from “Trying” to “Training”

  from “Trying” to “Training”

Ever known a smoker “trying to quit” who just…never does? The language we use matters. When we’re “trying,” failure feels definitive, like proof we’re not good enough. But if we see ourselves as in training, every misstep is just part of the practice.

Think of yourself as an athlete in constant preparation. There’s no finish line, just consistent growth. (Bonus: The Bible has a ton of references about being in training. Look it up—it’s inspiring!)

Budgeting

 

Budgeting: The 50/30/20 Rule Revisited

Budgeting can feel overwhelming, especially when life throws expenses at you left and right. But what if we told you there’s a straightforward, no-nonsense framework that can make managing your finances feel less like a chore and more like a game plan? Enter: the 50/30/20 rule.

You may have heard of it, but this popular budgeting method, championed by Senator Elizabeth Warren in her book All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan, breaks your income into three easy-to-follow categories. Here’s how it works:

50%: Needs

Half of your after-tax income should go toward necessities—things you truly can’t live without. Think:

• Rent or mortgage payments
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas)
• Groceries
• Transportation (gas, car payments, public transit)
• Insurance premiums (health, car, etc.)

If your needs exceed 50% of your income, it’s worth exploring ways to reduce these costs. Could you downsize your living space, switch to a more affordable phone plan, or shop smarter for groceries? Small adjustments can free up room in your budget for the other categories.

30%: Wants

This is the fun part. Allocate 30% of your income to things that enhance your life but aren’t essential. Think:

• Dining out
• Streaming subscriptions
• Travel and vacations
• Hobbies or leisure activities
• Non-essential shopping (clothes, gadgets, etc.)

This category is all about enjoying life responsibly. Treat yourself, but don’t go overboard—keeping this in check ensures your financial health stays intact while you have fun.

20%: Savings and Debt Repayment

The final 20% goes toward securing your financial future. This includes:

• Emergency fund contributions
• Retirement savings (401(k), IRA, etc.)
• Investments
• Paying down credit card debt or student loans

This category is non-negotiable—it’s what sets you up for long-term stability. Start with an emergency fund (aim for 3–6 months of expenses) and focus on high-interest debt next. Once you’ve covered those, you can build wealth through investments or additional savings.

How to Apply the 50/30/20 Rule

1. Calculate Your After-Tax Income: This is your take-home pay after taxes and deductions.
2. Break It Down: Multiply your income by 0.50, 0.30, and 0.20 to determine how much to allocate to each category.
3. Track Your Spending: Use budgeting tools like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or even a simple Google Sheet to monitor your expenses and stay on track.
4. Adjust as Needed: Life isn’t static, and neither is your budget. Revisit these percentages if your income or priorities change.

Why the 50/30/20 Rule Works

This method simplifies budgeting without being overly restrictive. It provides enough structure to keep you financially grounded while giving you the flexibility to enjoy life. Plus, it’s adaptable—you can tweak the percentages to fit your unique situation.

For instance, if you’re aggressively paying off debt, you might shift to a 50/20/30 rule (reducing your “wants” allocation). The point is to create a system that works for you.

Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated. The 50/30/20 rule is a straightforward framework that balances your needs, wants, and future goals. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking for a reset, this method offers clarity and control.

Take the first step today: grab a calculator, map out your budget, and watch how a little structure can make a big difference. Your financial peace of mind is worth it.

The Difference Between Yes and No

 

The Difference Between Yes and No

The words “yes” and “no” get used in comparison to each other so often that it feels like they carry equal weight in conversation. In reality, they are not just opposite in meaning, but of entirely different magnitudes in commitment.

When you say no, you are only saying no to one option. When you say yes, you are saying no to every other option.

I like how the economist Tim Harford put it, “Every time we say yes to a request, we are also saying no to anything else we might accomplish with the time.” Once you have committed to something, you have already decided how that future block of time will be spent.

In other words, saying no saves you time in the future. Saying yes costs you time in the future. No is a form of time credit. You retain the ability to spend your future time however you want. Yes is a form of time debt. You have to pay back your commitment at some point.

No is a decision. Yes is a responsibility.

Vision Boards

 

How to create a vision board using Canva

Vision boards aren't just Pinterest-worthy collages—they're powerful strategic planning tools for those who want to intentionally design their lives.

Think of it as your personal career and life GPS. While your colleagues are simply reacting to opportunities, you're proactively designing your path. This isn't about wishful thinking—it's about strategic visualization that bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

For the woman who's focused on her career, managing complex relationships, and seeking holistic success, a vision board is your secret weapon. It's a daily reminder of your capabilities, a motivational touchstone that keeps you focused when challenges arise, and a visual commitment to your most ambitious self.

