Hey fam! Happy November! We’re square in that time of the year where we’re doing our best to be extra grateful ahead of the Thanksgiving holidays. I’ve spent a lot of time this year digging into my gratitude list to offset the quarantine blues (thanks, 2020) and thought it was a perfect time to debut a “Thankful Thursday” post. I’m grateful for a whole journal full of things, but today, I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned so far.
Here’s just a smattering of the lessons I’ve learned – most of them the hard way!
If you track it, you can control it.
If you’ve been here more than a few minutes, you’ve noticed this is one of my favorite sayings. And it’s because it’s so true and has been so transformative in my life. In personal finance, in physical fitness, nutrition, education and general growth and progress, tracking your actions is important. If I can see that I’m moving the needle, I’m 110% more motivated to continue on the path. This is my number 1 tip for people who feel like they’re losing steam on the way toward a goal.
Work/life balance isn’t a thing.
It’s a thing in an ideal world, sure. And if you think you’ve found it, please send me the playbook. I’ll pay ALL the dollars for the secret. For now, it’s a mythical, rainbow-colored unicorn I’m not sure exists. I can’t be 100% in every aspect of my life. Some days, my job gets my whole self, and sometimes my marriage or my friendships get my whole self. But most days, I have to divide my time, attention and energy between all of those things.
Rest is important.
So you’re probably reading this, thinking, “well, yeah, duh”. And I get that. But for some reason, this is one concept that I’ve just recently learned. A painful running injury, 3 months of physical therapy, and finally this concept made it through my hard head. Rest is a form of self care. It doesn’t cost me anything, and yet, makes a great impact on my quality of life (and my attitude!).
Assume others know more than you.
My grandpa said this frequently as I was growing up. This was meant as a reminder to stay humble and never get ‘bigger than your britches’. (I’m from Missouri, what can I say…) I’ve found this makes me want to listen more and say less. And generally ends in better results and performance.
That’s not to say being a wallflower or a church mouse is the goal. When I do speak up, I try my best to make sure it’s thoughtful, sincere and adds value to the conversation.
Your character is illustrated by your actions, not your words.
2020 is an election year, so I think we’re all pretty familiar with this concept. We’ve all been around people who talk the talk but just don’t seem to walk the walk.
Talking is important. It’s a way to connect with the people around you, but there are problems if talking isn’t followed up with genuine action. I always think about those blow-up figures that dance around at used car lots. Or a cardboard cut-out of a person. Backing up your words with action is SO IMPORTANT.
They go low, we go high.
Just like the OG Queen, Michelle Obama, says, your integrity is everything. We all have to sleep at night, and a clear conscience is helpful for that critical human task. Integrity is important and worth fighting for.
Starting today is better than starting tomorrow.
When in doubt, just take a step. Kelsa Dickey at the Financial Coach Academy calls it “messy action”. If you have a goal, only so much thinking and planning can be done. At some point, you just have to GET STARTED. Same with your finances – if you want to save money so you can pay off your debt, you’ve just got to do it. Transfer the money out of your checking account. Pay yourself first. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Some action is better than no action.
Think about investing – we know that savings rate and time for growth are the two most important factors in your future wealth. If you start today, even with a few dollars, you will be significantly ahead of anyone who waits to start until tomorrow.
Setting a solid precedent is important.
Just like in the legal world, precedent matters. Said differently, consistency is important. Setting boundaries up front is all the rage, my friends. For example, new job? Be clear up front what you expect in terms of your schedule or extra responsibilities. New spouse or roommate? Best to decide in the beginning how the household chores will be split.
Not to say there isn’t room in life for growth and change, but I’ve learned it’s a lot more difficult to change a process or a responsibility or a behavior after it’s been set as canon.
You’ve got one chance to set the precedent. Use it wisely.
Gratitude is everything.
You can be intentional about this and set aside 10 minutes every day to journal about the things you’re grateful for. Or, you can simply take a second to acknowledge your thankfulness when the thought crosses your mind. Thankful Thursday doesn’t have to be relegated to one day a week!
We know gratitude as a daily habit can be transformative and lead you to a healthy abundance mindset. And gratitude as a form of self care doesn’t cost a penny but is a reminder of all that you have.
And probably most importantly, people remember how you made them feel.
2020 has been a tough one, but the truth is, everyone experiences a hard season or two in their lives. Listening and caring about the people around you is what counts. Make sure everyone you talk to knows they’re important and worthy. Sometimes you’re the only person in their life reminding them they’re loved.
There we have it – thankful Thursday! What lessons have you learned in the last year? What are the lessons you’re most thankful for?