A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson

As an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is helping people achieve their financial goals. Whether it’s buying a home, retiring comfortably, or simply gaining control over day-to-day expenses, seeing someone succeed is incredibly rewarding. But here’s the thing: to reach any goal, you first have to know what it is.

Yet, figuring out what you want isn’t always easy. Some people come to me saying, “I want to save money,” but they’re not sure what they’re saving for. Others know they want to “live better,” but they haven’t defined what “better” means. And that’s okay! Figuring out what you want—and how to get there—is a process that starts with reflection and guidance.

Here’s how you can clarify your goals, stay motivated, and help others do the same.

“I think I know what I want, but I just have trouble doing what I need to do to get there. How do I know if I’m not sure what I want?”

This is more common than you might think. Sometimes, the problem isn’t your goal itself but how it’s framed. For example, “I want to save money” is a goal, but it’s vague. Save for what? A vacation? A down payment? Emergencies?

1. Get Specific

Ask yourself:

• Why is this goal important to me?
• What exactly am I trying to achieve?
• How will I feel when I accomplish it?

For example: Instead of “I want to save money,” try “I want to save $10,000 over two years for a down payment on a house.” Now you have something tangible to aim for.

2. Visualize Your Success

Picture your life after reaching your goal. Are you happier? More relaxed? More confident? If the image feels unclear or doesn’t resonate, your goal might need tweaking.

3. Break It Down

Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, actionable steps. For instance, if you need to save $10,000 in two years, that’s about $417 a month. Doesn’t that sound more manageable?

“OK, so it turns out that I don’t know what I want. What do I do to change that?”

Feeling directionless can be frustrating, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore! The key is to experiment and reflect.

1. Explore Your Interests

Think about what excites or energizes you. Do you light up when talking about travel? Are you passionate about helping others? These clues can guide you toward meaningful goals.

2. Identify Your Values

Your core values are the foundation of your goals. Try asking yourself:

• What makes me feel fulfilled?
• What do I want my legacy to be?
• How do I define success?

Tools like a values worksheet can help you uncover what truly matters. (Values Worksheets from Positive Psychology).

3. Experiment and Reflect

Not sure what you want? Try something new! Whether it’s volunteering, taking a class, or starting a side project, experimenting can help you discover what resonates.

Pro Tip: Keep a journal. Writing about your experiences can reveal patterns and help clarify what you enjoy.

How to Stay Motivated to Achieve Your Goals

Once you’ve set your goals, staying motivated can be the next big challenge. Life gets busy, and enthusiasm can fade over time. Here’s how to keep the spark alive:

1. Create a Vision Board

Make a visual, audio, or tactile representation of your goals using images, sounds, quotes, and reminders. Place it somewhere you’ll encounter it daily to stay inspired.

2. Celebrate Progress

Every small step counts! If your goal is to save $10,000 and you save your first $1,000, take a moment to celebrate. Acknowledging milestones keeps you motivated.

3. Stay Accountable

Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor who can check in with you. Better yet, join an accountability group where everyone supports each other’s progress.

4. Embrace Flexibility

Life happens. Sometimes, you’ll need to adjust your timeline or approach, and that’s okay. Staying adaptable ensures you don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

“I think I know someone who doesn’t know what they want. How can I help?”

Helping someone find their direction can be a delicate process. It’s not about giving answers but guiding them to discover their own.

1. Be a Good Listener

Sometimes, people just need to talk it out. Ask open-ended questions like:

• What do you enjoy doing most?
• If money weren’t an issue, how would you spend your time?
• What do you feel is missing in your life?

2. Share Inspiring Resources

Introduce them to tools or stories that could spark ideas. For example, Finding Your Passion: A Guide from Forbes is a great starting point.

3. Encourage Exploration

Remind them that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Trying new things is part of the process.

Conclusion: Progress Over Perfection

Clarifying your goals and staying motivated isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every small step you take, whether it’s refining your vision or celebrating a tiny win, gets you closer to where you want to be.

Remember, it’s okay to feel uncertain at times. What matters most is your willingness to keep going, to reflect, and to adapt. Whether you’re working on your goals or supporting someone else’s journey, patience and perseverance will always pay off.

So, what’s your next step? Take it today. Your future self will thank you.

Sincerely,

Chris Peterson, AFC®
Founder and CEO, Penny Forward