What Must Be Your No.1 Goal For The New Year?
All change starts with a thought. All progress stems from a thought.
Every thought you think is like a seed, and given the right conditions, it has the potential to grow and bear fruit for you, for a long time to come.
As the New Year begins, it’s time to think and cut the crap out of your old thinking habits.
The future is still yours to create, no matter how young or old you are, there is still an empty canvas in front of you, waiting for you to paint on it, whatever you desire.
People make New Year Resolutions and forget about them by the end of March. That is why their new years are the same as their old ones.
Are you one of those? I hope not, but if you are, please know that you need to kick your butt and change what I call your “thought-style” because only that will change your lifestyle.
Like I said, it all starts with a thought.
What should be the No. 1 goal for the New Year for anyone?
I was asked this question yesterday and my answer was abrupt and simple. It was easy for me to blurt out an answer, without thinking, because of experience and observation.
The No.1 goal that you should have on your list of goals is to be financially independent.
Clear and simple. If you think that it is too materialistic a goal, allow me to ask you just one question.
What are the two activities that 99% of the World’s population spend the most time doing?
The answer is making a living and sleeping. Everything else comes after that.
Sleeping is your basic human need that your body will automatically take care of, in any case, but for making a living you have to go out and get something done deliberately, on a consistent basis, whether you like it or not.
The rest of your basic human needs like water, food, shelter and sex are dependent on your making a living. The standards are set by your ability to earn a living—more or less—whatever you can accomplish.
If you are not financially independent—which means that you have to constantly struggle and worry about earning enough money for yourself and your family, to live a comfortable life—I can assure you that unless you take care of that first, you won’t be able to live a peaceful and satisfactory life.
Simply the knowledge, that you don’t have enough money in your pocket, will suck your energies, and you won’t be left with much energy to spend on other things concerned with the higher realms of life.
Money is important. Making good money is a goal worth achieving. The problem with most people is, that on one side they really do need the money and on the other side, in some remote corner of their minds, they think that money is evil.
Remember this—money is neither evil nor good. Money is neither Dollars nor Euros. Money is neither plastic nor paper. Money is an ability. Money is a power of kinds.
It gives you the ability to provide for yourself and your loved ones. It gives you the power to make things happen for yourself. It helps you change your environment, your world, your social circle, your standard of living and even your goals.
As you become more wealthy, you start aiming for loftier goals. As you become more resourceful—money-wise—you start helping the community more. Money is simply energy. Energy, at the very roots of it.
Be clear about, that because this clarity is important. If you’ll remain confused about this highly charged word—money—you’ll remain stuck. So get unstuck—mentally—and change your approach towards it.
Here are two questions for you to consider.
Let’s assume that you are a very spiritual person, but you suck at earning good money, and let’s assume for a second, that your child becomes very sick and needs medical attention, that costs a lot of money. Would your being highly spiritual help your child?
Let’s say you are a very gracious and giving person, and someone you love needs some urgent money and comes to you for help, and you are only able to give him a taste of your gracious and giving nature, instead of money. How would you feel?
I think, I have made my case. Now let’s talk about the real question.
HOW TO BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT?
Please don’t go about robbing banks or hustling people. Trust me, that won’t help. 
Instead:
- Think Smart
- Think Ideas
- Think Delivery
- Think Support
- Think Innovation
- Think Invention
- Think Discovery
- Think Value
- Think Needs and Wants
- Think Problems and Solutions
- Think Passion and Drive
- Think Conveying Practical and Applicable Knowledge
- Think Skills
- Think Community
- Think Art
- Think Productivity
- Think Collaboration
- Think Investment
- Think Savings
- Think Communication
Mark Jim Rohn’s immortal words:
We get paid for bringing value to the marketplace. It takes time to bring value to the marketplace, but we get paid for the value, not the time.
Don’t bring your need to the marketplace, bring your skill. If you don’t feel well, tell your doctor, but not the marketplace. If you need money, go to the bank, but not the marketplace.
Make a note of Zig Ziglar’s timeless wisdom:
You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.
- Think Jim Rohn
- Think Zig Ziglar
And when you become financially independent, it’s not the money in your bank account that defines you. It’s the person you become, by having that much money in your bank account, that counts.
