I’m a long-distance runner. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: you don’t run a half marathon by simply putting on your shoes and setting off for 21 kilometers. Big goals require time, preparation and — above all — a lot of small steps.
Whenever I start a new training plan, that one question pops up again: “Will I actually be able to do this?”
The honest answer? I don’t know. Because just like with investing: past performance is no guarantee for the future.
Small steps make big financial goals achievable
To overcome that mental barrier, I break my goal into manageable segments: first 5 km, then 10 km, and only then the half marathon. I consciously celebrate every milestone.
Financial goals work the same way. A comfortable retirement or a dream trip often feels too far away. That’s why it works better to bring your goals closer and make them smaller. Two examples:
1: Smart pension building in your 20s
If you start saving early for later, don’t focus on turning 70. Focus on what you gain today:
- Immediate tax benefits: You make use of your tax-advantaged contribution space and pay less tax now.
- Compound interest: Your investments grow every year through the power of compounding.
- Financial discipline: You build habits that benefit you for the rest of your life.
2: Saving for a sabbatical (the 7‑year plan)
Want to take six months off in seven years? Make it concrete:
- Calculate your target amount: What do you need for those six months?
- Start small: Begin with a monthly deposit that doesn’t hurt.
- Celebrate the halfway points: After one year, do you have enough for one month of freedom? Ask yourself:
“If I could take one month off today, what would I do?”
That question keeps motivation high.
Celebrate your financial milestones
Just like running, financial growth isn’t about one big moment. The foundation of success is built on the ‘small’ wins:
- Your first €1,000 invested.
- Your first full year of consistent contributions.
- The first time you see your returns really grow.
- Staying calm: The first year you don’t panic when the market temporarily drops.
Why a financial planner works like a running coach
Want to make it easier for yourself? A financial planner does for your money what a running coach does for your fitness.
Together we create a step-by-step plan, choose concrete goals, and evaluate your progress each year. It brings clarity, direction and — perhaps most importantly — motivation.
Conclusion
Whether you’re training for a half marathon, saving for a sabbatical or building wealth for the future: make it small, celebrate your progress and keep moving.
The biggest step is always the first one.