First You Have To Get Their Attention!
Guest Post by Dennis Miller at Miller On The MoneyA friend was discussing the transition from becoming an “empty-nester” (children leaving home) to bridging the gap to retirement. Like many in their mid-lifer’s, mortgages and debts remain, and the retirement projections fall woefully short of being able to retire until they are in their late 70’s – if at all.
He echoed the common sentiment – “I need to plan better, spend less and save more. I just never seem to be able to get it done.”
I sent him an article with some suggestions. A few weeks later, he thanked me, saying, “I’ve read part of it and have to get back to it.”
That shocked me! I target 1500-1600 words – which researchers suggest is a five-minute read. If I failed to get and maintain his attention, the message was never received….
I began researching and WOW! Conifer Park published some amazing statistics:
“Top 10 Key Average Human Attention Span Statistics & Facts
1. The average human attention span is 8 seconds.
2. In 2000, the average human attention span was 12 seconds.
3. The attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds.
4. 50% of people can’t focus on a task for more than 8 minutes.
5. 75% of people forget names within seconds of hearing them.
6. 60% of people can’t go 10 minutes without checking their phone.
7. The average person checks their phone 150 times per day.
8. The average person spends 3 hours and 15 minutes on their phone per day.
9. 70% of people use their phone during meals.
10. 29% of people can’t go 30 seconds without checking their phone.”
A goldfish has a longer attention span than a human being! I began “observing” in restaurants. The cell phone statistics appear outdated, people are checking them constantly, while ignoring family and friends at the table. Teenagers just can’t seem to put them down.
Each week I try to make suggestions. I love it when readers make time to drop me a note saying they followed the advice or forwarded the article to friends and family offering suggestions. Each week I hope some readers will flip a switch and become motivated and do what is necessary to prepare for their future.
What are we trying to accomplish?
The goal is to change behavior. Most are familiar with the old joke:
“A farmer hitched his mule to the plow and the mule wouldn’t budge. He walked around in front of the mule and smacked him on top of his head with a board. The mule immediately began pulling the plow.When asked why he whacked the mule, the farmer replied, ‘I love this old mule, he works hard, but sometimes I have to get his attention.'”
While step one may be getting their attention, the message has to be understood and provide motivation to get the job done. A challenge in today’s world.
Motivation by itself energizes incompetence. Knowing what must be done, and how to do it, is the next challenge. Building a plan, and sticking to it – changing behavior – staying focused on the goal, not getting emotionally sidetracked requires self-discipline. It’s not like a temporary diet; behavior has to change.
The closest version of whacking with a board I can use is
OK LISTEN UP! PUT YOUR PHONES DOWN AND PAY ATTENTION….
No frills, I’ll try to tell it like it is….If you want to retire comfortably, and not worry/work until you drop, here is how thousands of middle-class people have made it happen.
Change your perspective. There are dozens of studies differentiating how wealthy people versus middle class view money. Most of the middle class looks at money in terms of “stuff” – things money can buy. Wealthy people view money in terms of financial and emotional freedom.
Does your want/need for more stuff surpass your need for the freedom from having to constantly worry about money for the rest of your life?
Click here to read more…
Tweet
Continue reading...
[ H/T The Burning Platform ]