Here’s how to use Canva.com to create your 2025 vision board:

1) Goal Selection Choose 10-12 goals that span critical life domains. The key is balance and authenticity:

• Career Advancement: Promotions, new roles, skill acquisitions
• Financial Targets: Savings goals, investment strategies
• Personal Development: Certifications, leadership training
• Wellness Objectives: Fitness milestones, mental health practices
• Relationship Goals: Professional networks, personal connections

Vision boards are living documents. It's perfectly okay if goals take 1-3 years to materialize. Roll over unachieved objectives to next year's board—progress isn't linear.

2) Gather Visual Inspiration

• Select high-quality, professional images in Canva
• Choose a clean, sophisticated color palette
• Pick visuals that spark genuine emotional resonance
• Ensure images reflect your authentic professional and personal aspirations

3) Canva Creation Process

1. Open Canva.com
2. Select "Create a Design" → Custom Size
3. Use a 16:9 or A4 template
4. Drag and drop images
5. Add text overlays with specific goals
6. Create sections for each life domain

 




 

Design Tips:

• Use a grid layout for organization
• Ensure visual hierarchy
• Keep it clean and intentional
• Make it something you'll want to look at daily

Remember: This is your personal roadmap. Design it to inspire and motivate you. The vision board that works, is the one that works for you!

Let's Go

 "Nearly everything worthwhile takes longer than you think. The important thing is to get started and not worry about the clock.  

Living with an abundance mentality

 In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey compares abundance mentality and scarcity mentalities. He shares that each can affect how we approach goals and examine our lives.

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If someone has a scarcity mentality, they believe resources and opportunities are limited. If another person gains something, like a raise, a promotion, or even a significant other, they think there is a smaller chance for them to have those same things. It’s a “win-lose” way to look at things. This mentality focuses on short-term issues and what other people are doing, rather than self-empowerment.

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An abundance mentality, on the other hand, is where we know success is not based on the success of others. We believe there are enough resources for everyone. We think long-term and see opportunities in the face of challenges. This is a win-win.

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Living with an abundance mentality instead of a scarcity mentality helps us accomplish what matters to us. We can develop an abundance mentality by being purposeful. We can-

1. Practice Gratitude

Focusing on gratitude has many benefits. It helps us put things into perspective when life isn’t going the smoothest. It’s also good for our overall health and well-being. Instead of dwelling on everything that’s going wrong, we can be grateful what we have and the things that are going right. When we choose to see opportunities instead of limitations, we switch to an abundance mentality.

2. Celebrate Other’s Successes

Being genuinely happy for other people’s wins creates a positive environment and sets us up for our own wins. When we acknowledge that a positive moment for someone else doesn’t mean fewer positive moments for us, we leave a scarcity mentality behind. Covey says that those with a scarcity mentality see life as if there is only so much available, “as though there were only one pie out there. And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie it would mean less for everybody else.” But with an abundance mentality, when people cheer on the successes of others, “the pie gets larger,” and there is enough for everyone.

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When we contribute to an environment of abundance, we will likely be around other people who also have an abundance mentality. The power of playing up then can help us reach our goals.

3. Always Be Learning

In another study about opposing mindsets, psychologist Carol Dweck teaches that there are two types of people: those with a fixed mindset and those with a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that capabilities are innate and limited. And people with a growth mindset believe that we are ever-evolving based on our experiences and knowledge. That our character is not pre-determined and that we can learn to do anything if we put in the effort. The same is true about an abundance mentality.

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People with a scarcity mentality will often focus on obstacles and be afraid of trying and failing. People with an abundance mentality choose to try, sometimes fail, and always learn and grow from their experiences. When you turn your attention to learning, you will develop an abundance mentality.

4. Be Accountable

There are many things in our lives outside of our individual control: The weather, the stock market, whether our cat listens when we tell it to stop eating our plants. But there are also many things we can control: Our actions, our mindset, and our commitment to telling our cats to stop eating the plants over and over again. When we focus on the things within our control, we take accountability for our lives. And having an abundance mindset makes it easier for us to keep striving for our goals no matter what everyone else is doing.

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“The key to abundance is meeting limited circumstances with unlimited thoughts,” says author Marianne Williamson. No matter what other people are doing or what is going on around us, when we focus on what we do, what we have, and what we can achieve, we will win and meet our goals. We can develop an abundance mentality and feel secure in our ability to accomplish whatever we set our minds to.

Change is Opportunity

 Adopt a “Change is Opportunity” Mindset: Every shift (whether it’s in your business, career or personal life) create a new opportunity to grow. But change can be hard when you’re doing it alone… so having the right guidance and the right plan in place can help you see that change for what it is - your NEW advantage.