You expand you circle of influence by being financially independent. You are able to spread your wings and fly higher. And above all, you become a leader instead of being a follower.
Here is Jim Rohn again:
…leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.
That is what financial independence brings in your life.
Go for it. Make it your goal No.1 and one day, if you make it, you’ll thank me for giving it to you straight.
And you can, and will make it, if you are determined to do so. Human will is the strongest force in the Universe, and all you need is that undying and unrelenting kind of will, discipline and sense of purpose to make anything possible for you, in your life.
SHARING IS CARING
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And the choir saids AMEN! LOL I knew I loved your blog for a reason! Can I just say this is the realistic post I’ve seen so for from someone in the self help genre? I get soooooo sick and tired of people saying…”money isn’t important” or “it can’t buy you happiness” Maybe it can’t buy you happiness but it can encourage it!
I don’t know to many happy people starving are that or homeless.
Being broke is NO fun and it is hard to focus on other aspects of your life if you aren’t financially stable. It’s no fun not being able to go to the doctor because you can’t afford health insurance. It’s no fun having to choose between grocery shopping or keeping your heat on.
That’s I already committed to 2011 as being a healthier and wealthier me! I been struggling financially for so long and last year was my down fall…my hardest year not looking forward to that again. One way or another I’m going to figure this money thing out lol
I would love for you to start that forum I will def be an active participate!
Well anyone who says money isn’t important, either have a lot of it or is delusional.
I agree with you Gina, there is no fun in being broke AT ALL.
Thank you for your support for the forum. Let’s see if we can get to the critical mass of 100 willing participants.
AbuBakar, my goal for the new year is the thing that Solomon required from God – wisdom. Wisdom is the mother of everything.
Rinatis, my friend, I know you will become wiser and wiser with time and the wisdom will help you in helping all of us become financial independent.
Do share your insights with us, when and if the forum is active.
I’ve quit using my acronym and soon enough will have a post on this.
Please, let me know when the forum will be active!
btw, you have a beautiful family!
That’s great Radu. I welcome this openness in you. Of course I’ll let all positive minded friends, like yourself, whenever the forum will be up.
A new year became symbolic, every year I plan for a better life, and your post give me a strong push, I’m aware that money can’t buy everything but it’s so necessary for living and we can’t dispense on it easily.
It’s a great post, useful and full of valuable keys to start with, I loved it so much Abubakar, your post worth an award.
And regarding your forum, I’ll be glad to be one of the 100 people, I’ll be very happy to be among people, who’re seeking for success and change in their lives, I’m sure the number will double because it’s an interesting topic to talk about and leads people to a better life… I’m with you in this.
Good luck
Naziha,
Thanks a lot for your support and kind comments about the idea. Yes we, can’t dispense with the idea of acquiring enough money, to the extent that the issue of money is no longer on the table. That is what I call—financial abundance.
Thank goodness, a no-fluff, all-reality, and a brilliant take on money. This has been my approach to life – making a comfortable, independent, and financially beautiful lifestyle since the age of 16 years old. There is NOTHING romantic about being poor because I have been there when we left Iran and our luxury lifestyle with two suitcases to start life over again. And I have proudly achieved this goal over and over again for the last 18 years of my life and would NOT give up my lifestyle now. But of course none of it came from blogging
maybe that is the goal for next 2-5 years. Thanks Abubakar and I’ll make appearances on that killer forum, go for it!
Farnoosh,
I can very well understand where you are coming from, and I’m proud of you to have reached, where you are today, and I believe, that you’ll go far ahead in future. Your support means a lot to me. Thank you.
Realistic post, that’s for sure! I believe the online community is here for this exact reason: creating value together. I’m willing to share.
Thank you Emiel. Yes, if we cut down the chase and BS and “fake-fronts”, that’s what the online community is basically about—creating value together.
Hi Abubakar,
I agree, our intent leads to action which sets a chain of events in motion. I could not think of a better No. 1 goal for anyone at any time of the year other than being financially independent. As long as we are not financially independent, money will always be a constant worry. All our time and effort will revolve around the issue of money and getting more of it. This can severely inhibit our ability to live a fulfilling life.
