As we roll into 2018, are you starting to think about what you want to do in the New Year? Maybe you’re thinking about a new job or relocating to another city.

Whether you’re thinking about small changes or major decisions, don’t forget about your personal relationships. Relationships are important and sometimes we take people we value the most for granted.

Do you want to strengthen your relationship with your spouse?

Are their friendships you want to rebuild?

Are their family members you need to spend more time with in the new year?

Take a few moments and list relationships important to you. Focus only on people you value. It may be a short list, and that’s okay.

Using a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being “needs improvement” and 5 being “perfect”), rank each relationship.

For any relationship ranked below 3, identify one thing you could do in 2018 to improve it.

Here are some ideas to consider.

Weekly phone calls

Monthly lunches

Visits to the theater or museum

Shopping excursions

Playing golf, tennis, or some other sport

Signing up for a class – cooking, photography, ballroom dancing, etc.

Planned weekend getaway or mini vacation

When deciding what to do to strengthen your personal relationships, be realistic about your time and the other person’s time. Decide on something you can do easily. Remember your purpose is to strengthen the relationship not create drudgery for yourself.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of 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 spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy, and professional progression. 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’.”