What decisions are you making today that will affect your tomorrow?

Sometimes we focus on the fact that we have to make sacrifices in order to achieve our goals.

You say no to the piece of cake so you can fit into that new dress.

You say no to the extra cocktail because you know you've got a killer day at work tomorrow. 

You say yes to the extra set of reps in the even though you'd give anything to get out of it, but you know it will do you good in the long run.

You say yes to lunch with the extended family because you know it will make your Mum happy.

You say yes, or you say no, because of the consequences - whether to achieve something or to avoid something.

Sound familiar?

It does to me. 

Sadly, the word sacrifice brings up many negatives and makes me think it's a punishment.

But what happens if we twist that word from "sacrifice" to "decision"?

What if we're making a decision to do all those things because it will help us achieve our goal.

Doesn't that sound better? 

More compelling?

More inspiring?

More fun?

If your goal is to save a deposit for a home - or to save to upgrade your home or invest in a home for someone else - you're not really sacrificing anything if you choose to save instead of spend.

If you cut back on your expenses, go out for dinner once a fortnight instead of twice a week, buy the cheaper bottle of wine or entertain at home instead of an expensive restaurant, or even pass on that pair of shoes you've fallen in love with... you're not really sacrificing anything. You're making a decision that will support you to achieve your goal.

To help you achieve a goal of home ownership, it isn't just about spending and saving. It's about the decisions you've made in the past, your attitude toward paying debt, your ability to manage money and the drive for you to achieve your goal.

Making a conscious decision to pay that credit card late. To let the interest charge take the balance over the limit. To allow your account to dip into the negative. To sign up to that direct debit for the gym membership or another entertainment app. To ignore that final electricity bill from the share house you left a couple of years ago. To dispute a phone bill without paying it. To ignore that credit card bill you racked up while on an overseas holiday. To bury your head in the sand about your struggle to pay a bill. To never getting around to calling the bank to match up the direct debit day of your home loan or car loan with your pay cycle. Continuing a commitment when you know you truly can't afford it. Continuing a membership only for the status while trying to cover up the real problem of debt.

All of these are decisions we make around money that can impact our chances of achieving that goal to own your own home, build a strong foundation for your future and your families future and get ahead financially.

But all is not lost. If poor decisions are part of your past, make the future about making good decisions. Know when to make that call to change your situation, forgive yourself for past decision. Put a plan in place to create a bright future.

So what decisions are you making today that will affect your tomorrow?

Make sure they're good ones.

Make sure they're well thought out and in line with your goals.

Your future self will thank you!