You need to decide to close the gaps from where you are to where you want to be. According to Tony Robbins – when it comes to finance, like anything else, the only thing that’s keeping you from getting what you want is the story you keep telling yourself. “I can’t save money.” “I have too much debt.” “Any money I would put into retirement now goes into my children’s education fund.” “I lost so much in the divorce.” All of these are stories you tell yourself, and you must break free of the ones that limit you.

The first step is to change your strategy, because if you’re running east looking for a sunset, it doesn’t matter how positive you are or how hard you work at it, it’s not going to to work because it’s the wrong strategy. Hint: A solid financial strategy will always start by “paying yourself first,” so you can begin to tap into the power of compounding.

You need to figure out what you really want, eliminate expenses that don’t bring you joy, set realistic goals and create an achievable plan to get you there. Then, break free of your stories, and finally, change your state.

If you’re constantly stressed, overwhelmed or frustrated, you won’t have the fuel to implement your goals. Find a way to recharge. Your mental and emotional state determines how well you can execute your financial plan.