We’re Talking About Effective Prioritization

Let’s Stop The TPS Reports! (Create Some Spreadsheets lol)

That’s right we’re nerding out this week. I recently got in crazy OCD planning mode lately for multiple reasons, but also because priorities become key when someone is in entrepreneurial growth phases. Especially when it comes to financial matters. Having a plan to get to the next level is difficult and takes discipline. In the end, that discipline will guide you to achieving financial, career, or personal goals. It doesn’t matter what you are trying to get ahead of at this point, but the word try should not be in the vocabulary. The words “I will commit to this, to achieve that” should be more of the mantra.?

Let’s break it down like a fraction: ?

Setting and Achieving Goals:

Lately, I have thought I needed to set some SMART Goals. The whole criteria are Specific, Measurable, Realistic, and Time-bound. This format works for short-term and long-term goal setting. In this specific instance, I have used some basic tech tools like ClickUp to set up dashboards and project phases so I can keep a task list of to-do’s (and hoosker don’ts ). The biggest aspect of this planning process gives me is a pulse check but also creates a balance. That way I don’t get too burnt out or insane. Well any more insane than I already am. It allows someone to visualize the win. Dare I say manifest it! Ha!?

Next Up! Financial Prioritization:?

This is the biggest bugaboo anyone has when they’re trying to plan growth or entrepreneurial efforts of some kind. Figuring out where the hell the money is coming from. Also tracking spending and not buying things recklessly like yours truly and his shoe obsession. Which brings me to a few points. Here’s how one can plan a financial tracking and spending habit list:?

• Create Financial Awareness: Run a budget, track expenses, build an emergency fund, and invest in your growth. It’s not just about reducing overall costs. It’s essentially about learning new skills. Building those skills so you can be a paid expert in a field. An example here is a recent spreadsheet I built that tracks a fund I am building where I have laid out a daily return goal for the next 2.5 months or 50 work days and 75 calendar days. It has a specific purpose and goal in mind all geared towards business expenses. When you have low income you have to create a bootstrap mentality and get creative in financing.
• Align Income with Goals: What I mean is find ways to earn passive income or use side hustles to line your pockets. Dig deep into your toolbox and use your talent and brain to get paid. Even if it is as simple as starting a cleaning business or window washing. Anything that gets you out from under the man. I’m working on this right now and trying to find one or two things I can earn extra income from. Once I get to a certain level there is a certain skill I possess that will earn me more dolla dolla bills ya’ll. ??
• Avoid Impulse Spending: Discipline OG’s. Name of the game. I know people like shiny things, but you don’t need a Hermes tie like I used to wear. We don’t need coach purses or alligator shoes. The last portion of this is the thing everyone wants to try and avoid and that is sacrifice. You have to face that at some point you’re not going to spend time with friends, go on vacations, or have the most active social life. Controlling your spending includes sacrificing luxuries. That does not mean you cannot have fun it means prioritizing the times when you can breathe for a minute and recharge.

Learn the basics of financial awareness. There are plenty of tools out there like Credit Karma, Mint, Rocket Money, and others that help you track your credit and spending. Even some of the banking apps can perform these tasks. Recovery and Wealth is part of my educational series and that is still in build-out but eventually, all of these ideas and tools I speak of will be in one place on the web and in an app format. Trust me I will announce the full launch. In the meantime, you can explore the free versions of lessons, articles, and E-Books I have on the web now. (www.recoveryandwealth.com )

Be flexible with all of these concepts too. When one thing isn’t working learn to pivot and adapt to the situation. We all have unexpected situations come up. Whether they are financial or not. Sometimes it's just people begging for your time. Set some boundaries and stick to your schedule. Someone asked me how I get all of the things done that I do. I don’t know. Lack of sleep? Hahahaha! No, it's prioritization and I have learned to rule out people, places, and things that waste my time and effort. It’s a gift being somewhat dead inside. Kidding!

Let’s all go play with some fireworks now. Snakes and sparklers for everyone!?????

Ryan Stengle

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