While I realize we are already two weeks into the new year and that you may have already set your New Year’s resolutions, I don’t think that should stop anyone from evaluating their life goals and possibly setting new ones already.
I want this year to be the very best year of your life. No one is perfect, but I think with the goals below, everyone can feel happy, successful, and motivated in life.
Below are four financial and life goals you may want to think about tackling in 2015.
1. Tackle your money problem(s).
Whether your money problem is related to a lack of a budget, spending issues, debt, keeping up with the Joneses, or something else, you need to tackle your money problems NOW.
First, you need to figure out why you have a money problem. If you don’t figure out what the root of the problem is, then it’s probably just going to keep coming back and biting you.
After that, you need to come up with a plan to stop your money problem. You might need to avoid the mall, create a better budget, increase your income, pay off your debt, and so on.
Tackling your money problem now will help you lead a less stressful and most likely a more meaningful life.
2. Stop feeling stuck.
There are many ways you may be feeling stuck and this is a major life goal you should try reaching in 2015.
You may feel stuck at your job, in your relationship with someone, where you are in life, in your financial situation, where you live, and more.
However, you do not have to feel stuck.
No matter how stuck you feel that you are, I think a person can truly change their life and move forward.
If you are feeling stuck, then you need to change that. You need to figure out why you feel stuck and what you need to do in order to change how you are feeling. You will have to do some deep thinking, but you need to do what is best for you.
Someone the other day posted something on Facebook that perfectly sums up why I think someone should stop feeling stuck:
How would you live your life if you knew how many heart beats you had left?
3. Quit being bored.
I remember when I used to always say “I am SO bored.”
It was almost on a daily basis. I would say it even though I knew it was my own fault and that I was just being lazy and/or uncreative.
Nowadays, I never say I’m bored. In fact, I don’t even remember the last time I’ve said it. It’s probably been at least one year!
If you are feeling bored, then you need to do something to change that this year and make it one of your 2015 goals. You might want to start by spending each day, each week, or each month trying something brand new and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Some of the new things you could try include:
- Volunteering at your favorite non-profit.
- Adding the outdoors to your life by hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and more.
- Traveling your country or even the world.
- Attempting a world record.
- Learning a new skill.
4. Leave your unhealthy lifestyle.
I know, I know, I am not the best person to be saying this, as up until just a few months ago, I was an extremely unhealthy person as I barely ever went outside, I rarely got enough sleep, and I constantly ate unhealthy.
However, my life has completely changed as I’ve been attempting to be more healthy. It’s not taking up a ton of my time and being healthy isn’t eating away at my budget either, unlike how many people feel.
Also, I’ve noticed how this has changed my life. I rarely feel sick anymore (whereas before I constantly had migraines and stomach aches), I am more awake, and I just overall feel healthier.
Being healthy does not have to be a burden and it should be one of your life goals for this year, if its not already.
Set yourself realistic health goals, such as prepping healthy lunches and working out for 30 minutes a day, and you will find that it IS possible.
What life goals are you trying to work towards accomplishing right now? What do you think often stops people from reaching their 2015 goals?
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Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says
Michelle, I think having a support group can really boost our motivation in our debt-repayment and financial journey. Or having someone we can get an advice from or who can really say the truth that we might be missing is a good strategy.
Michelle S. says
I agree! A support group can definitely be helpful.
Amy says
These are all really great ways to improve life satisfaction, Michelle. My priority is dealing with money problems this year, because being in debt adds stress to my life. We’re in the final stages of being approved for a home equity loan to consolidate all of our credit card debt, and start with a more manageable interest rate.
Michelle S. says
Good job! I hope you are approved Amy.
Taylor Lee says
My goal this year is to somehow both buy the perfect house and not obsess ridiculously about money all the time while buying the perfect house. Yay 2015!
Michelle S. says
Sounds like a great goal Taylor. Good luck!
Holly@ClubThrifty says
Great list, Michelle! We did good in 2014, but we’re still trying to grow and improve. I am also working n some business plans right now that have a lot of potential!
