We’re going to talk about money. Did your heart rate just increase?

We’re going to talk specifically, your money and how much you have. Does that make you feel more uncomfortable?

If so, you’re not alone. A recent survey found that 44% of Americans would rather talk about death, religion or politics than discuss their personal finances.

Just because people aren’t talking about it, however, doesn’t mean they aren’t thinking about it. The same survey found that nearly 40% of people named finances as their biggest source of stress and report regularly losing sleep over money.

Not talking about money can have a negative influence on your life. Money is listed as one of the leading causes of divorce, and can affect your happiness and health. So why don’t people like to talk about it? Here are some ways to tame the money monster and take back some of your sanity and control over your finances.

Why Wealth Goals?

So you can have control. With strategic wealth goals, you’ll get a clear picture of the current state of your wealth and will develop a plan to improve your financial health. Whether you just want to get out of debt or want to invest in developing long-term wealth, the first place to start is with your budget. Goals will help you recognize your financial habits and make the necessary changes for the future.

Get Out of Consumer Debt

Goals can help you stay motivated as you work to improve your financial situation. Part of a long-term plan for wealth building may include strategies for getting out of consumer debt. As you begin to prioritize your spending, you will watch your debt shrink and your wealth grow. You’ll feel more in control.

Increase Your Savings

Once your budget is under control and you’ve removed consumer debt from your life, or have

learned to manage it better, the process of building your wealth goes to the next level. This is exciting and available to anyone.

One of the primary means of accumulating wealth is by investing – that is having your savings work hard for you and multiply into more money. When you set wealth goals, you take back control over your finances and can start to see money as a tool to help you get to an end-goal, instead of looking at your money and finances as something to fear.

Attaching a purpose to your financial goals will help you stay motivated and on track. A purpose is the “why” behind the goal. An example may be you saving for a vacation. It’s not really the actual vacation you are saving for, rather it could be the time with your family, or the ability to explore a new part of the world.

How to Set Wealth Goals

Use the SMART system of goal setting for an effective way to reach your wealth goals.

Ensure that your goals are Specific. What exactly do you want to accomplish?

Craft a Measurable goal. Do you have a specific amount you want to save? Want to be debt free? Attach a measurable element to your wealth building goal.

Make sure your goal is Achievable. Is it possible, given your current financial state, to reach the goal you’re setting?

Is your goal Realistic? Create goals that are based in reality.

Attach a Time to your goal. Don’t use nebulous, open-ended goals. Be diligent to attach an end date to your goal.

Seek Outside Help

If you were working towards health goals, it wouldn’t seem strange to seek the assistance of a personal trainer or a doctor. When it comes to your finances, seek professional help. Wealth coaches, your banker or your financial planner can help you develop realistic goals, and can help you identify strategies and techniques that will propel you to your goal.

Talk About Your Wealth Goals

You don’t need to go into specifics, but by bringing your finances into your daily conversations with someone you trust will help you stay focused and will help you slowly get rid of the fear around your finances. Sharing your goals with trusted friends and family will give them the opportunity to help keep you on track and will help eliminate the stigma of “talking about money”.

Are you ready to get started building your wealth?

Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.

Gratitude is a powerful action that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life.

Let’s face it - we’re busy. Between work, family, community responsibilities and more, it can be difficult to carve out time to recharge, much less to be grateful. Studies have shown, however, that taking time to refuel is essential for your mental and physical health.

How can you be grateful while recharging for the tasks ahead?

Get Enough Sleep

“Burning the midnight oil” is the commonly used phrase for people who try to steal a few more hours of productivity out of their day. By cutting back on sleep, they assume, they’re getting more done. While it may be true in the short term, even the smallest amounts of sleep deprivation can impact your ability to think analytically, focus effectively and use problem solving strategies. Add to that, every little thing that goes wrong feels much bigger than it is, potentially leaving you feeling negatively without capacity to be grateful for anything. Most people need at least seven hours of sleep every night to be at top performance. How much sleep are you getting?

Recharge Breaks During the Day

Many people think that more hours working means more getting done. In reality, the quality of the hours you work are more important than the quantity of hours. By giving yourself a break throughout the day, you allow your brain a chance to reset and renew for the tasks ahead.

