I can’t change what happened yesterday but I can do better today.
When you fail under whatever circumstances to meet your set goals in life, work, savings; most times you get up and dust off the soil, start all over again. You do this because you know you can do it and you are routing for yourself, and the reason why you started has not changed.
I started again on my saving plan as I have been documenting here under Delayed gratification, SMART and Facing Challenges blogs. I have been going slow, steady and strong but I have to catch up because my set target end dates didn’t change even with the challenges.
Pallet Furniture have to be got! So far I have 150,000/- after diverting finances to cater for the emergency as mentioned in Facing Challenges.
So how have I managed to get back on track?
First, I have challenged my Expenses so deeply, using this cool tool called Barclays Savings Calculator. I gave up on my adventures like the #KoiKoiUg Island tour, afterall the islands are not going anywhere, this target is.
Then I have had to start living by a budget. This is a hard one! You have to drop some or most of your fancy lifestyle standards, and fix your eyes to achieving your goal. Your goal becomes your motivation to continue going,because a vegetable diet for months is not that as cool as they tell you..
Then there was the idea to take on extra work. This, I didn’t welcome with open arms, no! But, we have to sacrifice some freedoms to meet our needs. There was no way I was going to meet the deadline with the jobs I had as a freelancer. (FYI these are not Kahill Insights jobs, that is another load alongside this one). This will pay off, look out for my next blog with new savings figures.
Some other cool tips on how to achieve your goal
Temptation is a very nasty thing, and has a way of bringing out the worst in everyone. If you’re one of those people that can successfully resist it, then you are my hero.
Saving doesn’t have to be a one-man show, get your friends and family involved. Saving with others is much easier, because you don’t realize that you’re doing it, and it becomes more of a daily routine as opposed to a chore. Just like going to the gym, for those of you who do. Don’t you agree that going solo can be demotivating? But go with a group of friends and it’s a completely different playing field.
Shopping for groceries is an easy trap to get caught up in. Just because something is on sale, doesn’t mean you have to buy it. The same thing will be there next week, or next month. A shopping list is never a bad thing, especially if you are someone that can stick to lists.
I am grateful that I have not lost my objectivity and focus for this saving plan. A few hiccups along the way, and still going strong..
This article is the forth in a series of sponsored posts for the BARCLAYS SAVINGS CHALLENGE. I hope the challenge has been as interesting for you as it has been for me. You can follow the discussion on Twitter and Facebook and share your own experience by using the hashtag #AFRICASAVES.
Visit https://goo.gl/nPVDLE for useful savings calculators, tips and more information on savings accounts.
