As we roll into the second half of the year, take a moment to reflect on what you’re doing.
Are you staying on track with things you want to accomplish this year?
If not, what caused you to derail?
Is there a way to get back on track?
Most people become so busy with day-to-day tasks there’s never a chance to pause and reflect.
But you can find time to reflect if you make it a priority.
Here are some ideas to find time:
When going for a walk or run, turn off your headset and reflect.
When taking a shower, stop planning your day and reflect.
Instead of going to lunch with others, dine by yourself and reflect.
As you reflect, use the 5 P’s of Life as a guide to address key areas of life.
The 5 P’s of Life are personal relationships, personal finance, profession, peace of mind, and physical health.
Here are examples of questions to ask yourself in each key area of life:
For personal relationships:
Are you spending time with those who mean the most to you?
Is there anyone you want to reconnect with from your past?
For personal finance:
Do you have sufficient money in your emergency reserve?
What items do you need to tackle to improve your financial health?
For profession:
Are you on track with your career aspirations?
Do you need to find another job or build your network?
For peace of mind:
Are you finding ways to manage stress?
Is there anything you want to do to improve your self-esteem?
For physical health:
Are you living a healthy lifestyle?
Do you need motivation to stay active?
Once you begin this dialogue with yourself, identify ONE item you want to accomplish by the end of the year.
It’s hard to pick one but try. In this way, you have a higher probability of succeeding.
If you finish earlier than anticipated, you can then pick another item.
You have the rest of your life to accomplish everything else.
Stay PEF (positive, enthusiastic, and focused), and make 2023 your best year ever!
(Update to original post from July 27, 2017)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”