Goals – Mark Noldy

Sustained attention: the skill of cognitive engagement over extended periods time. In academia, this skill can also overlap with task-initiation which is the skill of starting and completing non-preferred tasks. The word "skill" is in bold, because sustained attention and task initiation are skills that can be acquired and developed. They're not innate. In fact, most of us have had to be introduced to the notion of these executive function skills. So how is this related to personal finances? We just returned from visiting my parents in their Florida home. We started this tradition last year as a way of not only breaking up the winter but of seeing my parents during their golden years. (For the record, they have fun!) It has done much more for us. Leaving the daily grind to sample what our future holds helps us to continue working hard and invest. One day we will be doing what we want when we want, like my parents. Marcus Aurelius wrote that life isn't that short. It's just that many people waste time. Working is not a waste of time. It's how we help others. And when you help others get what they want, you always get what you want. Although I needed a negative SARS-CoV2 test, I am excited about returning to work with my students today. To my students and clients, let's not see life as work. Let's see it as a calling for which we will be richly rewarded one day. So we're taking a break to smell the roses every once in a while. It's helping us stay focused and keep our eye on the ball. Determine what that is for you, and take breaks to remember what your goals are. Don't forget your why for paying off debts, building an emergency fund, and investing for your golden years.