responsible for errors or omissions in the material on third party websites, and does not necessarily endorse all information provided. Users who access third party websites may be subject to the copyright and other restrictions on use imposed by those providers and assume the corresponding risk.