To take a quick recharge break, here is one method to try: the Pomodoro Technique, recommends working for 25 minutes and then taking a break for five. During those five rest minutes, practice being grateful. Spend those moments meditating or reviewing the things you have to be grateful for, While recharging, pick one thing you are grateful for. Start small – did your coffee taste amazing this morning? Was a parking spot near the door available when you pulled into work?

Make a To Do List

As David Allen has taught us, the brain is not a holding area for your tasks. By making a list of all the things you have to get done, your brain can relax and do what it is intended to do, help you solve problems. Instead of worrying about if you’re missing anything, your brain will have more energy to focus on what you’re doing. This positive cycle will allow you to accomplish more in less time because you’re able to be fully engaged in the task at hand.

Get Physical Exercise

Even moderate physical movement can help clear your mind, give you an energy boost and lower anxiety. During your lunch break, take a walk around a nearby park. Find a workout buddy and play tennis once a week. Whatever form of physical activity you enjoy, be sure to schedule regular opportunities for it.

Savour Your Life

Focus on gratitude in every aspect of your life. When you spend time and energy on negative emotions, not only does it reduce productivity, it can have an adverse effect on your health. By savouring the things in your life you already have, you prepare yourself to appreciate future blessings. Be grateful for the friends and coworkers in your circle. Instead of grumbling about having to park in the farthest spot in the parking lot, be appreciative of your capable legs who can walk you to the office.

Look for small opportunities to practice gratitude - even during your downtime - and your productivity will soar.

Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agencyand My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.

“There’ll be time enough for sleeping when I’m dead.”

“I’ll sleep in the grave.”

“No rest for the weary.”

Do any of those quotes sound familiar to you?

Famous rocker Bon Jovi, American statesman Ben Franklin and the lead singer of The Cure all expressed sentiments that extolled the virtues of pushing through - whether in work or in play - and not stopping until you’re in the grave.

It’s a popular idea, praised by many who pride themselves on sleeping a minimal number of hours and never taking a day off in the pursuit of achievement. The idea is particularly tempting, especially for individuals who are driven to succeed. If you’ve set lofty goals for yourself, you may be inclined to charge through in your quest to see success, leaving yourself worn out and empty.

When you’re working towards a goal, it may feel as though any moment you aren’t actively pursuing it is wasted. This is the mindset behind a 2009 study that revealed Americans ended the year with an average of 9 unused vacation days. The ‘no need to rest’ phenomenon is not partial to North America, workaholics are found all over the world.

The Case for Pushing Through

Famed entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuck is well-known for his no-holds-barred approach to success. He chastises people who claim to want success but refuse to make the necessary sacrifices. He works hard and has achieved an astonishing level of success. It’s hard to argue with his results. Within a few years, he turned his parents’ wine business into a $60 million dollar a year company. He grew his own brand, Vaynerchuck Media into a $100 million dollar a year business, and has authored multiple best-selling books. Vaynerchuck, and others like him, have found success with their relentless pursuit of their goals. It works, so it can’t be wrong, right?

The thinking that drives this behaviour is that by pouring every spare moment into your goal, you are more likely to reach (or exceed) your goals. While your competitors are sleeping, you are charging ahead towards success.

The Case for Refueling

In spite of the individuals who seem to survive on caffeine and adrenaline, however, studies have proven that taking the time to refuel is actually more beneficial to your success.

Your body (and your brain) have been hard-wired to need rest, and the science is beginning to be heard. According to one study, your productivity levels go up with regular breaks. When you take a break from working on a task, even for just a few minutes, your brain can reset, reversing any negative effects of work and allow your subconscious to solve problems you may have been experiencing.

The idea of allowing people to refuel is gaining momentum, and has been adopted by companies such as Facebook, Google and others. Giving individuals the opportunity to shut off the incessant push of productivity has proven to be beneficial, for both the individual and the organization. As individuals become more aware of the harmful effects of pushing through work without a break, organizations are beginning to take notice.

