Choose a different zero point

Every number you judge is measured from some baseline, usually one you never picked. Move that baseline on purpose and the same facts read as gain or as shortfall, which changes what counts as progress and what feels urgent.

Every number you judge is measured from some baseline, usually one you never picked. Move that baseline on purpose and the same facts read as gain or as shortfall, which changes what counts as progress and what feels urgent.

Example

Stop scoring your retirement against your balance last January. Set the origin at the $1.4 million you need at 65: you are down $900,000, which makes a four-point jump in savings rate feel mandatory rather than optional.