Over the last two years, I have had the privilege of walking beside Michelle Boss (aka The Money Boss) as an accountability partner. Over that time she’s grown from being a fellow financial coach into a mentor and friend. We’ve never met in person, but we check in every two weeks via phone. We share our highs and lows, celebrating and encouraging one another along the way.
In 2019, Michelle set the intention of “space” — space to care for herself, be present with family, and grow her business. I’ve watched closely as this intention has taken shape over the last year. It’s led her to take yoga classes and spend more time out on the hiking trails near her home; it’s pushed her to join a group of other financial coaches where she can deepen her learning and find community; it’s encouraged her to be more intentional about spending time with her family, traveling, and taking time off for longer stretches at a time. But what’s been most interesting is seeing how taking this space for herself and those she loves has opened up a world of new opportunities for her both personally and professionally. It’s been her busiest year in her business yet. That space has helped her discern which opportunities are worthwhile and give her a clearer sense of direction.
What was your intention for 2019? I’ll admit my well-thought out intention to listen closely was a great idea in theory, but it was quickly forgotten a few weeks into the year. If yours was too, no worries. I understand! This year, I’m excited to follow in Michelle’s footsteps and choose an intention that can stay with me throughout the year pervading every area of my life. This year, my aim is to “be present.”
As someone who too often lives with one foot in the future and one foot stuck in the past, I never seem to have time to be present. I want to seize the opportunities as they come, find ways to nourish myself with what I need when I need it, and find ways to enjoy the stage that I’m at without longing for the next one. That’s not to say I won’t be ambitious or goal-oriented — but I hope that by staying grounded I can put down roots that will strengthen and support my future growth.
What to start 2020 off on the right foot? Here are some tips to help you get there:
· Set Your Intention: Choose a word or phrase that captivates your imagination and challenges you a bit — something you can apply to every area of your life, not just finances.
Tip: Use this site to help you find and commit to your word. Some of my favorites are: enough, generous, confidence, stewardship, and simplicity.
· Remember Your Word: It’s easy for new year’s intentions to get lost in the shuffle after the novelty wears off. Find ways to bring yourself back to your word. Write it on a card and put it in your wallet, or jot it on a post-it and put it on your bathroom mirror. If you already have time set apart for self-care (like journaling, yoga, meditation, or going to the gym for a workout), start your practice by repeating your intention to yourself.
Tip: Maybe meditation or yoga isn’t your thing? Find a time when you have a moment to yourself — driving to work in the morning, riding the bus, even while you’re chopping vegetables — and use it to intentionally reflect on your intention.
· Choose One Goal: Yep, just one! Select a goal that aligns with your intention. For instance, my goal is to stop bringing up where we are going to live next (after our apartment). We’re happy here. Until that changes, we need to just let ourselves be happy and stop trying to figure out our (still unknown) next step. For you, it might be letting go of the guilt and shame associated with your debt and making a plan to repay it. It might mean being brave enough to ask for a raise.
Tip: Pay attention to the goals that you need in your life — whether they’re really concrete, like making a plan for an emergency fund, or a little more ambiguous, like my goal of being present – and pick one that speaks most to you. Then commit to regularly checking in on how you are doing living it out. Resist the urge to turn it into a resolution that you have to cross off your list.
· Share Your Intention: If you want it to stick, accountability is crucial. Let your family and friends know about your intention for this year and ask them to hold you to it. Find an accountability partner who will check-in with you every so often to see how you’re putting your word into action this year.
Tip: Don’t forget to share your word with your partner and invite them to do the same. Include your words in your money dates and see how it helps to shape up your budget and financial goals for the next year.
What’s your 2020 intention? Let me know below!
Setting a financial New Year’s Resolution? This Thursday, Jan. 2, I’ll be going live on Facebook at 8pm Central to share a few of the most common money-related resolutions and first steps you can take to make them a reality. Only have Instagram? Don’t worry — I’ll be posting the recording to IGTV later.
Looking for a great way to get your 2020 finances on the right foot? Join me for my Love & Money Brunch on Feb. 29! I’ll help you boost your financial confidence, better understand your & your partner’s money personalities, and teach you my recipe for the perfect money date night in a fun and relaxed setting. Plus, brunch goodies & drinks all around. Register today — seats are filling up!