AS 2024 draws to a close, it is time to reflect on the progress made towards personal goals.
For many, the end of the year offers a valuable opportunity to assess achievements, identify growth and determine how to better approach the goals for the next year. For those living in Zimbabwe, the challenges of an unstable economy caused by illegal sanctions can often make this process more complicated, as financial and external factors may hinder goal achievement.
However, in every situation, there are always ways to track progress and celebrate the smaller victories that, in turn, inform the setting of new goals for 2025.
In Zimbabwe, these challenges can make personal goals such as buying a vehicle, saving money or even investing in personal development seem more distant or unattainable. However, these challenges do not mean that achievements are impossible. Instead, they highlight the importance of flexibility, resilience and adaptability in tracking progress.
To start with, it is essential to establish a clear framework for tracking personal goals. Setting realistic and measurable objectives is paramount, especially in a context where external factors are unpredictable.
For instance, if your goal this year was to save for a vehicle, the constant shifts in exchange rates and inflation might have created unforeseen barriers. However, even in the face of these difficulties, small steps made towards that goal — such as cutting unnecessary expenses, finding ways to earn extra income or adjusting your savings plan to align with economic conditions — are achievements that deserve recognition.
A key strategy in tracking achievements is to keep a record of progress. This could take the form of a notebook or an application designed to help with financial tracking. It is vital to document not just the end results but the process along the way. For example, if your goal was to save money for a vehicle, note how much you managed to save each month, even if it was not the amount you initially aimed for. In Zimbabwe’s economic environment, the fact that you were able to set aside money, no matter how small, is an achievement.
It is easy to become discouraged if your end goal seems out of reach, but in every journey, especially in difficult times, milestones are worth celebrating.
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If your savings goal was affected by inflation or exchange rate fluctuations, consider celebrating the fact that you were able to keep your savings growing, even if it was not as much as initially planned. These small wins, like successfully budgeting for essentials or finding alternative income sources, contribute to the bigger picture.
One of the best ways to stay on track with personal goals, especially in a challenging economy, is through accountability. Sharing goals with a friend, spouse or family member can provide the encouragement needed to stay motivated. This external feedback can also help to adjust goals to make them more realistic based on evolving circumstances.
Perhaps your friend reminded you to celebrate the small achievements or offered suggestions for ways to save more effectively. Their feedback can be invaluable in maintaining perspective.
In any situation, setbacks are almost inevitable. If certain goals — like saving a certain amount for a vehicle or a home — were not achieved due to unforeseen circumstances, it is essential to view such setbacks as opportunities for learning. For example, if the ZiG rate adjustment made it more difficult to save, reflect on strategies to mitigate such losses in the future.
Perhaps you can consider saving in foreign currency or finding ways to invest that protect savings. Learning from setbacks allows one to adapt the approach and improve goal-setting strategy for 2025.
Even in the darkest times, there are always shining stars. Despite the challenging environment in Zimbabwe, many individuals and organisations are finding innovative ways to thrive. Whether it is through entrepreneurship, online businesses or investing in skills development, people continue to find opportunities for success.
Reflecting on positive examples in our circles can serve as inspiration for our own journey. Maybe this year you were not able to purchase the vehicle you wanted, but you learned new skills, started a side hustle or made progress towards becoming financially literate. These small successes may not be immediately visible, but they are the foundation upon which larger goals can be built in the future.
As you reflect on this year’s achievements, even in the face of adversity, you are building the framework for the goals for 2025. In any economy, goals might shift or evolve, but the process of tracking progress will help to refine the approach. If buying a vehicle or house was the goal this year and one did not achieve it, perhaps next year, one can reassess, adjust savings strategy or set more achievable targets based on experience.
In conclusion, tracking achievements in personal goals requires resilience, adaptability and an awareness of both the obstacles and opportunities around you. By celebrating small victories, learning from setbacks and reflecting on your progress regularly, one can set more realistic, impactful goals, ensuring that even in difficult times, you continue to make strides towards a better future. Wish you a prosperous 2025!
- Cliff Chiduku is the director of marketing, information and public relations at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences in Mutare. He writes in his personal capacity. Feedback: [email protected] or Call/App +263775716517.
