It’s New Year’s Eve. Is your 2010 going to be better than your 2009? You bet it is! Here’s how to hit the ground running.
By Theresa Tan
Most of us entered into 2009 with fear and trepidation. Economists were howling, banks were broken, and many were sure that we were headed for a Depression. Meanwhile, terrorism was still a very real threat, and there was no let-up in the natural disasters. Certainly, it seemed 2009 was one of the worst years to live through — the world’s annus horribilis.
But now we enter into a new decade – most of us are filled with hope 2010 will be a better year, and that it will usher in a better age.
While we cannot guarantee that economically the world is entirely out of the woods, or that our combined efforts will turn global warming around, there are some things within our control that we can do to make 2010 as smooth and pleasant as possible.
1. Get Your Finances in Shape
There are few things more stressful than knowing that your finances are in a mess, yet having no energy or motivation to do something about it. Money guru Suze Orman calls this financial clutter — not knowing what state your finances are in, how much you really have, if you’re overspending or not, missing your credit card payments because you’re not opening your bills (purposely or subconsciously).
Dedicate the next two weeks getting your money in order. Start 2010 by keeping an expenditure log. Be accountable for every dollar that comes to you and leaves you. As Orman says, treat money with respect and it will treat you with respect.
Recommended reading: The 9 Steps To Financial Freedom; Women & Money: Owning The Power To Control Your Destiny, both by Suze Orman
2. Get Your Body In Shape
Answer these 3 questions:
a. Do you have problems catching up with your 3-year-old toddler when you bring him to the Botanic Gardens? Are you breathless and in need of a nap after an hour of running around?
b. Do you catch what seems like every strain of flu that comes around the office?
c. Are you forgetting your vitamins? Or do you not even take any vitamins?
If you answered yes to any of them, chances are you could afford to get in better shape than you currently are. We don’t give it much thought but maintaining good health and fitness extends our energy levels, decreases our chances of contracting chronic disease, and also saves us money!
Sign up for a full body checkup — just like your finances, you need to know where you stand physically. If you have an apple-shaped body, you are at higher risk of heart disease, which is the number one killer of women in Singapore. If your waist-to-hip ratio (circumference of your natural waist – just under the bellybutton – divided by your hip circumference at its widest) is higher than 0.8, you are in the unhealthy range and again, have increased risk of heart disease. Visceral fat – which is the fat around our vital organs – cannot be seen from the outside, so you can be thin as a rake and still have fat choking your heart. Don’t take any more risks — get yourself checked out, get on a diet and exercise programme if you have to, and get in shape for 2010.
Recommended reading: War On Weight by Dr Victor YC Ong, Eat Right 4 Your Type by Peter D’Adamo.
3. Get Your Thoughts In Order
“As a man thinks, so is he.” This proverb, made famous by James Allen’s book As A Man Thinketh, holds true. You know what they say, if two people are given the same task and one person thinks “I can” and the other thinks “I can’t”, both are right!
Make 2010 is the year that you mind what’s in your mind. Watch your language — that’s usually an indication of what’s on your mind. If you find yourself saying “I’m so broke” or “I’ll never be rich” or “They’re going to give my promotion to someone else” or “My husband’s going to leave me” — then stop, and say the opposite! “I’m not going to be broke this year.” “I’m going to be rich”. “I’m going to get that promotion this year.” “My husband and I are going to be happily married for all our lives.”
Train your mind to think positive — you will be surprised at how things seem to “magically” go your way. Try it out — and tell us the good results! We want to run your story!
Recommended reading: The Power Of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, As A Man Thinketh by James Allen.
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