Happy second new year

By Tammy Johnston

It is the beginning of August, the sun is shining, vacationing is in full swing, and New Year’s is a million miles from your mind.  But my experience is that every year has two new years; the traditional one on January 1 and the second one being the Tuesday after the Labour Day weekend.  The second new year brings the beginning of the school season, the back into the normal swing of things at work, and a new hope for a better future.

Where are you in terms of accomplishing the goals you set for the year?  Are you on track, ahead of schedule, or have you fallen behind?  Should you be re-evaluating whether or not you even want the same goals you chose at the beginning of the year?  What adjustments do you need to make in order to put yourself back into the game, or to step it up?

In summer, schedules usually go out the window.  When fall comes we rush back into the normal grind.  What could you prepare in advance to make the transition smooth and forward moving?  Do you need to take some time to clean up some physical messes that cause you nothing but grief?  Getting rid of crap in our environments gives us physical and mental space.  It also makes room to attract the things we want into our lives when we get rid of the stuff that doesn’t serve us.

Spend some relaxing time with your family discussing what positive changes you can make in the fall to make everything go easier.  Can tasks be delegated to various family members so that everyone is contributing and benefiting?  What skills need to be taught / learned so that everyone can help?  What extra-curricular activities does everyone want to participate in, and how will that affect scheduling?  Are there tasks that can be done differently (ie:  menu planning and bulk cooking, rearranging work schedules to better accommodate transportation needs, organizing cupboards, closets, home offices, and kids’ rooms) to free up time and money for everyone?

With September approaching we have a wonderful opportunity to begin again fresh and energized.  Take some time this August to figure out what small improvements you can make that add up to huge positive results.  Step up to the plate with new enthusiasm and maybe even a revised plan of action.  You’ll be amazed at just how much you can accomplish.

“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let every new year find you a better man.” Benjamin Franklin

Tammy Johnston is the President and CEO of The Financial Guides: www.thefinancialguides.com

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