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Take a few MOMENTS to relax.
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MONEY TIP
We’ve talked about challenges before like going 30, 60, or 90 days without spending money (other than bills). We once did an experiment where we didn’t spend money for 30 days. It was a 30-day experiment that turned into a 90+ day experiment. One of the main lessons we got out of that experiment was that we have more food in our home than we may think. Go into your pantry and look in the back of the freezer. Use what you have first, especially if you’re struggling financially right now. You may be able to make meals for weeks. If nothing else, you can plan your shopping list around what you have.
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OPPORTUNITY
If you’re looking for a good charity, you can do your research about the charity at Charity Navigator. It gives you a score for the charity, but most importantly, it shows you their financials to ensure enough of the donations are going to the costs. Some charities spend a lot on advertising and marketing, which is fine if it’s well spent. Some charities spend a lot on paying their employees. It’s up to you what a reasonable percentage is to go to the cause vs. admin expenses, but Charity Navigator gives you the breakdown.
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MINIMALISM TIP
Try a “single-space rule” in each room. Choose one spot—a corner, a shelf, or a table—to be completely empty. Rotate this empty space every month, experiencing how a new focal point of “nothingness” can shift the room’s feel. This practice creates breathing room without sacrificing functionality, subtly transforming your relationship with each area by highlighting the beauty of empty space. The empty spot becomes a mental anchor, reminding you that minimalism isn’t about deprivation but about allowing things—and ideas—to exist with intention.
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ESSENTIAL READING
One book that is several years old now but still relevant is Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt. The new year isn’t too far away, so it would be a good time to read this book so you can begin preparing for next year.
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NOTION
Teach your kids the value of persistence. The 30th US president, Calvin Coolidge, said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” Schools teach the value of education. They teach the value of talent and skill. Many great schools even teach the value and importance of hard work. But we’re not teaching the value of showing up. Kids can have all the great ideas in the world, but if they don’t understand that success comes through persistence, they’re going to give up before they hit the mark.
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TRAVEL TIP
Before you go to another country, make sure you have Google Translate downloaded. We’ve lived abroad for the last seven years and this is the most used app on my phone. You can type words, have others speak into it, and use the camera feature to translate signs.
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SCRIPTURE
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
Habakkuk 3:18
Closing Question
What’s something you don’t like to do that would be easy to outsource? This can be anything from business tasks to mowing the lawn. Your time is valuable.
