Your Independence Day

Since dedicating my career to financial literacy and empowering others, many things have changed in our economy…both in the United States and Globally.  My passion for igniting positive change is as strong today as it has ever been.  As we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, I invite you to consider where you can make improvements with the following steps to financial independence.

1. Declaration of Independence Day.  This first step is often the hardest.  Whether because of the effort it takes to organize and document all the pieces of our financial lives or because when we look in the financial mirror…we know we will be unhappy with what we see, taking an honest look may be difficult, but it is necessary.  This baseline for where you are today is your push off point and the knowledge you gain by taking this hard look will give you information necessary to identify what needs to change or where you want to improve.
2. Reflect vs. Ruminate.  It is a fact that we all make mistakes.  The great news is that every mistake gives us a new piece of helpful information.  We can eliminate whatever strategy, thought process or behavior from our lives that got us the undesirable result because we have just learned it does not work!  It is important to reflect upon our mistakes in order to get the lesson…but equally important not to get stuck ruminating over it.  Energy spent lamenting over what is already done is better employed applying the lesson and taking the next step towards your goal.
3. Commit and Focus.  Goals are important.  Being committed and having focus on your goals is more important than the goal itself.   Share your goals with others so that they are real to not just you…but those who care about you and will help you be accountable.  As you change your life, they will celebrate with you and may even be inspired to make positive change as well!  Put your goals up where you can see them with visual cues that will keep you motivated even during challenging times.
4. Ditch Detractors. For some, change is scary.  As your life improves, those closest to you may feel they are losing you or will not be able to relate to your commitment to achieving and maintaining financial independence.  Protect yourself from detractors who may poison your process with negativity or who are unsupportive of the healthier choices you are making.  If they really care about you, they will come back around.
5. Give Yourself Credit.  As you travel down your path to financial independence, look back at how far you have come and pat yourself on the back.  Do this even with the little wins.  It is not about the numbers…but more about the psychology, the emotion and the behaviors that influence our financial situation.  If you’ve broken a bad habit or created a new one that improves your situation, celebrate!  Even if the financial outcome seems small.

This Independence Day, commit to one action step you can take to put yourself closer to financial independence.  Check out tools available at www.sharonlechter.com to get you started or get you to that next step along the way.

May the second half of 2014 be filled with success in all areas of your life!

To Your Success,

Sharon Lechter