Claim Your YES in 2018!
Jill Ciccarelli Rapps | èBella Magazine | January 2018
As we ring in the New Year, many of us reflect on our long list of new or old intentions and goals for the upcoming year. What if you were to throw away that list and consider just one thing that would make you the happiest – something that will really give you a YES year!
What is stopping you from making 2018 your best year yet? As you’ve probably seen throughout your own life, even the best-laid plans are bound to encounter numerous roadblocks. In particular, we’ve observed three major trends that hinder a person’s ability to achieve their YES:
Fear. Fear is a natural human response that tends to arise when we feel that we don’t have control; that we may fail; that we may be letting others down by doing something for ourselves.
The Fix: Accept that these feelings you have are completely normal, but that your fear must never define you. Make a conscious effort to re-focus your thoughts towards the feelings of accomplishment and joy you will experience when you persevere to claim your YES.
Time. Time is perhaps our scarcest resource. Our inclination is to organize all of our time around the dreaded to-do list or schedule. While this approach is effective in managing many tasks, we often feel as though our highly structured lives result in major constraints on our freedom, on our ability to fully experience the limited time we have.
The Fix: Every week, set aside some “me” time to claim your YES. Don’t look at your watch or your to-do list, disconnect from your phone, and hone in on the commitment you made to yourself. Breathe. Relax. Then, with a renewed dedication to that one underlying goal for 2018, consider how you can best structure your time going forward to ensure that your YES will come to fruition.
Money. Your money is a means to an end; the end is your happiness and fulfillment. Saving money is an important virtue, but many of us feel reluctant to spend money: some feel the need to hoard their assets, others may feel averse to “wasting” money on extravagant experiences or luxury items.
The Fix: Whereas saving is the key to long-term financial wellness, spending may be the key to claiming your YES. When you synchronize your spending with your deepest aspirations, your money can begin to achieve a grander purpose – and the true power of your financial plan becomes evident!
So how do you overcome these obstacles to claim your YES? Let’s take a look at Linda.
How Linda Claimed her YES
Linda had a difficult year in 2017. After turning 72 in February, she lost her husband of 46 years, John, in March after a long battle with a rare heart condition.
Linda had always loved traveling throughout Europe and was especially fond of her annual two-week excursion to Italy with John. However, since he passed away, she hasn’t felt comfortable traveling alone. In addition, her only son and her three teenaged grandchildren live in California and rarely have the opportunity to visit Southwest Florida. Linda felt isolated.
At her annual financial review, Linda shared her predicament with her advisor, who shared a curious idea to overcome her loneliness:
“Have you ever considered taking your grandchildren one at a time on the trip of their lifetime?” the advisor asked. “What if, after each of your grandchildren graduates from high school, you let them select any destination in Europe they would like to travel? You will have quality time with them, instill your passion for travel, and give them new perspectives and unforgettable experiences that will be meaningful to them throughout their lifetimes.”
Linda was ecstatic about the idea at first and went home feeling invigorated about her possible future travels. However, throughout the next week, she began to worry about money. Could she really afford three separate vacations in five years? How would these travel excursions impact her grandchildren’s inheritance? Would she need to make significant sacrifices in order to make it happen?
Wait a minute! Linda thought. I can either give them my money when I die, or I can use my money with them while I live. I have a perfect opportunity to enjoy Europe again with three very special travel partners. I can do it – I will do it!
That positive self-talk – overcoming the obstacles – was the turning point for Linda. In summer 2018, Linda will be traversing the mountains of Switzerland with her eldest grandson, and she is eager to explore new territory in 2019 as she and her granddaughter plan their trip to Czechia.
With Linda’s success story in mind, circle back to that one goal or action that will make 2018 your best year yet. Ponder how energized and happy you will feel when you fulfill that promise to yourself, how you will take the obstacles in stride, and how you will go forth with confidence and strength to make it happen!
