Problem-solving / Goal-setting

 

How would you respond if someone asked you to describe where you want to be financially in ten years? In facing financial challenges, it is vital to have a clear definition and understanding of individual and family financial goals. After all, if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you get there? Block off some time to sit down and put on paper those personal goals that you wish to accomplish. Prioritize them, rating them as to their importance.

 

After you identify your goal, you are ready to state the challenge or obstacle that stands in the way of reaching it. More than one obstacle may become apparent. Possibly several solutions will have to be found. Financial challenges need to be defined carefully. If they are formulated only in vague and general terms, the solutions are apt to be vague and general, too. Also, problems can be studied more easily if they are stated in relationship to your goals. Stating the problem helps keep the goal in focus and the problem in perspective.

 

Perhaps you are wondering how goals relate to times of trial. Having financial vision and goals provides a much-needed compass for decision-making in a trial. Let’s use the example of my friend I referred to earlier. The obvious problem is that he no longer has a job and needs to pay the bills, but let’s look at the bigger picture. Is there a certain set of skills that he feels the Lord has been calling him to develop and use? Is there a debt he wants to have paid off by a certain time? Are there goals for the future that will require his funds and resources?  With financial vision, you are able to respond wisely instead of reacting hastily. Financial goals will determine the immediate decisions that are made in times of hardship, and help you to remain focused, even in times of lack. Of course, your goals will need to be frequently reviewed and revised.

 

As you deal with one goal, you’ll find it is related to other goals. In this way, an overall view is necessary; a snapshot is not enough. Seldom can a problem be dealt with in isolation. The solution to one puzzle may alter other solutions or it may introduce new problems and obstacles; the process of problem-solving goes on and on.

 

 

Your thoughts on this subject?  Your comments appreciated!

Content © Rich Brott, 2011

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