Have you ever thought about this question:

"Why do you want to achieve financial freedom?"

I know it's an obvious question. But many of us never think about this question even though you are clear that you want to achieve financial freedom.

As for me, why I want to achieve financial freedom? Because financial freedom gives me the power to:

- do what I really love.
- get out of rat race.
- not to worry about money.
- spend more time with my wife and family.
- go to gym and work out more often.
- have more free time.
- live the lifestyle I wish.
- go on vacation as long as I want.
- socialize with friends and relatives.
- do charity.

Before you start taking any steps to be financially free, sit down and figure out your own 'why'.

Your 'why' might not be identical to what I have here. But it's fine as long as you have your own list.

When you realize that you are able to do all the things that you want to do, isn't life wonderful?

You must know the 'why' first and the 'how' part becomes easy. Most of us are very busy with our lives but we do not know why we are so busy.

You must regularly ask yourself why you are doing something. Is what you are doing now important for you to achieve your 'why'? If you do this, you become more focus and the 'why' will keep you motivated and keep you going.

Whenever I feel down or my plans did not go as I wanted, I will always refer to my 'why' list. The list gives me strength not to give up.

Now, you have done with your 'why' list.

Another important step is to take a personal inventory of you. You have to know where you are now before you go somewhere.

To simplify your job, there is an e-book called "Benchmark" that can assist you to take inventory of yourself. It's a great tool that helps you in determining where you are and where you want to go, in every aspect of your life. It's a 10-page e-book in PDF format. Please note that it might take a while to download but it's worth the effort. You can get a copy of this e-book at this URL:

http://www.financiallyrich.com/benchmark.asp

It's a great experience doing this exercise. This simple exercise not only allows you to step back but also to make sure that you are in the right direction. After the exercise, if you realize that you are in the wrong direction, make corrections to go back on track.

Having completed your 'why' list and personal inventory, you've laid the groundwork for success. Congratulations!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PT Cheng is the owner of FinanciallyRich. Get excellent tips on how to be your own boss, have more money, and free time. For future articles, subscribe to his FREE newsletter at http://www.financiallyrich.com/subscribe.asp and receive a BONUS report.