It’s almost here.
A new year… a new decade.
It’s time to reset.
Reset from the overscheduled holiday months
Reset from comparing yourself to others
Reset from negative talk from others and more importantly from yourself
Refrain from pressuring yourself to make big changes in this new decade. Instead, reset your expectations about life.
Use the 5 P’s of Life to explore your expectations about life. The 5 P’s or key areas of life include personal relationships, personal finance, profession, peace of mind, and physical health.
For each category, identify how you ideally envision this part of your life. It could be what you want it to look like in a year, in five years, or even in ten years.
“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra
Here are some examples to spark your thoughts. Also, read our blog for more ideas.
Personal Relationships:
“Personal Relationships” category refers to your relationship with family and friends. It includes activities you envision doing with them, as well as gifts you may provide them.
Studies have found strong relationships can help reduce stress and improve healing. Studies have also found relationships to be key in living a longer life.
Your personal relationships are people in your support system – it’s your tribe.
Do you want to strengthen your relationship with certain family members or friends?
Do you want to expand your circle of friends?
Personal Finance:
“Personal Finance” category refers to the financial management of your lifestyle. While money isn’t the purpose of life, it helps you achieve your lifestyle.
Do you want better financial management of your spending and savings?
Do you want more money in your emergency reserve?
Profession:
“Profession” refers to your work, whether it’s generating income or volunteering for a nonprofit organization. For most, work is where you spend a significant portion of your waking hours.
Do you want a job with more responsibilities and recognition?
Do you want to start a side-hustle?
Peace of Mind:
“Peace of Mind” refers to what you need for your mental health. With more awareness of this subject, it’s no longer a taboo to discuss openly.
Do you want to improve your stress management techniques?
Do you want to take a class to learn a new skill?
Physical Health:
“Physical Health” refers to staying healthy. It includes physical activity, nutritional eating, and sufficient sleep.
We’re constantly bombarded with why it’s important to stay healthy – lower health care costs, live longer, fewer injuries, etc.
We’re also bombarded with ways to live a healthy lifestyle – follow a Keto diet, use interval training when exercising, eat organic, etc.
But it’s up to you to decide what’s important for yourself and to discuss it with your doctor.
Do you want an exercise program that keeps you motivated?
Do you want a consistent sleep routine?
Before committing to an endless list of goals, think about how you envision your life. Reset your expectations by using the 5 P’s of Life to address each key area of life.
Once you create a vision of your life, then begin making an action plan to accomplish it. Stay PEF (positive, enthused, and focused) and make 2020 your best year ever!
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.’”