How to save money is mostly on our minds. But then on the other side, we want to do all of it. Even if it is going for a dinner, shopping spree, or a day at spa. I am with you when you say that, I have been in that situation too.

We all fall prey of all the whims and fancies, come back home looking at the things we bought that we are not even utilising. Kept untouched in a corner of the room.

I found this quote by Warren Buffet who is an American investor, industrialist, and philanthropist game changing, which says – “Do not save what is left after spending; instead spend what is left after saving.”

Then what to do about it, how does one end a month without being broke, and with decent savings. As much as we say, that money is not something that matters at the end of the day but, financial independence makes us feel more confident about ourselves.

I am sharing some ways here,

1. Save in prior – Most often, we spend money, or think of where we want to spend as soon we get our paychecks. And, whatever little is left goes into saving. Just reverse the method. Set an amount you wish to save, and begin. You can select small amounts as well, say for instance – 5% of your monthly income and slowly increase.
2. Spend on foods that keeps you healthy. Eat well, and eat healthy. Ordering online food can be convenient, but if you calculate, you’ll observe that it is a lot heavy not just on your system but your health as well. Processed and fried foods can lead to serious health problems. Invest on healthy foods, for instance- fresh fruits, chia seeds, almonds, etc.
3. Set a given percentage of your income for the different areas of your life, even if it is a cup of coffee. Be careful to keep a lower percentage on entertainment, shopping, vacation. Alternatively, if there is something that really contributes to your life, increase the percentage and shrink others accordingly.
4. Saving does not mean you can not spend at all. You can spend some amount, approximately 10% on personal growth. It is an investment on oneself on a long run.
5. Be happy and grateful to yourself for shifting your money mindset. Even little savings makes us reach heights. As we keep growing, we begin to receive more.

And lastly, contribute to charity, it may not necessarily be in terms of money, but could also be your skill set. Contributing towards the society helps us to understand ourselves better, and work on our life goals / purpose.

End note – When we shift our perspective, life begins to grow in abundance.

How does that even sound like to turn the switches from left to right? Some will come up with ways of simply ignoring, to some who would partially agree with the concept, and a few who actually test it. Isn’t it interesting to stumble upon something that flourishes you with richness of lifelong happiness.

Martin Seligman, a pioneer of positive psychology, mentioned 3 key components which, i.e.

• engagement
• pleasure
• meaning

In my opinion, with each year passing by, we consistently build up patterns. Those patterns are influenced greatly by our experiences. But the problem arises when we focus elsewhere than of focusing on – What makes individuals thrive, irrespective of the circumstances.

The problem begins as the heart of following this pattern of negativity that prevails. Comparing ourselves with the demons of being average. Almost, all the time, we keep experiencing this word average which is followed by us mapping our progress. Whether it is best performance among average number of students, average IQ or average passing marks.

Why are we striving on becoming one of those among the average. The reason is – we are all so driven by the idea of problem, and working as a problem solver. I believe that this is one of the reasons why we are spiralling downwards. We must begin to think about – how do I progress, how can I generate a powerhouse to positivism.

I was going through some researches, before I decided on what to write about, and what I found in common was that all were nearly looking at it with the focus on problem. Just a handful of them began with a wellness perspective.

The power will be in shifting gears, and avoid calculating yourself by the concept of average, and break this stress cycle.

Food for thought- How about being an outlier , absolutely unperturbed by average.

Hi,

I hope you have bathed, and dressed well.

I know starting your first day has made you nervous, and turned you into a ball of mush, on some days. Remember, your first day of play school, how you hated to leave mom behind, and meet the kids. Now, it makes you laugh. Not to forget your first day of new school, where you were made to stand in front of the school assembly, and give your introduction (it was so embarrassing, I know) but, any less than your first day of college, when you were asked to dance without moving your butt (chuckles).

Look, how you have come so far, and all I want to say is – you have had enough first days that would terrorise you. Here you are, standing in pure perfection, to walk up towards your growth, embracing the hardships, and holding all your experiences. You graciously made up to today’s sunrise and the sunny side up with a grilled cheese sandwich. You look beautiful with that confidence.

I, the years you have lived so far have seen your caterpillar journey and will look at you for years, and more, till you become a butterfly. And, today as you head out for this day of transformation, hold yourself upright, knowing that you are grounded by your values and your hard work. Count all the good experiences, and be incredibly grateful for having lived it.

And, on this note, I want to tell you that – You deserve it all, as organic as this life – long process is, for life when static, becomes mediocre.

Keep rising in avalanches and abundance.

Love

Anjali

Being productive each morning is undoubtedly a wonderful thing, then why forget about channelising work on self. Most often, we get up and begin to work on our to-do lists.

Jay Shetty mentioned – “Your to do lists for the next day should be made a night before.” Why waste time in the morning and exhaust yourself thinking about what all needs to be done today. Instead the first thing should be that of refuelling.

Again, when considering refuelling, begin with self – compassion. Self-compassion comes in easy and simple ways of boosting oneself with kindness towards oneself. It essentially works on recognising human imperfection, and generating acceptance towards oneself. It isn’t based in judgements or evaluations, but rather a way of relating to oneself.

It is nurturing and forgiving in its own right. Alongside, helps in aiding a health, improving relationships, and improving well being. Don’t worry if you have never had this as a part of your life, you can always develop it.

Here is how,

1. You may begin with quick 5-10 minute mindfulness through meditation, it acts as a great way to nurture and accept oneself. Count on things you are grateful for.
2. Give your self a good pat on back and a glass full of encouragement each morning. If you find difficulty in deciding what should you say to yourself. Let me help you here- What would you say to a friend who is having a tough time in the different areas of life. Just do the same with yourself.
3. Give your body comfort, it does not mean, laying in bed an entire day. You may take a power break of 5 minutes, take a walk, stretch.

Note- Let’s begin with rewiring oneself towards positivism.

Determination is often used in our day-to-day conversations, whether it is accomplishing tasks at work, appearing for competitive exams, or perhaps going for a trek. In my understanding, determination connotes to the tenacity or strength of one’s mind, to carry out or sustain one’s willpower, in order to accomplish a desired goal or dream.

Determination helps us in a great way to move forward in our lives, whether it is getting up in the morning, making our bed, to working towards a goal, and achieve an outcome. It counts in the little, and consistent acts that makes one soar high. It plays a vital role, and is greatly related to individual’s success.

It is important to understand that it is not a one day thing, but is cultivated over a period of time. One has to put in efforts and persevere it, and let it conduit into one’s life. I won’t refuse to agree less that it definitely requires discipline – as simple as going to the gym each morning at 6 a.m.

Here are few things that will help you,

Firstly, have a clarity of the desired goal, the reason being that it will be helpful in directing a way, so, that you can work in a said manner, or sequence.

Secondly, for being determined you should hold on to your grit as much as possible. There is a common saying that the journey will be rocky, and even if you fall, get up, and begin again.

Thirdly, keep refuelling yourself, it can be with new knowledge, inspire yourself with people who are inspiring for you, and appreciate yourself for how far you have come.

Fourthly, it is essential that you turn to a growth mindset, and give yourself fluidity to shift, and work efficiently.

Lastly, keep helping the others, even if it is a matter of few positive words, when we grow together, we blossom.

Note – For determination to prosper, keep revisiting your values, it helps a great way in guiding you towards your purpose. You may ask yourself this question – Why do I want to do this, How do I want this? And, then align yourself, accordingly.