Hey Lykkers! Let’s play a quick mental game. Picture “financial success.” What did you see? A number in a bank app? A vague feeling of security? If your mind drew a blank, you’re not alone. Most of us set money goals that feel like homework: “save more,” “spend less.” No wonder we lose motivation.

What if your goal could look more like that bold, colorful dollar sign—clear, vivid, and impossible to ignore? Let’s talk about designing money goals that actually pull you toward them.

The Problem with Invisible Targets

You can’t hit a target you can’t see. A goal like “be better with money” is invisible. It offers no direction, no finish line, and no way to celebrate.

Behavioral economist Dr. Hersh Shefrin, author of Beyond Greed and Fear, explains that vague goals fall victim to "vague future preference"—we intend to act tomorrow, but without a concrete cue, tomorrow never comes (Shefrin, 2002). Your brain needs a specific picture to latch onto.

The Anatomy of a Vivid Financial Goal

A powerful money goal has three traits, much like our iconic dollar sign: Isolated, Specific, and Emotional.

1. Isolated: It stands alone against a quiet backdrop. This means mentally separating this one goal from all other financial noise. Instead of “my entire budget,” the goal is “The Emergency Fund.” It gets its own name, its own account, and your singular focus.

2. Specific: It is a sharp image, not a blurry shape. “Save for a vacation” becomes “Save $1,800 for a 5-day Costa Rica trip by October 1.” The dollar sign isn’t a scribble; it's a defined symbol. Your goal needs the same clarity.

3. Emotional: It makes you feel something. The orange and pink hues spark energy. Connect your goal to a positive feeling. Is your $1,800 Costa Rica goal about adventure, reconnection, or pride in funding a dream? Financial therapist Dr. Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, author of The Financial Anxiety Solution, emphasizes that "goals rooted in our values and emotions create sustainable motivation, while goals rooted in shame or 'should's' quickly fizzle out" (Bryan-Podvin, 2021).

How to "Visualize" Any Financial Goal

Not every goal is as simple as a single dollar amount. Here’s how to apply this framework:

For Debt Payoff: Don’t focus on the towering total. Isolate one debt (e.g., Credit Card A). Specify the goal: “Pay off the $2,300 balance on Credit Card A by December.” Emotionally connect it to the feeling of relief or freedom.

For Investing: Isolate the purpose (e.g., "Future Freedom Fund"). Specify the action: “Automate a $200/month transfer to my Roth IRA.” Connect it to the feeling of confidence and security.

Your First Step: The Goal-Setting Ritual

Grab a piece of paper or a digital note. Follow this script:

1. Name Your Goal: Give it a bold, standalone title. (e.g., "My Car Freedom Fund")

2. Define It: Make it specific. (e.g., "Save $4,000 for a used car down payment in 18 months.")

3. Feel It: In one word, why does this matter? (e.g., "Independence.")

Post this where you’ll see it daily—not filed away. You are giving your goal a visual identity.

Lykkers, the journey to financial wellness isn’t about staring at spreadsheets in the dark. It’s about turning on the lights and painting a bright, compelling picture of where you’re going. Start designing goals worthy of your focus, and watch how much easier it becomes to move toward them. Your future isn't a vague wish; it's a masterpiece waiting to be sketched in bold, brilliant color.