The Resolution Debate: Should You Even Bother?
It's that time of year when all the articles tell you to make a New Year's resolution—and just as many tell you not to because no one keeps them. Then there are the ones about setting goals to challenge yourself and become the best version of you—yadda, yadda, yadda.
But let’s be honest—most of us don’t have a clear, written set of goals with an actual plan.
Did you know that the people who do this have been proven to be the wealthiest? Now, maybe wealth isn’t your primary goal. Maybe you’re already loaded and just want more from life. Or maybe you’re like Alan and me—knowing we’re not getting any younger and that winning the lottery probably isn’t in the cards.
So, while our goals include money, they don’t mean we have to work harder, jump higher, and make gobs of cash. Nope. Ours include goals and plans that bring adventure, good food, and time together. If this rings true with you come take a look and subscribe to our It'll Be Fun Youtube channel, sign up for our newsletter and join our online meetup group.
Why Goal-Setting Works
Today, I want you to get those goals of yours written down and then create the plans to set them in motion. The power is in the fact that you get to choose. This is your life. You can sit around and look back, asking why you didn’t take that job, buy that stock, or have the courage to take out that second mortgage and open your own financial planning practice years ago. Whatever you didn’t do, it’s water under the bridge. Set new goals for 2025 now.
My Personal Story: From Workaholic to Dream Chaser
Most of my life, I worked hard, put family second, and collected stepchildren. I never even planned to have my own child. I had plenty of kids to buy for and love. But then one day, the clock was ticking, and I decided to take the leap. I told no one—not even Alan. I didn’t know what I was afraid of, but who cares? A year later, the most amazing thing in my life arrived—my son, Wolf.
The point? Kids were never part of my goals or plans. Actually, the opposite. I worked hard and wanted to be VP of whatever—until one day, I didn’t. I wanted adventure. I loved traveling for work and craved it. But every time I found myself in some incredible place, I couldn’t share it with my husband or son. I dreamed of someday taking them to see the places I had been. Today we take you along on our adventures. What a dream!
Turning Dreams into Goals
Eventually, that dream became a goal. It wasn’t written down—no plans in place—until one day, it was. I sat down with pen and paper and started asking myself questions. What were the material things I wanted in life? What goals did I have for myself? What financial goals would support those dreams?
My Goals List
Material Goals:
Own a home in the mountains.
Own a home at the ocean.
Travel to Europe, travel the world, and take my husband and son.
Live somewhere outside the USA.
Design and build a 20-acre garden—or maybe 100 acres.
Personal Growth Goals:
Learn financial planning and manage my own investments.
Train to be a Life Coach.
Allow myself to be happy.
Learn to slow down.
Give to others.
Money Goals:
Become a multimillionaire.
Have the financial freedom to care for my family and live anywhere I want.
Build a business that helps others achieve their dreams.
Make sure my son never has to work a job he doesn’t love.
Breaking It Down: 1-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year Goals
Once I had my list, I labeled them as 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year goals based on how long they might take. Then I picked one favorite goal from each category and created detailed plans, broken down into daily, weekly, and monthly steps.
Example Goal: Travel to Italy for 30 Days
Daily Steps: Research destinations, learn basic Italian phrases, and create a travel budget.
Weekly Steps: Book flights, accommodations, and activities.
Monthly Steps: Save a set amount each month, finalize itineraries, and purchase travel insurance.
Share Your Goals
Sharing these plans with others was key—even if some people thought I was crazy. Others stepped up and supported me. You can join our It'll Be Fun Monthly meetup group and share yours.
My 2024 Success Story
This past year, we had a lot of goals. One big one? Hit the million-dollar mark—check! Spend enough time in another country, besides Portugal, to see if we’d want to live there—check! Spend time with family and give Alan and Wolf time to make their own memories—check! Launch another coaching program and expand our business—check and check!
Setting Goals for 2025
Now it’s time for 2025.
Start with a 'Why' Statement
I’m starting with my ‘Why’ statement, and you should too. A ‘Why’ is simple, clear, actionable, and positive. For example:
To Move Abroad So That I Bring Adventure into My Life and Those Around Me.
Then I asked Alan and Wolf what they wanted for next year. Knowing what they want helps me be free to set my own goals and put plans in place.
My Goals for 2025
Money Goals:
Grow my money into millions.
Build generational wealth.
Expand our business.
Double the reach and profitability of our business, It'll Be Fun.
Thing Goals:
Own another property.
Travel to Italy for at least 30 days and Asia for 30 days.
Take my Dad and Wolf to NYC and relive my mom’s favorite memories.
Buy an electric car.
Build a garden worthy of me on Madeira.
Me Goals:
Build another coaching program about financial freedom for regular people—not the rich.
Get my A1 and A2 Portuguese certificates.
Support Alan in creating a channel featuring sleep stories designed for menopausal women!
Fully Support LCL Real Homes (Claudia) in Building a Million dollar business.
Let go of people who hold me back and embrace those who help me grow.
Your Turn
Now it’s your turn. What are your hopes and dreams for 2025? Which ones will you turn into goals—and build a plan for? You’ve got this!
Join Our Ultimate Moving Abroad Program where we will take you step by step through everything you need to Plan Your move Abroad. We've got you covered from A to Z.
We also hope you will join our Monthly Online meet up group to talk about your Goals, put your planning together and meet like minded people who will support you every step of the way.
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