What Happens If I Don’t Refuel

Individuals who stay “on” all the time are more likely to experience depression, burnout and anxiety. When you don’t give yourself adequate time to rest and refuel, eventually your brain and your body will give out. The constant push can have detrimental health effects, negatively affect personal relationships and cause you to become disillusioned with your goals.

Ways to Refuel

For most people, the idea of taking extended amounts of time to refuel seems out of reach. If you’re not sure where to get started on refueling, start small. Here are three tips to get started.

#1. Take frequent breaks during the day. One methodology, known as the Pomodoro Technique, instructs people to work 25 minutes and then take a break for 5. The results have been astonishing. Employees were more productive and were more engaged than their work than their counterparts who plow through daily tasks without breaks.

#2. Give yourself one night a week off.

Turn off your cell phone, put away your laptop and take the night off. It will improve your work-life balance and allow you to decompress. When your brain is free of having to constantly be pursuing work related train of thoughts, you can think more clearly, have more productive work hours and feel more fulfilled.

#3. Use up your vacation days. It may seem strange at first, and you may be worried about getting all your tasks done, but the benefits of taking an extended amount of time off can’t be beat.

Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut? It may be time to refuel.

Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.

Gratitude comes from the Latin word, gratia, which can mean grace, gratefulness or graciousness. Gratitude encompasses all those elements, and is the state of being grateful for something that one has received.

For many people, gratitude becomes a focus during the holidays, but takes a backseat during the rest of the year. Studies have shown, however, that living a life of gratitude can change your entire well-being.

Research has shown exactly how powerful gratitude can be. According to psychologists, gratitude can have a profound effect on mental health. Many studies show that gratitude can reduce depression and raise happiness levels.

In addition, it can reduce aggression and increase empathy. Beyond the emotional and mental benefits of gratitude, being grateful can improve your physical health.

How can you show gratitude for your health?

that your thoughts and attitudes have an astonishing effect. If you start with appreciation for your body, your attitude towards it will improve, causing your health to improve. It’s a win-win.

Put your hand over your heart. Breathe deeply for a minute, focusing your attention on the rhythm of your heartbeat. Do you realize that your heart will beat over 3,000,000 times in your lifetime? You take approximately 23,000 breaths a day. Your body is a powerhouse machine that is constantly working for your benefit. Its amazing functions operate without you even realizing it. Thank your heart for its steadfastness and reliability. Each day, focus on a different part of your body and raise your awareness of how it works. As you begin to appreciate what your body does, it will help your attitude towards your body improve. As a result, your sense of self improves, which can have a cascading positive impact on your life.

Ready to improve your physical health? Start with gratitude. What will you be thankful for today?

One of the more recent trends in personal growth is the use of technology for accountability. As of 2018, there were over 300,000 healthcare-related apps available, and new ones are being developed almost daily.

Wearable devices such as fitness trackers, monitors, and web-based apps have revolutionized self-care, and have created an environment where the newest BYOD (bring your own device) at work is your health tracker. Using technology (think of an app on your smartphone) as an accountability partner is becoming more common. Is your phone the best solution to keep you on track? Let’s find out.

The Pros to apps being an accountability partner

Today’s apps are user-friendly, with an easy to navigate interface that makes input quick and easy. Apps use reminders and notifications to encourage and support the user in reaching their goal.

Accessible

Using an app-based accountability partner is convenient. You enter in your goal, add some target dates and milestones and the app does the rest. As you work toward your goal, you update your progress with a few short taps. After you log in your progress, the app is ready to celebrate with you as you meet your goals, or gently prod you when you haven’t.

Convenient

Today, some 30 million Canadians have smartphones, which is roughly 70% of the population. An app-based accountability partner is literally at arm’s reach and is instantly available when you need an encouragement boost. The app keeps track of your progress, so you don’t need to carry a notebook, remember what you did or put information into a spreadsheet. A few clicks and you’re done!

Budget-friendly

Even apps that charge for usage are typically inexpensive, while the majority of apps are free.This makes it possible for even the most budget-conscious consumers to enjoy the benefits of accountability.

Fun

Notification reminders, badges, stickers and social media postings are all used to encourage, applaud and motivate the user to press toward their goal. Particularly for a tech-savvy generation, using apps to stay accountable makes perfect sense. Even for the tech-challenged, however, apps typically have a gentle learning curve that guides the user through the process.

