When thinking about the FIRE movement, standing for Financial Independence Retire Early, you may have found yourself asking questions like…
How much do I really need to sacrifice? Or…
Am I on the right track? Can I reach FIRE without giving up?
Just so you know, these questions are more than valid. I’ve found
I’ve found on my own personal FIRE journey that over-dwelling on or worrying about these questions can also lead to stress and anxiety.
So I’ve prepared five tips in this video to help you more fully enjoy working towards FIRE because it’s not a destination; it’s a journey to be enjoyed!
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Table of Contents
1) Set Realistic FIRE Goals With Rewards
It’s important to have some plan or roadmap when pursuing FIRE, but don’t get too caught up in the details. Set realistic goals that you can achieve, and don’t beat yourself up if you make a detour along the way.
Another important factor is developing a growth mindset and starting where you are at.
You will likely become overwhelmed and stressed out if you set insanely difficult goals. And what’s the point of that? The whole point of FIRE is to achieve financial freedom, so you can live a flexible and stress-free life.
So, sit down and figure out your goals, but don’t get too bogged down in the details. Just take it one step at a time, and enjoy the journey!
It’s also helpful to set micro goals rather than just looking at the finish line down the road. This will help you stay motivated and inspired along the way.
For example, if your goal is to save $50,000 in the next five years, break it down into smaller goals. Save $835 each month or $10,000 each year. This will make the goal seem much more achievable, and you’ll be able to track your progress along the way.
Make sure to reward yourself with something you like or enjoy upon accomplishing those mini-milestones! You could go out to eat or take some time off from work. Doing this will allow you to enjoy your FIRE journey better.
2) Find Encouragement Through Your Support System
Pursuing FIRE can be tough at times, especially if you’re going at it alone. Find a group of like-minded individuals who can offer support and advice when needed. For example, there are many online forums and Facebook groups dedicated to FIRE or you can share your experiences with us!
These groups can be a great resource when feeling lost or confused. It’s always helpful to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through. Feel free to comment down below and connect with other FIRE seekers!
Pursuing financial freedom doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Humans need community and connection to maintain psychological well-being.
So don’t forget to find your support system as you walk down the FIRE path. A strong network can also set you up with better job or business opportunities, which can help accelerate your journey to FIRE.
3) Make Time For Yourself
Amid all the planning and goal-setting, don’t forget to take some time for yourself! Relax and recharge so that you can keep moving towards your FIRE goals. Sometimes doing nothing temporarily is exactly what we need to get back on track.
With a simple path to financial freedom, you can automate your investments, stay patient and take time to enjoy the little things in life.
It’s important to have a good work-life balance, even when pursuing FIRE. Make sure to schedule some time for yourself every week, even if it’s just an hour or two.
You could also learn about different stress reduction techniques. Meditation, breathwork, and yoga are all great ways to reduce stress.
These practices can also help put the entire journey into perspective. For example, if you’re feeling stressed about reaching your FIRE goals, take a step back and remember that this is just a phase in your life.
Your journey to FIRE is just a small blip in the grand scheme. So don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
You can also take time each day to do things that make you happy. Whether reading, spending time with loved ones, or taking your dog for a walk, make sure to schedule some “me” time. This will help reduce stress and keep you motivated on your journey to FIRE.
Take a break from work and enjoy your life. After all, that’s what FIRE is all about. Even if you aren’t financially free, you can taste it by making time for the things you love.
4) Get Paid For Doing What You Love
To be happy while pursuing FIRE, you need to find a way to get paid for doing what you love. This may seem impossible, but it is possible if you are willing to put in the work. A great way to start is doing what you love on the side until you build it up into a business.
There are many ways to make money doing what you love, so find one that suits your interests and skill set. Once you find a way to get paid for doing what you love, stick with it and don’t let anything stand in your way.
One of the best things about getting paid for doing what you love is that it will never feel like work. Sure, there will be tough days and times when you feel like giving up, but overall, it will never feel like work if you are passionate about what you do. You look forward to doing it every day, and it will make you happy.
For example, if you write for fun, turn that into a way to make money by selling a book or writing as a freelancer on Fiverr.
If you love to cook, start a catering business or a YouTube channel showcasing your recipes. If you love to travel, then start a travel blog or become a tour guide.
There are endless possibilities for making money doing what you love, so find something that suits your interests and get started.
The most important thing to remember is that even if you are working for a paycheck, it won’t feel like work since that’s what you’d be doing anyways if you were already financially free.
You can even work on your passions to create an asset that will produce passive income. The three examples above of Youtube channels, books, and blogs, are just a few ways to monetize your passion and get paid to do what you love.
5) Stay Disciplined and Remember Your Why
One of the most important things to remember while pursuing FIRE is to stay disciplined. This means sticking to your budget, following your investment plan, and staying the course even when things get tough.
It’s easy to get sidetracked when pursuing FIRE, but if you stay disciplined, you will be one step closer to achieving your goals.
When you see that your discipline is starting to pay off, you can take joy in the end goal and who you are becoming along the way.
Achieving FIRE requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it is worth it in the end. So, don’t give up, and don’t get discouraged.
Stay disciplined, and you will achieve your goals. And if you have micro-goals or milestones, seeing your progress can keep you happy, knowing that you are one step closer to your ultimate goal.
A crucial part of staying disciplined and loving your FIRE journey is to remember your WHY. Make sure to write down your why and review it frequently to give you a spark of encouragement and excitement when things get tough.
You will certainly start to enjoy your FIRE journey even more once you have developed discipline and remember your why! Also, remember, as long as you don’t give up and are consistent most of the time, you will be successful.
Conclusion
Many people are unhappy in their jobs because they feel stuck in a rut. They work long hours for little pay and don’t see a way out. If this sounds like you, then it’s time to pursue FIRE.
FIRE stands for financial independence and retiring early, and it is a movement that is gaining traction all over the world. People are pursuing FIRE to retire early and live a life of financial freedom.
It also grants you the freedom to keep working a day job if you so desire or switch jobs with ease – the flexibility and possibilities are endless!
If you want to be happy while pursuing FIRE, follow this article’s tips.
First, create a plan and set some realistic goals.
Second, find a support system of like-minded individuals.
Third, make time for yourself.
And fourth, get paid for doing what you love. By staying disciplined with these tips, you will be well on your way to achieving FIRE and living a happy life. We are rooting for you and know you can make it!
What are some methods you use to enjoy the journey to FIRE? Please share with us in the comments below!
Disclaimer:
We hope the information in this article provides valuable insights to every reader but we, the Biesingers, are not financial advisors. When making your personal finance decisions, research multiple sources and/or receive advice from a licensed professional. As always, we wish you the best in your pursuit of financial independence!
