Is it time for a reset?
No doubt about it, 2020 has taken its toll on people. It will be remembered as the year that everyone wants to forget.
It has caused untold costs in social, political, physical, emotional, financial, and for some people even spiritual, wellness. Some people have been through – well, hell. There is no other way to say it.
This is the time of year when we traditionally make resolutions for a better new year – most of which we don’t or can’t keep. But this year, maybe – just maybe – we might be able to make some changes in our personal lives that bring us the calm and balance so lacking this year.
In preparing for this piece, I took a look back at some of my previous blogs about New Year’s resolutions and making change. They are all still very relevant, but rather than be redundant, I’ve listed a few of the most recent below with links. Please take a few minutes to check them out, as I believe you might find them useful.
In the meantime, let’s consider the advice of a few influencers from history.
Reflect
“He who knows others is wise; He who knows himself is enlightened.” — Lao-tzu (604–531 BC) Chinese Philosopher.
This year in particular has taught us some things about ourselves and our ability to cope. We have also seen things that we hope never to see again. Before making any major decisions, take some time to reflect on why you want change. What caused you to feel that the current situation is unwanted, and what is the desired outcome from the change? Are there examples in your past when things were better? Do you wish for a more idyllic scenario in the coming years?
Remember
“I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. A magical thing. And sweet to remember. We are nearer to Spring than we were in September. I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.” ― Oliver Herford
Perhaps you do remember better times. Or maybe you have a role model who lives the kind of life you crave. What specifically is it about that time or that person that intrigues you now? Are you being realistic about what is actually achievable?
Resolve
“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” —J. Pierpont Morgan
Key to making positive change is the belief that you can, and the determination to follow through. Many innovators, inventors, and other highly successful people have achieved that success through sheer bull-headedness – the conviction that they have a good idea that will benefit themselves, their neighbors, and the world. And they persevere despite failed attempts until they have accomplished their goal(s). “If at first you don’t succeed . . . “
Renew
“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.” —Joseph Campbell
Sometimes we just need to think outside of the box and forget what we think is expected of us. There is some truth to the cliché, “If we believe we can, we can.”
Recruit
Need help? If you are ready to re-examine your daily money management habits and develop a plan for the future, call or email for a complimentary 30-minute consultation. Alison@fiscallyfit.us or 1-650-965-4090.
Reset
“ ‘The barnacle . . . is confronted with an existential decision about where it’s going to live. Once it decides.. . it spends the rest of its life with its head cemented to a rock..’ . . . For a good many of us, it comes to that.” – From a speech by John W. Gardner.
The end of one year and the beginning of another is the time for wishes. My wish for you is that you achieve your personal goals in the coming years, and that 2021 forward is brighter, safer, and happier for all.
Don’t be the barnacle.
Contact me for a free 30-minute consultation.
New Year’s Resolutions, Holiday Debt, Budgeting in the New Year
- Looking Back to Move Forward:
https://fiscallyfit.us/2018/01/18/celebrate-2017-personal-finance-accomplishments/ - Tackling Holiday Credit Card Debt:
https://fiscallyfit.us/2018/01/25/tackling-holiday-credit-card-debt/ - New Year’s Financial Resolutions:
https://fiscallyfit.us/2017/12/21/2018-new-years-financial-resolutions/ - The Debits-Credits Bullet Journal:
https://fiscallyfit.us/2017/03/02/the-debits-credits-of-bullet-journals/ - 7 Habits of the Financially Stable:
https://fiscallyfit.us/2016/07/26/7-habits-financially-stable/ - 52 Week Saving Challenge:
https://fiscallyfit.us/2013/12/15/2014-52-week-saving-challenge/
fiscallyfit.us 