It would seem that I have arrived just in time! I am all for the forum on financial independence! It would be a great place to gather the best minds to share ideas on how to become financially independent. I am sure there will be plenty to learn and many collaborative opportunities.
So go for it Abubakar, there is nothing like straight talk that cuts right to the heart of the problem. We all need to learn to be financially independent!
Irving the Vizier
Irving,
You have further clarified my idea and intent in your comment, and thanks a lot for your support for the forum and adding your valuable insights to the post.
Hi,
When hubs and I married at 17 and 20 he had one dollar in his pocket, and I was pregnant. Looking back from today is amazing. My story can bring hope to anyone. I love what ZZ has to see. I saw him in person, twice. I think your forum will be packed!
Tess,
Of course your story will be inspiring as well as educating. I will definitely get it out of you, for the forum, so it can help more people.
Thank you for all your support my friend.
Hi Abubakar,
What a nice post! Many people think that money is evil and it is not important and this is couldn’t be further from the truth. I love money
and I believe we all need to learn to love money and appreciate it. Thanks for sharing 
I voted Yes for the forum
Dia,
I appreciate your approach as well as your support. Thank you so much my friend.
SIGN ME UP!
Ironically, my very first eBook soon to be released is on this very topic of money. Creating Wealth is the lasting cure to financial struggle. I like the no bullshit approach you too Jamil on this one. Absolutely necessary for a new year. Money is not evil, if you asked me the lack of it makes one evil. I’m sure you know the angle I am coming from, having read my unusual story. In the end, the words of Jim Rohn says it all; focus on adding value and make that your only focus in life and money will chase you all the days of your life. Money doesn’t respond to goals or desires, it responds to adding value. So, as we all go about putting money first, never forget that adding value is how money is made.
Thank you for speaking your mind Tito and yes I know your angle. I’ll let you know when the forum is up.
Abubakar: I really appreciated what you said about every thought you have is a seed and begins growing. It is so true and when it comes to being financially independent, I think it is the perfect formula for finding the freedom many of us are searching for. We have to always find ways to look at our life in the right way and do those things that will really allow us to reach that financial independence we are looking for. It is not something that usually happens overnight, but traveling down the road is such an amazing part of our journey. I am definitely looking forward to the forum. Great idea.
Thank you dear Sibly for sowing another seed.
Brilliant, realistic, no non-sense! There are a lot of virtues associated with money if one knows where to draw the line. The struggle to earn a decent living leaves no scope for these virtues – creative thinking, philanthropy, spirituality, giving, sharing, caring. Being a mother to a 5-year old, I did not want to be in a regular job; but, I was no way ready to let go of my financial independence. That made me start my own business that I could manage from home and now, it’s a part and parcel of who I am.
I would love to participate on your forum. Bring it on, dear Abubakar!
Dear Rashmie,
I know we share the same values and that’s why you could relate to this post and I’ll be sure seeing you in the upcoming forum. It’s time to help each other without any BS in the blogging community. Your story can inspire and teach a lot of people do better in life.
Thank you for your support as always.
Hi Abubakar,
Your post is such a breath of fresh air on a subject that matters to everyone.
I was raised with conflicting views on money. On one hand I was taught that money was the root of all evil but on the other hand I was taught that you must work very hard to get money.
Thank God I have changed those negative mindsets. I definately believe that money is nothing more than a form of energy. Like you said it is neither good nor evil. Money gives you the ability to pursue the lifestyle you want for yourself and help others if you so choose.
This lesson was not easy for me to learn and it took a lot of twists and turns.
I would love to be a part of your forum and share what I have learned.
Meenu
Dear Meenu,
Thank you for leaving your encouraging feedback. I really appreciate that. I would very much like you to inspire the forum members with your own achievements and struggles so they can learn from you.
Hi Jamil,
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post, personally i also like Jim Rohn Talk.
Jim is simply awesome!
Very true, Abubakar. Financial independence is my goal for this year already. I wish I had gone for it sooner, but there’s always time to make a fresh start. I’ve never made a lot of money so I don’t have a fear of it. I agreed that money can be used for good or bad. I’m going for it by sharing my knowledge through writing blogs and ebooks. Thanks for the inspirational post.
That’s great David. Stick with it dude and you’ll make it for sure. Thank you leaving your feedback.