You can use a Google or Excel spreadsheet or a mobile budgeting app like Mint and EveryDollar to keep a log of your expenses and budget. Monthly expenses include food, rent, transportation, utilities, insurance — anything you need to survive. It also includes indulgences and fun things, like dining out, entertainment, and travel. Savings and investments can include stocks and bonds, real estate, business seed money, or even a separate fund for future purchases. If you have debts, use that 10% to steadily pay them off. While donating to a charitable cause is a worthy goal, take care of yourself first! You can give back once you’re in a stable financial place.
Don’t sweat if you can’t afford to put 20% of your paycheck into savings each month. Do what you can, accept that surprise expenses happen, and aim to save at least 10% when possible. Every dollar counts! Remember: only dip into your rainy day fund for emergencies. It’s there to protect you and give you peace of mind. It can be tempting to use a larger part of your paycheck for immediate fun purchases. To keep yourself accountable, try to set up automatic deposits to your savings account through your bank or employer.
You could start a Roth IRA account, which lets you steadily add money to the retirement fund, and all contributions are tax-free when you eventually withdraw them. Traditional IRAs let you make tax-deductible contributions to a retirement account. You can also contribute funds to an employer-sponsored 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan, depending on your employer’s offer.
Short-term goals can be as simple as updating your resumé, taking a walk after work each day, or cleaning out your closet. Long-term goals are typically more complex, like paying off all your school loans or getting promoted to a management position at work within a few years. Break long-term goals into smaller steps. Creating milestones makes the goal feel more reasonable and helps you see progress at every stage along the way. For example, if you have a long-term goal to write a book, you can start with the shorter-term goal of keeping a daily writing journal or writing 1,000 words every day at a scheduled time.
Figure out why you want their help and create a list of questions you have or advice you’re seeking. For example, a mentor can give constructive advice for your portfolio, or help make a 5-year plan to advance your career. Politely ask them to chat and give you some career advice. Have an elevator pitch ready; explain why you admire their work and why they’re the right mentor for you. Meet with them over a video call or grab some coffee if they’re local. You can develop a personal connection with them by chatting face-to-face.
For example, you might decide to learn about leadership in your long-term goal to become a manager, take a marketing class so you can start your own business, or learn a new language if you work in a multilingual environment. It’s not hard to find classes and training guides, even after college! Many universities offer free online courses. You could also take a class at your local community college, or use an online service like Skillshare or MasterClass. Set short-term and long-term goals. If you decide to learn a new language, for instance, start with basic greetings and vocabulary before moving up to more advanced phrases and words.
Having a creative hobby that isn’t just about creating an end result removes the pressure of having to succeed or be perfect. Your creative hobby could even turn into a side gig. Consider setting up an online store for knitting projects or taking commissions if you’re a painter. The ability to think outside the box is vital for many jobs. If you can hone it in your daily life, you’ll be well-equipped to find creative solutions in the workplace, too![7] X Research source
For example, do your taxes right when you get the information from your employer—and not the day before they’re due. You’ll breathe easier knowing that it’s done, and you won’t have to rush through the process.
Gather, sort, and label each document to create a reliable organization system for your personal files. Additional shelves and organizers can help you reduce clutter (and stay clutter-free) around the house.
Eat healthily by filling up your meals with a balanced combination of complex carbs, veggies and fruits, protein, and lots of water. Create an exercise routine that works for you, whether you prefer swimming, hiking, dancing, or lifting weights. If you enjoy the exercise, it’s easier to stick with it! The benefits are more than physical, too. Poor physical health can worsen mental health effects like depression or anxiety. You’ll feel less fatigued and more focused by prioritizing your physical well-being.
Understand that progress takes time. Rather than stewing in dark thoughts when you feel like you’re not where you should be in life, say, “It’s okay,” and focus on the light. You’ll get where you want to go! Try talking to a therapist who can help you manage stress and understand your feelings. Anyone can benefit from therapy; it’s not just for people who are struggling. A site like BetterHelp can make it easy to find a therapist.
Whether you’re a freelancer or work a steady 9 to 5 job, it can be tempting to “take work home with you” and keep late hours when you have a heavy workload. Resist the urge and make time to decompress each day.
Remember to write down new goals each time you cross one out. That way, you’ll stay motivated to make progress and keep reaching for the stars. You can also use your journal as a tool to break bad habits! Write down what you want to change and why. Then, list the steps you’ll take to reverse that habit and track your progress in the journal. There’s no wrong way to write about the things you’re grateful for. Whether it’s a supportive friend, a significant other, or the simple pleasure of fresh air on a spring day, you’ll find many things to love in life.
Isolating yourself only worsens your negative attitudes about yourself and keeps you isolated from the world. It’s important to have a support system you can rely on to help you through the hard times. You can also rely on friends and family to reinforce healthy habits. They can help you maintain your goal to take a daily walk, for example, by sending you a friendly reminder text—or even joining you.
