My 2017 Goals

At the start of a new year, people set goals. They have a challengeing idea of what they want to accomplish in one year. Recently, durinig a meetup, I got interesting in systems over goals. I like the idea, thus, I want to outline the systems I want to set up for 2017.

Want to know more on systems vs goals? Join the group discussion on the BENL meetup on Feb 4 in Antwerp. Contact me via the comments. We have booked a room and have forseen discussion on option trading, systems vs goals and other interesting subjects.

Let’s see what systems I want to improve in 2017.

Life below our means

This system is already in place a long time. We have an agreed budget that is below our take home pay. Everything else is for investing. The challenge here will be not to inflate the budget and to keep the life happens spending in control. 2016 has been a year with a rather big expenditure: a net otflow of just below 2K…

Some of this can not be foreseen, and for other items, we will have to ask ourselves the question if it is really needed. Other part of the challenge is not to become cheap in stead of frugal… finding the balance here is key. We do not want to miss out expetiences to gain a year of freedom. We value NOW.

Invest

Part of our investments are already on auto pilot. A lot is still not. This means that on a regular basis I am tempted to time the market. Since mid 2016, we no longer invest the main part, due to the cash I want to build up in case the startup life goes wrong.

In 2017, I want to find a system that takes all doubt need to play and crystal ball effects out of the equation.

With regards to option trading, I will be happy when I can maintain current system: sell puts on stocks I do not mind to own at the strike price and stay within my personal risk boundaries. With no firm goal, I will not feel tempted to take excessive risk

Be present

The biggest system I want to put in place is to be present, to live in the now, to enjoy what I have. This could be a real challenge: so many screens around me, FIRE Joneses that could decourage me, sometimes just plain lazy

How to do this?

• put all screens aside on school mornings and evenings as long as the kids are awake. Spend time with them, play a game. When they insist to be alone – they sometimes do – it is ok to have a screen while I am sitting away from them. This means: watch TV with them or go read a blog in the kitchen.
• Enjoy great things that happen now: a walk to a playground, an amzaing view, a dance show they perform, a good meal.
• Connect more and better with friends and family.

This will impact some of other activities like reading and commenting on blogs.

Find time for myself

The idea here is to have an approach where I can use my me-time to be productive: write blogposts, intereact with the community, do a sport activity. LEts see where this will lead me.

What are your 2017 goals?