Rise UP!

Tips for Making a better 2025

First, Happy New Year’s Eve!!!

Life is about being intentional. Either you are going to live life or life is going to live you. On a ship the direction depends on which way the Captain steers helm. Your life’s direction depends on your decisions. So be the Captain of your life and take initiative on how you live it!

I have a few suggestions on how to make 2025 an awesome year.

Review what you did last year.

o   Did you follow through with last year’s goals?

o   Did you make good decisions with your time?

o   Did your health choices coincide with your goals?

o   Did you honor your finances the way a good steward of money would?

If you answered NO to any of questions, I appreciate your honesty and now you know where to start. Answer these questions on a separate sheet of paper.

o   What stopped you from following through with last year’s goals?

o  Were they obtainable? Did you set the goal and then life got busy?

o   What areas did you do a great job with time management? What can you do to ensure 2025 gives you the schedule of your dreams?

o   Managing your health involves making healthy choices, being diligent, making realistic goals, and developing good habits to improve your overall health. Where does your overall health stand (Very good, good, could be better, I need a Dr. Now!)? What health changes would you like to make?

o   What would you like for your finances to look like next year?

o  Does it require you to lower your spending? Do you need to go back to school first? Do you need 2nd, 3rd, or 4th steam of income? If so, what does that look like? Where will that time come from?

Goal setting – I know a lot of corporations use the SMART rule for business. Let’s use it for our personal lives!

SPECIFIC: Be specific with your goal.

1. Example: I want to make more money vs. I want to make $12,000 more this year OR even more specific I want to make $231 more per week this year. ($231 per week may feel more attainable than the $12,000 per year.).  Then you strategize how you will make this happen.

MEASUREBLE: Things that can be measured can be improved! How will you measure your goal?

1. Example: I will lose 13 pounds by June.
2. Using a weight loss journal may be a good option. It can be used to document eating habits, beverage intake, calorie counter, body measurer, etc. This will allow you to find what works and what does not work in this journey.

ACHIEVABLE:  Goals that are too big can discourage your process and stop you from moving forward all together. No one wants to do anything that feels hard so make it easy; set attainable goals, when accomplished, you can always set a higher goal to take its place.

RELEVANT: Is your goal in alignment?

1. Let’s use the money goal example. If you know the only way you can make $231 more dollars a week is to graduate from a 2 year program, this goal isn’t relevant right now, and maybe the goal is to get enrolled in the program.

TIME: A goal without a timeline is just a dream.

1. Allow a realistic timeline for your goals. Keep an eye on things. Try not to change the timeline but life happens I’d rather you modify the timeline than give up on the goal totally.

Tips for time management:

1. Create a schedule: Make a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule or to-do list to organize and prioritize your tasks, and allocate time. 
2. Avoid distractions: Minimize distractions like social media and unnecessary phone calls.
3. Set boundaries: Set boundaries so you can say no to activities that don't fit your priorities. 
4. Reward yourself: Celebrate your progress, big and small. 

Healthy Choice Tips:

1. Eat well / Drink Water: Eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of nourishing foods and limits processed foods and sugar. Water keeps you hydrated, lubricates your joints, helps get rid of toxins through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements and so much more!
2. Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help you manage your weight, have more energy, and lower your blood pressure. 
3. Sleep enough: The average adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep per night. 

Finance Tips:

1. Planning and Budgeting: Use a finance journal to track income and expenses, ensuring spending aligns with priorities. 
2. Living within means: Avoiding excessive debt by only spending what you earn. 
3. Saving for the future: Regularly contributing to emergency funds and retirement plans. 
4. Mindful spending: Distinguishing between needs and wants, avoiding impulsive purchases.

Last Tip and I promise I won’t bother you until next year!

1. Find a community! You’re not the only person with your goal – Find a community that can keep you inspired, accountable, and knowledgeable. Groups can be found on Facebook, meet up, at local events, Church, and if all else fails start your own!

These are just a few things that you can do to make 2025 a great one!

Much Love and Happy New Year to you all!!