Making a detailed overview of our current spending level is a first step to get an idea of how much money we actually need. There are tools available online but using excel or any other spreadsheet application works just as well. After making this list, look at all the expenses and review them one by one. For instance phone plans, internet, cable etc. These are competitive markets so it never hurts to look around and see if there are cheaper options available or downsize your plan. Also cut costs by getting rid of certain expenses like magazine subscriptions etc. I have decided to get rid of cable after I realized I don’t watch tv very much and also gave up my magazine subscriptions.

After this we should have an overview of our monthly expenses. Now it is time to look at cutting back on other expenses. Having been used to a more luxurious lifestyle where going out for dinners, going on trips, buying new gadgets, clothes etc. was never an issue, this may be harder to cut back on. Start by accepting the situation and be realistic. For me it helps to set limits. For instance I am not allowed to go out for dinner more than once a week and when I do expensive restaurants are a no go. When buying stuff I ask myself: do I really need this? In most cases I don’t and after a while this becomes a habit, making it easier not to buy anything. Staying away from (online)shops, not reading junkmail etc. are more drastic measures but if it works, why not. It is amazing how much we can save on groceries by going to discount supermarkets, buying different brands and using coupons. Buying used goods and reusing stuff is also a way to spend less money while at the same time helping the environment! When we realize that things are just things and that we have everything we need, not being able to shop becomes less of an issue.

Now that we know how much money we need to pay our bills, groceries and take care of other basics, we can start looking at the money coming in. Ask yourself a few questions: how long will your savings last, can you live on your partners income, are there other ways of making money and/or are you eligible for government support after being laid off. Having a clear overview on expenses and income is a big step in making any decisions regarding your future.

Financial expert Suze Orman has some sound advice:
- Make sure you have enough savings to pay your bills for 8 months (emergency money)
- Money that you need within 5 years does not belong on the stockmarket, instead put it on a high interest savings account
And last but not least, be happy with everything you have instead of focusing on what you do not have.

Money is an important happiness factor for a lot of people. Our economy is based on the principle of making money in order to buy stuff, doing the things we want to do and making sure we can retire comfortably after years of working hard. I know that a lot of people have trouble getting by on what little they have, trying to get their kids through school to secure a better future or simply trying to survive on their own. With this in mind it makes it easier for me to accept and appreciate what I have and how lucky I am to be able to be take a break even if this means having to live on less money.

For more info check out Suze Ormans 2009 Action plan or look online for weblogs or websites that deal with finances and money.

When starting a new exercise, we have to make sure to get a training schedule that fits our level of fitness. This is very important to prevent injuries. There are many different training programs or schedules available online. As with many things it helps to set a goal. For instance competing in a run, cycling or swimming event. In most areas there are lots of events to sign up for, some are free and others charge a small fee to enter. Starting with a realistic goal like running 5k within a 25-35 minute time limit and taking it from there. Apart from the fun of participating in these social sporting events it can be very motivating to perform even better next time. Of course there are many more ways to exercise. Yoga or Tai Chi for instance to help us with breathing and relaxation and improving our overall state of mind. Trying new things is the only way to find out if it is the right thing for us.

Another important factor in feeling fit and healthy is our diet. I am a big fan of chocolate and don’t say no to the occasional hamburger with fries but I do try to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. I am not an expert on diets and health issues but it never hurts to pay more attention to what we eat and when we eat. There are a few advantages to not having to work during the day: it is easier to go grocery shopping during the non busy hours, but also to visit local markets to buy organic and locally grown food. Starting with breakfast, the most important meal of the day, and one that many people skip in their rush to get to work. If not in a rush in the morning take time for a balanced breakfast. A good breakfast will fuel ourselves up until lunchtime and keeps us from snacking on all sorts of unhealthy and fattening stuff… The same goes for lunch and dinner. When feeling bored and frustrated, grab healthy snacks or put a limit on the amount of unhealthy snacks. Not having them lying around the house helps to stay away from them. When preparing a meal, we can aim to start preparing fresh meals instead of throwing another pizza in the oven. Healthy cooking does not have to be very time consuming or very difficult. There are tons of recipes available on the internet, I find Jamie Oliver a great chef and teacher of preparing meals with fresh ingredients.

I believe that an overall good level of fitness, feeling healthy and feeling good about the way we look has a positive effect on the way we interact with people. Feeling good and being confident can open many doors when interacting with people in job interviews and meeting interesting people while networking or at other social events. People react to one another and being depressed, frustrated or in a bad mood will not get us many positive reactions from others hence enforcing our negative state of mind and keeping us from reaching our goals.

For a great post on how to get in shape check out the Adam Gilbert guest post on Zenhabits.

There are different kinds of goals. The goals mentioned above are very hands on and skill orientated. We can also set goals that are more abstract and focus on the long term. For example going to meet ups and events in different fields of business like design, health care, non profit projects, education etc. That way we can get a feel for different occupations and we can find out if working in that specific business or field of expertise is something we might aspire to. Another goal could be to connect with professional networks (many jobs are acquired through referrals!) Social networks like LinkedIn are a good starting point for this. All in all setting goals, be it long term or short term, and sticking to them is a good way to stay focused and productive.

“Instead of worrying about what people say of you, why not spend time trying to accomplish something they will admire.” – Dale Carnegie

Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.
-Lucius Annaeus Seneca