Here we are on the last day of January and I bet many of you had a New Year’s resolution that sounded something like “I will get Moving Forward with Financesmy finances in order.” or “Handle my finances.” I’ll also bet that most of you haven’t taken a single step forward on these resolutions. Why? It is just too overwhelming, a little bit nebulous, and most certainly intimidating. I want to give you some tips to move from inertia to action.


1) Get Clear on Your Desired Outcome

What does “handle your finances” look like? What is your actual desired outcome? After all the category of finances can run the gamut. Look at the list of categories on this blog alone. You could spend lifetimes learning about each one and never become an expert on it all. So, what area of your finances do you want to tackle first? And, what are some clear measurable goals you wish to achieve. Remember the whole rule of having SMART goals? Let me recap that for you:

S = Specific (Exactly what do I want to achieve?)
M = Measurable (Answers the question – how will I know when I’ve achieved it?)
A = Achievable (Is this possible? Hint: dump any story you have around whether it is possible for you)
R = Realistic (Basically don’t bite off more than you can chew – chunk it down)
T = Time Bound (Set a time frame so you are accountable and have a deadline)

I also feel compelled to add that I consider the “A” to be more importantly defined for me personally as Aligned. Are these outcomes aligned with my values and what money means to me. Otherwise you’re leaning your ladder against the wrong wall and climbing a steep slope to somewhere you don’t really want to be.

2) Start Small

Pick one small area of your finances that you wish to tackle first. It can either be the biggest problem area or perhaps the one you can cross off your list quickest. Either way just pick one so you can get momentum moving and build from there. We often look at where we are (Point A) and where we want to be (Point Z) and then freak out because it is too overwhelming a task to leap from here to there. Start with an action that will get you from Point A to Point B and build from there. Just as there is power in compounding interest the same holds true for compounding actions.


3) Get the Support You Need

What kind of support do you need to achieve your goal? Do you need a planner? Do you need an accountability buddy? Do you need a coach? Define who or what you need to achieve your goal and then next to it list possible ways you can get that support. Name names, list resources, stores, books, whatever it is — just lay it out before you. You have access to all you need to achieve this goal with a combination approach of inner (within yourself) and outer (external resources).


4) Make a Commitment

Declare to yourself that you are committed to handling this. Ignorance is not bliss. Procrastination is not pretty. “Someday” doesn’t exist on the calendar. Put it in writing, have a little ritual, or let someone else know about your commitment. Do whatever feels right to you to draw a line in the sand that says “I am committing to XYZ and I will choose to act in ways that honor me and this commitment.” I might suggest writing this commitment down on little post it notes and putting it in various places where you will see it each and every day (on your dresser, the bathroom mirror, at your desk, in your car, etc.). Out of sight, out of mind — no longer!


5) Just Get Started

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step. So no matter where you find yourself just get started. Just Do It as Nike says and take a step. I guarantee you if you focus on one step at a time you’ll get there.

Paula Gregorowicz is the Comfortable in Your Own Skin(tm) Coach and you can learn more at her website www.thepaulagcompany.com and blog www.coaching4lesbians.com .