Columnists

Take Some “Baby Steps” This New Year

Issue 4.17

Instead of creating a daunting list of New Year’s Resolutions that you quickly abandon, try making this your “baby-step” year. Here are a few examples:

  1. Instead of “losing weight,” commit to eating extra fresh fruits and vegetables and cutting back your portions a little bit without giving up your favorite foods. You’d be surprised how satisfying a small sliver of pie can be, especially if you eat it slowly after you’re already full from the extra broccoli you ate.
  2. Instead of “meditating,” spend ten minutes every day alone, eyes closed, quietly thinking about every aspect of your life. Think of your finances, your relationships, your home – everything. You’d be surprised how much this can focus your thoughts.
  3. Instead of “learning to play piano,” spend fifteen minutes every day learning one new thing about the instrument. Can you find middle C? Can you do a scale in the key of A? You’d be surprised how just spending a few minutes doing one new thing a day can make the process of learning pleasurable, and achievable.
  4. Instead of “writing a book,” start writing yearly letters to each of your family members. These can take any form–from one memory about grandparent, to special things you remember about childhood.
  5. Instead of “saving more money,” commit to what you can afford not to spend on a daily or monthly basis. Can you afford $5 a day – the amount you might spend on coffee or snacks? Put that extra $150 a month away for a rainy day or into an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Other small steps to consider: Spend time with one new person every week, do something you’ve never done before once a month, watch at least one comedy every weekend and laugh out loud.

Eric Scott has worked in the financial industry for more than 33 years. If you have questions about financial planning and investing, you can reach him at 435-773-9444 or info@ericscottfinancial.com.

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