The holidays are behind us. Soon it’ll be the new year. It’s time to shift your focus from doing things for others to doing things for you. It’s time to refocus on y-o-u.

Before the new year begins, block off time to think about your life. Reminisce on the high points of the year. Identify events, people, and things that brought you joy.

Use the 5 P’s of Life to probe into what you’d like to tackle for the upcoming year. The 5 P’s of Life include personal relationships, personal finance, profession, peace of mind, and physical health.

For each category identify what you want to keep the same and what you’d like to do differently. For the items, you’d like to change, develop a solution.

Here are some examples to spark your thoughts. Also, look through our blog for more ideas.


Personal Relationships:

Do you want to strengthen your relationship with certain family members or friends?

If yes, list activities you’d like to do with that person(s) to strengthen the relationship.


Personal Finance:

If you were to lose your job, would you be able to cover your expenses until you found a new job?

If no, create a plan to save for an emergency reserve.


Profession:

Do you feel stuck in a dead end job?

If yes, identify professional organizations you can join in order to expand your network and industry knowledge.


Peace of Mind:

Does stress impede your motivation?

If yes, explore ways to manage your stress.


Physical Health:

Are your clothes becoming uncomfortably snug?

If yes, develop a plan to live a healthy lifestyle with more activity and less unprocessed foods.


In today’s world, we seem to be going nonstop all the time, especially during the end of the year. Each month there’s a holiday — Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Scheduling time to reflect on life by using the 5 P’s of Life will help you refocus on yourself … and make 2019 your best year ever.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, 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 developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, 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.’”