Small Steps to Help Achieve Big Goals of Health, Wealth and Happiness
It’s time to check in with the grand plans you made on Jan. 1. If you haven’t made any progress toward your goals, here are some baby steps to get you back in gear.
It’s hard to believe, but half the year has already passed. How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? Do they seem too daunting? Perhaps they may not be if you break them up into smaller steps and take action on the first ones. Here are some ideas to kick-start you on the path to achieving your goals this year:
Resolution #1: I want to improve my health.*
Whether that goal means losing weight, eating better, reducing risk factors for disease or lessening stress, many people have remarked to me that this year has brought no meaningful changes to their health and overall well-being. To them, I say take a couple small steps toward your goal, and you’ll be on your way.
- Small Step #1: Think about going for a walk every day. You can start improving physical activity levels by walking each day, ideally after a meal. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can find ways to walk more. Try the mall (but don’t impulse buy while you’re there).
- Small Step #2: Consider adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. As you change what you eat, your tastes will begin to change too, and cravings for sugar-rich, processed, fatty foods will diminish. Ask your health professional for some ideas for more nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Resolution #2: I want to improve my financial situation.
This goal can range from paying down debts levels to organizing your estate for the next generation. Wherever you are in the wealth spectrum, you can commit to action.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
- Small Step #1: Lay out a budget statement, including all expenditures, assets and liabilities. Just doing this mentally isn’t good enough: Make sure you write it down on paper. It will help to organize your thoughts and then your actions.
- Small Step #2: Talk to your financial professionals. Your financial adviser, accountant and attorney can all help you gain some perspective.
Resolution #3: I want to improve my overall happiness.
Are you as happy as you could be right now? What are some ways in which you could be happier?
- Small Step #1: Call some friends and get together. For some people life can be less fun when led in solitude. Take comfort in your friends and loved ones, and talk about how to help each other.
- Small Step #2: Take stock of what you have, do and believe. Happiness is a state of mind, and figuring out where the gaps are from where you are and where you want to be will help you uncover how to make the transitions.
* This newsletter is being provided for informational purposes only and is not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your personal condition, as well as, prior to beginning any diet or exercise regimen.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
Justin J. Kumar embraces a proactive, systematic investment management approach with a customized, proprietary system to help guide his clients toward their financial goals.
-
Is a Phased Retirement Right for You?
Want to keep working, just not as hard? A phased retirement may just be the answer.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Four Tips to Make Your Sales Presentation a Winner
Being prepared and not being boring can go a long way toward persuading a potential customer to buy into what you’re offering.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Four Tips to Make Your Sales Presentation a Winner
Being prepared and not being boring can go a long way toward persuading a potential customer to buy into what you’re offering.
By H. Dennis Beaver, Esq. Published
-
Pros and Cons of Waiting Until 70 to Claim Social Security
Waiting until 70 to file for Social Security benefits comes with a higher check, but there could be financial consequences to consider for you and your family.
By Patrick M. Simasko, J.D. Published
-
Now Could Be Time for Private Investors to Make Their Mark
The venture capital crunch may be easing, but it isn't over yet. That means there could be direct investment opportunities for private deal investors.
By Thomas Ruggie, ChFC®, CFP® Published
-
How to Stop Boredom From Ruining Your Happy Retirement
Retirees who explore new interests and have an active social life are more likely to find joy — and even greatness — in the newfound freedom of retirement.
By Richard P. Himmer, PhD Published
-
The Life-or-Death Answers We Owe Our Loved Ones
How our life ends isn’t always up to us, but that question too often must be answered by loved ones and health care workers who don’t know what we would want.
By Joel Theisen, RN Published
-
Hot Tips for Home Buyers and Sellers Right Now
Real estate looks to be especially hopping this spring, thanks to pent-up demand and buyers adjusting to higher mortgage rates. Here’s how you can prepare.
By Pam Krueger Published
-
Is 100 the New 70?
Eating well, exercising, getting plenty of sleep and managing chronic stress can help make you a SuperAger. Funding that long life requires longevity literacy.
By Phil Wright, Certified Fund Specialist Published
-
Nine Lessons to Be Learned From the Hilton Family Trust Contest
Disclaimers, good communication, post-marital agreements and more could help avoid conflict in a family after the owners of a wealthy estate pass away.
By John M. Goralka Published