Making changes in your life is essential for growth and development. Change is a constant process, and as humans, it’s part of our journey. But before you can effectively change anything in your life, you need to know where you’re starting from. This is why it’s crucial to start with a baseline.
Starting with a baseline means figuring out where you are right now and what you’re currently doing. It might sound simple, but many of us are unaware of our own habits. For example, when my clients come to me wanting to lose weight, the first thing I have them do is keep a food journal for a week. They’re often shocked to see not only how much they’re eating but also what they’re eating. Many of us operate on autopilot, not fully aware of our actions. But when you track your behavior—whether it’s eating, spending, or time management—you gain a clear picture of where you are and what needs to change.
I once read an article that said most people consistently spend more than they make. This is easy to believe, especially when many people don’t track their spending, particularly on credit cards. Recent research shows that financial hardship due to overspending and over-indebtedness is arising globally these days. I had a client who felt overwhelmed and unable to accomplish everything she needed to do. After tracking her time for a week, she realized she was spending hours playing games. This awareness was the first step in helping her reclaim her time.
The key to making any change is awareness. You need to become fully aware of what you’re doing and exactly where you are before you can move forward. Keeping track of your actions for a week or two will provide you with valuable insights that can support your change efforts.
Think of it like a travel map with an X marking “You are here.” Until you know exactly where you are, it’s impossible to navigate the changes you want to make.
So, before you embark on any change, take the time to establish your baseline. Keep a log—whether it’s for your spending, your eating habits, or how you spend your time. This will give you a realistic idea of what you’re doing and set the stage for meaningful, effective change. Once you know the truth about where you are, you can move forward with confidence.
Additionally, if you want to explore resources to create a financial plan and insurance, schedule a kopi with me here. Let’s take the first step of action toward your abundant and secure future together!
