Welcome To 2019

Now that 2019 is rolling off to a running start, how much momentum do you have to contribute to it? It’s as if we always go above and beyond for the first few weeks and like clockwork; we fall off come February 1st. Something in the air slows us down and leads us back into that slow roll. It’s really up to you to keep it going. Are you making strides to make your situation better? Are you revising your resume for that new job? Are you practicing for that promotion? Are you dressing the damn part? Are you staying away from the bullshit?

I know the new year can be overwhelming and there may be a lot of pressure to change (I’m not even sure why we wait for the new year to get shit done), but life doesn’t work like that. You should be working around the clock to make the days count instead of counting the days. Like many, I’ve figured out a few different ways to achieve my goals without feeling like its a chore. Breaking large goals down into smaller ones is essential. Just think about all of the goals that you continue to write down and not check off due to the inability to complete the whole task. Something is satisfying and motivating about checking goals off of your list as you add new ones. Work with your goals as you work on them. I hope that doesn’t go over your head.

It may be a daunting task but rearranging your finances can also help with your goals. We are so much more productive when we aren’t worrying about money. Even the slightest relief can help you to focus on other tasks. Eliminate frivolous spending. Cards with high balances and interest rates should be used sparingly, if at all. Anything extra that you can put on debt helps. People mention the snowball method (paying the smallest balance off first) since it’s easier to see progress.

With reduced debt comes increasing savings. I’ve never been a “good saver,” but I always saved enough to do things that I needed to do. Saving wasn’t an issue when I had a job that not only paid well but also allowed me to make a killing in tips. Everybody ordered gratuity. It was a real eye-opener when I no longer had the luxury of tips. I was forced to look at my finances and pay attention to where my money went. After experimenting with various savings challenges, opening a savings certificate with my credit union was my way of saving without transferring money back to my checking.

With a new year comes those “I’m cutting people off” head asses. Don’t wait or announce it. Explanations aren't needed. No warnings. You’re in control of what you put out there and what/who you allow in your space. On the other hand, sometimes you are the problem. If you’re falling out with people over the same shit every time, maybe it’s time for you to reevaluate what you’re putting out there. For example, I fall out with people over money. I now know that if we’re going to be friends, I can’t loan money that I’ll want back or we’ll need some collateral for the loan. If those terms and conditions don’t work for you, holla at the bank or the payday loan place and pay the people their 25% interest. Let us know how that works out for you.

In 2019, we’re working on mental, physical, emotional and financial growth. We need to be flourishing in all aspects. If what you’re about to do disrupts or hinders any of those, be sure that there isn’t a better route. Energy takes the path with the least resistance. That doesn’t mean it’s the best route. Plan what you can but be prepared for instant change. I say all of that to say this; make the most of your days. Enjoy your time because it’s the longest thing that we know. Glow the fuck up for 2019!