Michelle S. says
I hope 2015 is a great year for you and your family. Can’t wait to hear about these business plans 🙂
Fig @ Figuring Money Out says
This sounds exciting! Go Holly!! 🙂
Shannon @ Financially Blonde says
Right now I am working on growing my business which will require raising investor money. It scares me and I think fear prevents people from growing and changing as they should to achieve their goals, but fortunately for me, fear motivates me. Plus I never like to think that I can’t accomplish something, especially when the only thing between me and accomplishing my goals is me.
Michelle S. says
That is awesome that fear motivates you!
Little House says
2014 was a pretty good year for me; I increased my income which helped dramatically improve our finances. I’m looking at 2015 as the year of side income to apply towards our goal of purchasing a house. Then I’ll tackle those dreaded student loans. 😉
Michelle S. says
Sounds like you have some great goals 🙂
C@thesingledollar says
My priority this year is moving forward with some big career decisions, which involves both putting myself in a better position to apply for new jobs, and simultaneously scouting alternatives. But I’m also working on some other stuff — continuing my money education, for one 🙂 It’s awesome that you’re feeling so much better by paying attention to your health. I did something similar in my mid-20s and — wow, it turns out sleeping and eating right and exercising really do make you feel better. So annoying! 🙂
Michelle S. says
Good luck with your career decision 🙂
Dan says
Thanks for sharing this Michelle. My own goal this year is to make $100,000. so as to be able relocate my family to a very nice place (not telling). The last time I earned $100K was in 2012… And I guess part of it was a stroke of luck. This time though, I want it to be by conscious design.
Using myself as a case study, I’d say the one thing that usually stops people from achieving their goals is a lack of focus. And that I what I’m currently working on.
Michelle S. says
Good luck with your goal Dan. I’m sure you can do it!
Jessa says
I love all of these tips. I need to stop saying I’m bored and actually do things, but I have been struggling with motivation.
Michelle S. says
What are some of your goals?
Jason @ Phroogal says
I love the “Quit Being Bored.” I am so with you on that one. I haven’t said “I am bored” since 2011 when I left my corporate job. I was never bored at my job but there were moments when I wasn’t working when I felt life was boring. I don’t use the word bored, or killing time, or busy.
Michelle S. says
I was definitely bored at my job. It was a super stressful job, but I disliked it so much that it became boring to me.
Connie @ Savvy With Saving says
Definitely #4! I’ve never really focused on my health and fitness before but I really need to make it a priority this year. It really doesn’t take that much more of an effort but it makes such a huge difference.
Michelle S. says
Good luck Connie!
Sarah says
I totally agree that people have the power to change their situations for the better! Life is short and if you’re not happy or feeling stuck, make some changes!!
I used to be bored all the time too and now I’m NEVER bored!! Between the kids, household chores/errands and working, I almost wish I had a little bit more free time haha!
Michelle S. says
Thanks Sarah!
Natalie @ Financegirl says
Love this post, Michelle!! One of the main components of intentional living for me is focusing on growing as a person and trying to make the next year my best year yet (every year). This post is very encouraging!
Michelle S. says
Thanks Natalie!
Grayson @ Debt Roundup says
I’m going to go the opposite! I think I want a day to say “I’m bored!” I guess that won’t happen anytime soon, but we can have dreams!
Michelle S. says
Haha good luck!
Fig @ Figuring Money Out says
I’m working toward some of these! Money wise I’ve got an income problem so I’m working on that and that relates to feeling unstuck. I hate feeling stuck and that’s exactly how I’ve felt the last few months.
As far as being bored… I’m never bored. My boyfriend thinks I’m crazy that I’m always productive and like doing things but I really never get bored so it’s great!
Michelle S. says
Good job!
Hustle + Save says
#1 and #2 are really what I need to focus on this year. We have debt to pay off and as of right now, aren’t bringing in quite enough to sustain how we live even though we’re relatively frugal. We’ve been feeling suck and want to move about 50 miles closer to family in 2016 so I’m hoping that’ll help motivate us to get our finances to a good place this year.
