After some great comments from readers of this blog, I decided to start a series of entries that focus on steps to improve my financial standing. Less of an instruction manual or guide, but more a way for me to clarify my thoughts.

Goal Setting

I've started rereading Anthony Robbins, the motivational speaker. A couple of years ago, I purchased his Personal Power series (yes, I know, yet another waste of money, I should have borrowed his book from the library), and got some use out of it.

In one of his goal setting exercises, he has you create goals in three categories: personal development, things or possessions, and financial goals. Since one of Tony's big points is Action!, he says to take the top nine goals in each category and determine what you can do today to start you on the road to acheiving the goal, and then do it. Often that first action is "Do Research," or "Sign up for a Class."

Another great motivational speaker is Jeffrey Gitomer. I attended one of his seminars a few years ago, and learned a lot from him, although he focus more on sales. In his recent newsletter, Jeffrey was asked how should someone set goals. I am quoting his answer below:

"Set goals about who you want to become, not what you want to own. Set personal goals: be the best at...in superior knowledge in... take a course in... read for 15 minutes a day about... INSTEAD of material goals: big house, new car, etc. If you set material goals, you might take shortcuts to get there. BUT-there are no shortcuts when it comes to being the best. When you achieve personal power, when you become the "best," the big house and the new car just show up."

Jeffrey and Tony disagree on what goals should be set. But they do agree on one thing: The most important person in the world.

Jeffrey sums it this way: If we ask a salesman who the most important person in the world is, the usual answer is "The Customer!" So he asks a second question: If you and The Customer were the last two people on Earth, and one of you had to die, who would you want to see drop dead. That's right! "The Customer!" He goes on to add that The Customer sees themselves as the most important person in the world, and it's the salesman's job to treat them that way.

Later in the seminar, he mentions a great motivator: Take a picture of your family eating! Post it in your workspace. That's why you're working, after all.

Tony suggests that every day, you should ask yourself power questions: " The questions you ask consistently will create either enervation or enjoyment, indignation or inspiration, misery or magic. Ask the questions that will uplift your spirit and push you along the path of human excellence." Karl, over at Kill Your Debt commented, "Financial freedom is all about attitude. What did you wake up thinking about today?"

Over the next few days, both online and off, I will be thinking about all of this. When I come up with a few goals, and the Power Questions to ask, I'll post them here.

If you guys have any advice, feel free to post it in the comments.