My Three Wishes for You in 2019…and Beyond

I am not a big believer in making New Year’s resolutions. I think it puts too much focus on making goals at a specific time of year. Most resolutions that start in January tend to be broken or stalled before March. And then you spend the rest of the year beating yourself up for not achieving your resolutions.

I would so much prefer if each of you looked at every day as an opportunity to be kind to yourself. When you have a bad day, know that tomorrow is a new opportunity to reset and refocus. Every day is an opportunity to be the person you want and are meant to be.

To help you move toward your goals, I want to share a few thoughts that are constant guides and reminders for me.

Never forget that when one door closes, another one opens. There are always challenges, disappointments, and setbacks. That’s life! But how you respond is 100% in your control. Search for the opportunity to learn, grow, and change. Today’s setback can make you stronger and wiser and more appreciative of the life ahead.

The elephant keeps walking as the dogs keep barking. When the world seems to be barking at you, staying grounded in your beliefs makes it possible to tune out the noise. To remain true to what you know is right and good is giving yourself a tremendous gift.

Every thought, word, and action that you take must pass the three gatekeepers of life: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? This is worth repeating: Kind. Necessary. True. When you are faced with a choice, be it an impulse purchase at the checkout line or deciding how to tell a friend she needs to clean up her act, run through the three gatekeepers. When a thought, word, or action is kind, necessary, and true it is an act of positive power.

People first. Then money. Then things. At the end of the day, it really is this simple. Relationships are always your first priority. Never let anything get in the way of nuturing your relationships. Including taking care of yourself. Only when you are taking care of yourself will you have the strength and heart to give to others.

I send you wishes of health and happiness for 2019 and beyond.

P.S. Remember to tune in to the all-new season of my Women & Money podcast! Each week, I share personal stories, answer your questions, and provide the personal finance advice you need to take control of your finances.