Michelle S. says
Good luck! 🙂
Ben Luthi says
Oh man, in this day and age no one should ever be bored. My wife’s little sister says it all the time. Then she gets mad at me when I list off all the things should could go do 🙂
Michelle S. says
Haha exactly!
Harmony says
We’re trying to stay positive and think of creative solutions to our problems. Right now, two main goals for 2015 seem at odds with each other: take an extended maternity leave and pay off credit card debt. Thanks for the inspiration and helpful tips 🙂
Michelle S. says
That’s definitely a hard decision. I’m sure whatever you decide will be the right one 🙂
DC @ Young Adult Money says
I’m with you on being bored. I can’t stand people saying “I’m bored.” Especially in the day and age of smart phones that we live in, there should always be something to keep you engaged.
Michelle S. says
I agree! There are so many things you can do.
Jayleen @ How Do The Jones Do It says
We are working towards buying a new house! So far, we haven’t found anything that is significantly better than what we have so we may need to build in order to get exactly what we want. It is so fun to look though! The fear of the unknown is often a factor in not reaching our goals.
Michelle S. says
Yes, I’ve been loving looking for a new house. Haven’t found anything yet either.
Mindy says
Great ideas for overall well being in addition to financial help. last year was a disaster for me but so far this year I have been able to focus on my health. in addition I have found a hobby that keeps me busy and saves me money because it pushes me to be cooking at home and focusing on my health. Sort of tying everything together. Thanks for sharing your ideas they really get me thinking!
Michelle S. says
Thank you Mindy! 🙂
Katelyn @ Diaries of a Wandering Lobster says
Great advice! I’m starting to get that “stuck” feeling in my current job. I’m starting to out grow it and I have started looking at other opportunities. I love the company I work for, but I’m open to moving into something where I’m allowed to grow a bit more.
Michelle S. says
Thanks Katelyn!
Laurie @thefrugalfarmer says
More awesome info here, Michelle. I’ve made a goal this year of getting out of my comfort zone more. This is really tough for me, but I really think I need to do it. It’s so easy to miss out on stuff when one refuses to try anything new, isn’t it?
Michelle S. says
I hope you are able to get out of your comfort zone Laurie! 🙂
Carly says
Great tips! This is something I’m trying to get in check for 2015. Love your super helpful posts.
Michelle S. says
Thanks Carly!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
The “stuck” feeling really resonates with me. I felt that way for a long time until 2 years ago when I finally decided to leave an office job I absolutely loathed to pursue my own business. I finally had the epiphany I needed and realized that life is WAY too short to be miserable, and that I was 100% in control of whatever path I wanted to take. Best decision I’ve ever made, as I adore my work now!
I think many people don’t follow through with their goals because they feel like they aren’t capable of true change or of succeeding with the big dreams they have for themselves. And sometimes it takes just being extremely “hungry” for something to really make it happen.
Michelle S. says
Good job on getting unstuck!
Jessica says
I loved this post. I think doing any of these things will really improve someone’s life.
This year, I’m really focusing on being healthy by eating better and exercising more regularly. I agree that it makes you feel so much better, mentally and physically, with minimal effort. I’m also working on eliminating my student debt so I can move on to more exciting financial goals.
Number 2 also resonated with me. I currently feel stuck and I’m trying to figure out what to do about it. From my personal experience, I can say that fear of change/the unknown is what is holding me back from becoming un-stuck. I also think over-analyzing the situation is holds me back as well.
Michelle S. says
I hope 2015 is a great year for you Jessica 🙂
Michelle S. says
Good luck Jenna!
Gina Horkey says
I’m a goal-setting addict! Right now I’m working towards paying off our 2nd mortgage (just made a $1k payment, whoohoo!) and growing my freelance business. I’m also working on getting better sleep, exercising and eating better, but those always seem to be in progress;-)
Michelle S. says
All great goals 🙂