Year-end is a perfect time not just for corporations, but for individuals to take a good look at how they spent their time, money and effort.  After taking into account this year’s return on our investments, we can then figure out a plan for the coming year.  When going through this analysis, here are 8 points to consider:

1. Health– are you taking good care of yourself?  If not, now is the time to think about making changes that will improve your physical and mental well-being.

2. Work– are you satisfied with your professional performance and compensation?  It is important to take pride in your work and feel properly appreciated for your efforts.  If this is not happening, you need to figure out how to implement a change.

3. Family– are you happy with your existing family ties?  Family dynamics are tricky, but if there is discord within your family, you need to try to find a way to make peace– a form of peace that you can live with.

4. Money– are you financially solid?  To survive, you need to be able to meet your own basic expenses.  If you don’t have a good grasp on your budget, ask for help.

5. Friends– have you created a support network that works for you?  Friends do get married, move away, or get caught up in their own affairs (as do all of us), so it does take a lot of effort to keep up these connections,  but this is something we need to do and cannot neglect.

6. Appearance– are you content with your image? How you present to the world does matter, and you need to be okay with how you look or go make the necessary changes to feel good about yourself.

7. Spirituality– are you being true to your belief/faith, whatever that might be?  We simply can’t be happy unless we live a life that is reflective of our real core values.

8. Love– have you found love?  Hopefully the answer is “yes,” but if not then the answer should be “not yet.”  We are all worthy of being loved, it just takes time to find the right match.

While all of these areas in life may require our constant attention, cut yourself some slack and don’t try to tackle everything at once.  Prioritize and focus on what it most important to you.

By Regina A. DeMeo, Esq.