It seems everyone has an opinion these days about how we got in to the financial mess and how we’re going to get out. In fact, as I was reading through some articles in preparation for today’s post I had to laugh. The cover of the economist shows a fish luring the other fish to certain death. The cover says “The World Economy and the Peril of Optimism.” [I have tried to link to it here]

I’m going to have to read that story to get a fuller grasp of what they’re saying inside but, on the surface, I’d have to say that optimism is necessary to get out of tough times and live in balance.

The Balanced Life is about Realistic Optimism or, to use what has become a cliche, hope. I don’t mean Obama’s “Yes we Can” political slogan. I’m more in line with the Biblical hope “Confident Expectation of Good.” Sometimes it’s not a matter of what we can do “Yes, I can” but rather it is the understanding that all of life works in cycles. Unfortunately, that means that there will be times of market correction.

For the individual reading this blog, what does it mean? It means using some of the things I’ve taught. Money saving ideas, ways to trim your food budget, fun nights at home are all proactive manifestations of hope.

I can tell you for a fact that you feel way better about your prospects when you have a good day at work vs. getting a collections call. So, while optimism and hope alone will not produce change they can be the fuel of enginuity that takes your idea forward.

So, with all this theoretical, let’s bring it to a practical place.  What is your actual financial goal. I want you to think about this beyond simply “getting by”. Where is it you’d like to be in 3 years? Is what you’re doing conducive with that? If you want to be debt free then your first task isn’t making more money-your first task is spending less. While on the surface that seems to be worse when you recognize your long term goal…it is exciting. Just like a spoiled child who receives everything it asks for, we get no joy if we get everything we want the moment we want it. There is joy that comes with hard work and building toward a goal-then accomplishing it.

Write out your goal. Now start to do it.

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Tiffany Colter is a passionate freelance writer whose credits include Today’s Christian, Charisma Magazine, Toledo Business Journal, and the Afictionado E-zine. Tenacious in her approach not only to create a great story, but also to mentor other writers, Tiffany can always be found in the presence of a book or laptop. A former world traveler who is fluent in three languages, she strives to reach those who are hurting around her.     She enjoys helping others build a strong business and writes a daily marketing blog for writers called the Writing Career Coach and a common-sense money management site, TheBalancedLife.com. Tiffany lives outside Toledo, OH with her husband, a recent cancer survivor, and their four girls.