I wrote this book hoping that by the time you got to this last chapter, you’d be bursting with excitement, motivation and serious insight into what you’re capable of achieving.

Now is your time to step up and start your own version of the $1000 Project, designed for and created by you. You’ll get to enjoy all the financial, as well as emotional, benefits that come with this personal challenge. And the benefits kick in fast – I bet that the moment you decide to commit to your project, you’ll immediately feel a little boost of happiness, an increased sense of direction and even an element of purpose.

One of the things I love about the $1000 Project is that it can come and go as you wish – and it can also stay as long as you wish. When you’ve achieved one of your goals, or simply need a break, you can park the project for a while and only come back to it when you’re ready. You can switch it on and off as you come up with new goals, desires and dreams.

And, depending on your rules, your goals and your boundaries, you can have the $1000 Project as part of your life forever! Whenever you need or want to, you can jump back on board and start consciously moving forward and growing again. Maybe you’ve decided to start the project to help pay off your student debt – a few years later, you could use it to help buy your first home! Then you might use it to prepare for having a family, then for your children’s education – followed by early retirement! The $1000 Project can evolve with you and become part of you and your story.

Use the $1000 Project to move through your life, or maybe even leapfrog through parts of it – to get somewhere new, build something different, own something exciting. It puts you in the driving seat of your own life – for life.

Personally, I get so passionate and excited about taking on the challenge that I go full steam ahead with the project, and throw a lot of energy into each parcel of $1000. By the time my deadline is up, and I analyse my success and look at it with pride and joy, I need a bit of respite – kind of like a financial holiday. I’ll indulge in some guilt-free avocado on toast at an expensive cafe – or even in a pair of designer shoes, or a new handbag! I definitely don’t go nuts and undo all my hard work, but I also don’t feel like I have to justify anything to myself.

When you do the challenge, do it in a balanced way, and reward yourself in a balanced manner. You’ll gain insight into the ways in which you value money, and why. You’ll find that the knowledge, understanding and awareness that the $1000 Project gives you is addictive, especially as you can see your progress so clearly.

It can be a weird feeling finishing the project – kind of like coming back from an extended trip away from your home town. It feels great to be home, and to be settling back in, but you miss the excitement of adventure, exploration and discovery. Often so much so that you might find yourself planning your next adventure, repacking your suitcase and booking new flights!

After a month or two off, I’m ready to restart the $1000 Project with fresh new goals and bubbling motivation. I love the downtime, but I really prefer the direction and vision of working towards a goal (and preferably a variety of goals, not just financial ones).

So don’t just put this book down as you finish it. Use it to change your life for the better. You have nothing to lose, and so much to gain.

Outline your goals, brainstorm your ideas, remove any negative self-talk or mental blocks, create your rules and boundaries. And set up that dedicated savings account, named either ‘The $1000 Project’ or after your specific goal – and start today.

No more excuses, no more procrastination. I’ve written this book for you because I believe in you, and I believe in everyone around you. Energy is contagious and so is success! Through your own progress, no matter how small, you’ll inspire others around you – and they’ll inspire others, and the $1000 Project will pick up some serious momentum. I invite you to be a part of this movement right now.