If you’ve ever tried saving money without a goal, it’s kind of like jogging without knowing where the finish line is—you get tired, sweaty, and eventually give up to watch TV. That’s why one of the most powerful moves you can make for your savings is to set a specific goal. Yes, that means numbers. And yes, that means a deadline.

Let’s say you want to save $1,500 for a vacation to escape the chaos of daily life (or just the chaos of your inbox). When you say, “I want to save $1,500 by December 1,” something magical happens. Your brain kicks into gear like a GPS recalculating for traffic. You’re no longer just “saving when I can.” You’re on a mission with a countdown. And missions with countdowns always sound more serious—even if your mission is just sipping something fruity on a beach.

Setting a clear goal also makes the process a lot less overwhelming. Instead of staring at your bank app wondering why your balance looks like a sad potato, you start to see progress. $50 a week suddenly becomes $200 a month. Add a little discipline (and maybe cut back on those gourmet coffees that require a pronunciation guide), and you’re on your way.

Urgency matters. Deadlines push you into action. Direction matters. Knowing your target amount stops you from randomly transferring money to savings and then dragging it back out when the mood for takeout strikes. With a plan, you start to respect your own money.

So go ahead—name your savings goal like it’s a VIP project. Give it a number. Give it a date. Give it the energy of someone who absolutely refuses to sleep on an air mattress ever again.

Because when you know where you’re going, and when you want to get there, saving isn’t just responsible—it’s rewarding. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit fun.