| When it comes to working on career goals, there are | | | | working, or the dog has to pay a visit to the vet |
| many so-called potholes in life that one can encounter. | | | | because it swallowed something it wasn't supposed to. |
| Some are easy, some are difficult, and there are even | | | | The best way I have found to deal with these types |
| some that can be life altering. Many of these | | | | of expenses is to set aside a certain amount of |
| challenges, however, can be worked through and | | | | money each month for them. Even if it's just $25 a |
| resolved. | | | | month, it's more money than you would have if you |
| Illness is one challenge that may present itself-not only | | | | set aside nothing. In six months, you would have $150. |
| your own but also your family members. If you have | | | | In a year, you would have $300. Because these types |
| young children, you probably know that they can come | | | | of expenses usually occur every so many months and |
| down sick several times a year, as it takes time for | | | | not on a regular basis, by the time something |
| children to build up their immune systems. Because of | | | | unexpected happens, you may have the full amount to |
| this, you may not be able to adhere to your plan as | | | | cover the expense. Even if you don't, the fact that you |
| you normally would. | | | | have something will help keep from dipping too far into |
| In situations where you have to tend to your child or | | | | your savings. |
| another family member, there are still things you can | | | | It could also be that while working on your new career |
| do to keep you from getting completely off track. You | | | | plan, you unexpectedly lose your job. This can be very |
| can still review your mission statement and your goals. | | | | traumatic. No one likes to be the person on the |
| You can also rework your plans around the time | | | | receiving end of a downsizing program. Finding |
| needed to take care of your sick loved one. Although | | | | yourself in such a situation can really mess with your |
| you may not be able to do everything you normally | | | | thought processes as well as your self-esteem. This |
| would have done when it comes to your daily to-do | | | | could easily cause you to question your plans or even |
| list, put some thought into what you "can" do during the | | | | stop you dead in your tracks. Don't! |
| situation. Every little bit of action, no matter how small, | | | | Instead, think of the bigger picture and keep your |
| is better than none. | | | | tongue and emotions in check. You want to be able to |
| When it comes to your own illness, work into your plan | | | | exit gracefully and to keep from burning any bridges. |
| a few sick days each month ahead of time. This can | | | | While you have to pay some attention to the things |
| be very useful in relieving stress and guilt when you | | | | that have gone wrong, don't forget to focus on what is |
| come down sick and need to take some time off to | | | | going right for you. This can boost your confidence |
| recover. As women who can be somewhat hard on | | | | and optimism when it comes to finding a new job and |
| ourselves, this tool can really help you mentally when it | | | | help you get back on track with achieving the goals |
| comes to giving yourself permission to put things on | | | | you set for yourself. |
| hold for a few days. | | | | There are many challenges that can present |
| Another challenge you may face at one point or | | | | themselves while you are working on achieving your |
| another are unexpected expenses. If part of your plan | | | | career goals. But you can't let them become an |
| is to save a certain amount of money so that you can | | | | excuse for not following through with your plan. The |
| go to school, start your own business, or something | | | | road of broken dreams is littered with excuses. The |
| else that involves a chunk of change, having to divert | | | | key is to prepare as much as you can for these |
| that money to something it is not intended for can be | | | | challenges ahead of time because there will always be |
| very frustrating. Just as you start to build up your | | | | challenges. |
| savings, the car breaks down, the dishwasher stops | | | | |