"It’s good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it’s good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven’t lost the things that money can’t buy." - George Lorimer

How many times have you played the "If I could just win the lottery" game in your head?

This dream scenario... it would make all your problems go away, right?

But what about the things that money can't buy? Things like making time to read that book, start your day off with a walk with your spouse, or ducking out of work early to catch your kids’ game.

It's easy to lose sight of these things - the true sources of our well-being. It helps to remember that money is a tool and all of the money in the world won't mean much if we lack the time for these important things.

As we head into 2019, here are a few things we can focus on:

1) Protecting your time

Try saying no more often. It’s not selfish. It’s necessary to create the time for things that are important. We all get the same 24 hours each day. Are you being intentional about how you use yours? Saying no more means you can say yes to the things that really matter to you - that book, that walk with your partner, that time with your kids.

One trick I use is to say no to almost every unnecessary meeting. How many meetings could you replace with a conversation or phone call instead?

2) Improving your health

I’m not talking about the usual New Year’s resolution to work out more or join the gym. Instead I’m here to remind you that your wealth isn’t worth very much without your health. (Rhyming wisdom is the best kind!)

What small steps could you take right now to improve your health and well being? Don’t try to go from A to Z. Start with A to B and focus on that first step.

For instance, I make it to my gym when I'm playing tennis but I struggle to make the trek when it's time to workout even though I like using the rowing machine when I do make it. Instead of continuing to fight this battle, I just picked up a rowing machine for the house in hopes of 'fixing the glitch' rather than continuing to beat myself up about it.

Once you get started, remember that setbacks happen but you don't have to let them derail you. What's the next step right in front of you that you can take to get you back on track? Try starting there and consider finding a friend whose on board so you can hold each other accountable.

3) Investing in your relationships

Making more time for the people you care about is great but it's also important to be present when you’re in their company.

I’m trying to do a better job of leaving my phone upstairs when I’m spending time with my wife & daughter so I’m actually “there”. This is much easier said than done but when we don’t set our own priorities, we can be sure that someone else (or technology!) will set them for us.

The holiday season is a great reminder that while money certainly makes our lives easier, the things that really matter can't be bought. In 2019, venture beyond more money and focus on the things you control - protecting your time, improving your health, and investing in your relationships - that matter most.

Happy New Year!

Get blog posts like this one delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up to receive my e-newsletter right here.