How To Not Have Your Goals Come To Pass

As the year draws to a close, it's a natural time to pause and reflect. This mid-month check-in, the final one for the year, inspired me to take a closer look at my financial journey over the past 12 months. Through this reflection, I’ve discovered a powerful lesson: the stark difference between times when I "played God" with my financial decisions and when I didn’t.

This realization was sparked by a sermon I listened to—a message that took three weeks to fully reach me. In hindsight, the delay was divine timing; I needed to hear the words when I was truly ready. The sermon revolved around Philippians 4:6-8, a scripture that has guided me in the past. Yet, this time, I learned its deeper meaning and how to apply it practically to my life. I realized that my previous interpretation led me to inadvertently "play God," fostering anxiety that spilled over into financial stress and poor decisions.

The Reality of Misguided Control

This year, though it’s been my highest-grossing financially, the reality on my balance sheet tells a different story. I noticed a recurring theme: financial setbacks often stemmed from decisions rooted in a misguided belief that I could control every outcome.

Let me explain what I mean. In the pursuit of financial goals, I convinced myself that “manifesting” was as simple as taking action and expecting an immediate reward. There’s nothing inherently wrong with believing in the power of action—after all, hard work matters—but I went a step further. I fell into the trap of thinking I could manipulate timing through sheer will, believing I had full control over the “when” of manifestation.

This mindset led to frustration and anxiety when reality didn’t align with my expectations. How often have you felt the same? Maybe you made a financial decision because you expected a raise, a bonus, or some kind of immediate payoff. When it didn’t materialize on your timeline, it created stress, disappointment, and sometimes even doubt in yourself.

It’s taken me a year to fully wake up to the truth: while I can control my actions, the outcomes are not mine to dictate. In financial planning, just as in life, there are elements beyond our control, and resisting this fact can create unnecessary hardship.

The Most Perfect Creation Since The Beginning Of Time

Reflecting on this realization, I’ve found comfort and wisdom in nature. It’s astonishing how trees grow tall through changing seasons, enduring harsh winds and icy conditions. Trees don’t rush their growth. They don’t demand immediate rewards for withstanding storms. Birds and squirrels always seem to find sustenance, and bees tirelessly produce honey. The natural world is a testament to perfection—a reminder that there is a divine order in everything.

Nature operates on its own timeline. The seasons change when they’re supposed to, not when we want them to. A tree doesn’t become mighty overnight, but with time, patience, and the right conditions, it flourishes. Regardless to what we as humans have done over time to this beautiful earth.

This realization has shifted my perspective. Just as nature teaches us patience and trust, our financial goals operate on a timeline that isn’t always ours to dictate. When I’ve allowed myself to relinquish control and focus on positive thoughts, as Philippians 4:8 encourages, I’ve seen incredible things happen in my life. Stress eases, clarity returns, and progress begins again—even if it looks different from what I originally envisioned.

Practical Steps to Realign Your Financial Journey

So, how do we apply these lessons to our financial lives? Reflection is step one. I’d like to invite you to pause and take stock of where you are financially and emotionally. Ask yourself:

  1. Where am I trying to control outcomes instead of focusing on my actions? Are there financial decisions you made this year based on expectations you couldn’t fully control? For example, did you overspend because you anticipated a promotion that didn’t come through? Or take a risky investment because you were counting on fast results?

  2. What actions can I take right now? While we can’t control every result, we can make intentional, actionable steps. Consider revisiting your budget, reviewing your savings, or tackling any high-interest debt. Align your actions with your values and long-term goals.

  3. Am I giving myself grace and trusting the process? Remember, financial growth—like the growth of a tree—takes time. Be patient with yourself and trust that steady, consistent actions will get you closer to your goals.

Here are a few practical tips to take action now:

  • Review your spending from the past year. Identify patterns or habits you’d like to adjust. One of the easiest ways to do this is to pull your transactions or statements from you debit or credit card. Or you can have us do the work with one of our product offerings.

  • Set realistic goals for next year. Break them down into small, achievable milestones.

  • Automate your savings. Whether it’s for an emergency fund, a vacation, or retirement, automation makes it easier to stay consistent.

  • Seek guidance if you’re unsure where to start. A financial professional can help create a roadmap that reflects your goals and values.

Trusting the Timing of Your Journey

As you prepare to wrap up this year, I encourage you to reflect on your own financial journey. Trust the timing of your growth and the perfection of the universe. I’ll repeat that because it’s so important and a difficult process when you’re along your journey, and the timing just isn’t adding up. Trust me, I know. Trust the timing of your journey and the perfection of the universe.

It’s tempting to rush the process, to demand immediate results, or to let anxiety creep in when things don’t go as planned. But remember this: your financial goals are possible and attainable—just not always on your timeline. There’s beauty in the process of growth and discovery. You will look back one day and see how each step, each setback, and each moment of patience contributed to your journey.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to take actionable steps to improve your financial situation before the year ends or set a solid foundation for next year, I’m here to help. Let’s connect and create a plan that reflects your goals and values. Together, we can set you on a path to success—one step at a time.

Book a call today, and let’s make your financial dreams a reality—in their perfect time.

Bonus Treat

As we reflect on the past year and prepare for what’s ahead, now is the perfect time to take stock of where you stand financially. Have you ever wished for a clear, detailed snapshot of your financial world—something that helps you identify opportunities, align with your goals, and move forward with confidence?

Introducing Planworth, a platform that empowers you to create your very own Personalized Financial Report.

This isn’t about numbers on a spreadsheet. This is about you—your life, your goals, your legacy. With a few simple steps, you’ll uncover:

Your current financial position—a crystal-clear look at where you are right now.

Your opportunities for growth—whether it’s saving, investing, or reducing expenses.

Actionable insights—tailored to help you achieve the goals that matter most to you and your family.

Why Do This? Because knowledge is power. Whether you’re looking to build a stronger savings plan, understand your investments, plan for life’s milestones (a new home, retirement, or education), or protect your loved ones through insurance strategies, having a personalized financial report is the first step toward clarity and control. And the best part? It’s straightforward, secure, and designed for you. You don’t have to be a financial expert—just someone who’s ready to take an intentional step toward a brighter future.

Your journey starts here. Take 10 minutes to create your Personalized Financial Report today. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Your future self will thank you. Get Started With Your Report Now.

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The Financial Hierarchy: A Roadmap to Stability, Growth, and Legacy