How To CRAVE Your Financial Goals!

Crave is an interesting word, isn’t it? It suggests a powerful desire for something. I was reminded of this during a recent conversation with Tricia Molloy, a corporate speaker on work-life balance and goal achievement.

I mentioned to Tricia that, in my experience, helping people identify and articulate goals, especially financial goals, is sometimes difficult. I asked her how can we help people get over the resistance to this and any negativity that might accompany it. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that much of the success of goal setting is based upon how this conversation is framed up from the beginning. The types of questions asked, how choices are considered, etc.

So, Tricia shared her methodology for framing up the goal-setting conversation using the acronym CRAVE. I like the word association and think this is a healthy approach to connect our goals to things we really value and desire. CRAVE stands for clear out the clutter, raise your energy, affirm success, visualize, and express thanks. It’s based on five of the ten strategies from her book, “Working with Wisdom.” I wanted to see if I could apply her approach to financial goals and here’s what we came up with:

Clean Out the Clutter – Certainly, we often associate clutter with things being physically out of order. But what about our thinking? The vast amount of information, financial or otherwise, that pounds against all of us every day takes its toll. Sorting through this information and determining what’s worth keeping is likely more important and more needed today than ever before. Cleaning out this type of clutter is a vital step to craving financial goals because we need to create space to think and imagine what kind of life we want to live well before we figure out how to fund our lives.

Raise Your Energy – Remember the Beach Boys’ song “Good Vibrations”? What’s your relationship with money? Good vibrations or not so much? There’s a reason those vibes may not be good and it’s unlikely you’ll feel encouraged or motivated by financial goals until you gain perspective and sort through your own money story. This can only happen with some reflection and renewed energy about your perspective and belief system about money. This affects everyone to some degree, regardless of net worth or income level.

Affirm Success – I don’t think anyone likes to hear that we can be programmed but the evidence is clear, especially as it relates to money. The programming comes from our experiences, what we heard, and what we observed early in life. It becomes the narrative of our money story. The good news is that you can change this script. This is another reason why creating margin to think about these things is important. So, while you’re becoming free of the noise clutter, give yourself positive, personal and present tense reminders based on what you want to focus upon.

Visualize – Ever heard of the Reticular Activating System (RAS)? It sits at the base of our brain and is responsible for helping us focus on things and sort through information. You’re using it when you want a certain type of car and you now begin to see that car everywhere. I think a key component in allowing this to work for you, whether it be for financial reasons or otherwise, is to be clear about what you want. The money, after all, only has value in its use. Tricia recommends activating the power of visualization by creating a vision board filled with images and words of what you want to have, be and feel.

Express Thanks – I know, being thankful sounds cliché. But, just like with the previous steps, it’s important. In my experience, most people don’t come to me with their entire financial lives out of order. They usually have good jobs, own a business, and have saved some money. Being thankful for what you’ve done right is a healthy approach to setting financial goals, so give yourself some credit. Practicing gratitude builds confidence and a positive attitude you need to succeed.

In conclusion, think about what you really desire. Get help to articulate your vision as it’s often tough to express these feelings. Think of your financial goals as being made to support that vision. Remember, that money is a resource, not an asset. CRAVE your financial goals!