Goals Update

Goal: Read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and write reviews on each book by the end of the summer. (Target 8/31/11)

Status: Postponed. While I read both books, I was unable to set aside the time to actually write the reviews for these books. However I did learn a lot from them and I definitely plan on writing reviews in the future. I feel that once the semester is over, I will have much more time to devote to writing these reviews.

New Target Date: 12/31/11

Goal: Pay off my car in full. (Target 6/30/12)

Status: In Progress.  It has been a real sacrifice, but I have been aggressively chipping away at my auto loan. Unfortunately, due to larger-than-expected monthly costs, I couldn’t put as much money as I wanted towards eliminating my debt. There is still hope, however. I expect a strong tax return in February that would really further the cause, so it’s not time to wave the white flag yet.

Goal: Trade my first stock option. (Target 10/31/11)

Status: In Progress. I really want to take the time to perform due diligence (apparently a fancy term for research) so I can make a solid pick on the option. If I don’t do my research, then I might as well be gambling. But research takes time… time that is in high demand in my schedule. With many of my other commitments taking priority, the likelihood of completing this goal by the target date is uncertain.

Goal: Purchase a home. (Target 8/30/12)

Status: In Progress. Again, monthly costs really put a damper on the amount I wanted to save towards buying a home, but all is not lost. I am looking into first-time home buyer programs and areas of town that I would like to live, so I have a solid chance of purchasing my home. And this is definitely a goal that is flexible; I don’t want to rush into such a huge investment just to meet my target date. I need to be ready for this responsibility, because it is pretty tough to sell a home these days.

Goal: Accumulate $50,000 in liquid equity in 5 years. (Target 12/31/16)

Status: (Obviously!) In Progress. I haven’t hit the lottery lately, so I’m still a good ways away. Paying off my car and making smart investment and expense choices will definitely help me achieve this goal. Whenever I see this goal, I shudder at how aggressive it is. Nevertheless, I want to do the things people don’t normally do. So I’m definitely working on this one.

I’m also adding some academic goals in there:

Goal: Make President’s List this semester. (Target 12/17/11)

Status: In Progress. I have always wanted to do this–even in my undergrad program. Once I switched my major to IT, I made it my goal to get all A’s at least one time in a semester. I have yet to reach that goal. Now, with less distractions and more focus, I have faith I can do it this semester. It would make me feel very confident in my ability to manage my time effectively.

Goal: Make President’s List three times in my MBA program.

Status: In Progress. To take things to the next level, I’m going to set the ambitious goal of making President’s List–not once, not twice, but three times–while I’m in this program. Insanely difficult? Yup. Demanding? You bet. Impossible? Not at all. It will just take consistent focus and dedication to reach the goal.

Sure, these goals aren’t easy. But they will lead me to success.