The Cons to apps being an accountability partner Not everyone is a fan of the trend towards app-based accountability, however. Turning a critical eye towards app-based accountability programs reveal some drawbacks to the idea of using technology to keep yourself on track.

Lack of privacy

On a dismally frequent basis, news stories about data and privacy breaches steal the headlines. Consumers’ personal information, previously assumed to be stored securely, is hacked and leaked by nefarious groups on an alarming scale. Tens of thousands of people can be affected at once, making privacy one of the largest concerns people have. Uncertainty about how data is handled and safeguarded can quickly deter individuals from using a mobile-based app.

Impersonal

Despite the regular notifications and fun, cartoonesque features an app may use, many people feel the lack of human interaction is a downside. While cheery messages and motivating messages may make participants smile, a majority of people prefer to have an actual conversation with a live human.

Easy to dismiss

Because the automated app is technology-based, it is easy to disregard any motivational nudges or reminders you may receive. Simply ignoring the reminders or dismissing them altogether is painless and easy to do. Unlike a human accountability partner, the app will leave you alone if you ignore or dismiss the reminders.

Is an app-based accountability partner the right choice for you? It depends on what works for you. Do you want the face to face interaction of a live person, or can you discipline yourself to respond to the gentle nudges of technology? Not sure? Try both and determine which method is most effective for you.

Want to learn how to set attainable goals? Contact the experts at My Big Idea™ to learn goal setting techniques that can help you realize your dreams.

Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.

Goal setting is one of the most effective means of achieving success. Whether you’re working on a personal goal (weight loss, for example) or a professional goal (increasing your sales), having a clearly defined path can help you reach your target. For further motivation, many people look for an accountability partner to help keep them on track. What are the benefits of using an accountability partner?

According to research, people who want to have accountability partners and use this method are 65% more likely to reach their goals. For the individuals who set up regular check-ins with their partner, the numbers sky-rocket to 95%.Having an accountability partner can significantly increase the likelihood you succeed.

The right accountability partner will keep you motivated when you lose sight of your goal, help you move past setbacks and cheer you on when you make strides towards the goal.

Who do you know who would make a great accountability partner? Here are the traits you should look for.

Trustworthiness

For a successful accountability relationship, your partner needs to be intimately involved in certain aspects of your life. Sharing your goal with someone means opening up about your struggles in an area, giving them permission to ask questions and discover information about you that few people would typically have access to. Ensure that the person you select as an accountability partner is trustworthy, so you don’t have to worry about them sharing this information with others.

Respect

It is essential that you and your accountability partner have mutual respect for one another. One of the motivating factors in having an accountability partner is not wanting to disappoint the other person. If your accountability partner isn’t someone you respect, chances are you won’t be bothered by failing to work at your plan. A sense of mutual respect will help the relationship succeed.

Personal Investment

Ideally, your accountability partner will be invested in your success. Look for someone who may have the same goals you have, who understands the specifics of what you’re trying to achieve. You’ll benefit from having someone who has been through the same struggles you’re going through and can help you navigate the road you’re taking.

Availability

Ensure that the person you select as an accountability partner is accessible. You should have regular check-ins with your partner, and they should be reachable if you need motivation or encouragement.

Accountability partners aren’t for everyone, however. Depending on your personality, you may recoil from the idea of having another person so entangled in your life. It may be challenging to open up to another person about your goals and struggles, and you may be tempted to alter your goal rather than be honest. Don’t be afraid to try having an accountability partner. If you find that accountability partners don’t work for you, find another means of working towards your goal - don’t give up on the goal.

Picking an accountability partner is challenging. The right person will be a mix of cheerleader, drill sergeant and adventurer. Much like Goldilocks during her encounter with the bears, your accountability partner shouldn’t be too soft or too hard. They should challenge you just enough to keep you moving forward. Who can you ask to be your partner in success?

Give your employees the tools they need for success by offering programs on goal-setting and learning how to use accountability partners effectively. The team at My Big Idea™ has experience working with companies just like yours - ask us how we can help!

Michele Bailey is president and CEO of Blazing Agency and My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.