Tackle your financial goals with an if-then plan

Research shows we’re more likely to reach our goals if we anticipate roadblocks and diversions, then plan specific actions to avoid or overcome them. Here’s how you can do it.

Write down your goal. Be specific. Say when you want to achieve your goal, what you need to do and why it’s important.

What could change your course? This could be a bad habit you struggle with, a new competing priority—or even a positive development.

What deliberate action can you take to stay on track? Put it in if-then form. The more concrete, the better. Focus on what you will do, rather than what you won’t.