Before I even launch in to this, I want to give a disclaimer– I am not writing this toward any individual. I’m unlike most Midwesterners in that I’m what you might call “active aggressive” as opposed to the typical passive aggressive you see often in middle America. If I have an issue with someone, I don’t passive aggressively call them out in blog posts; I speak to them directly… So, if you thought this was about you, don’t flatter yourself ;).
I, like many women who spends some time on social media, struggle with jealousy. I’ll be the first to admit it. About a year ago, I really started to combat it head on, and I can’t even begin to tell you fruitful it’s been. At the risk of sounding like a motivational speaker, allow me to remind you of one very important truth that was also a very important reminder to me–you can only change you. You can’t change the people around you. Likewise, you can’t change your past, but you can change your future.
Look backwards and make a specific list of all that you have accomplished in 2020.
Even though 2020 was a rough year for many people, there are always things to be thankful for. Maybe it was alone time or the fact that you saved a ton of money by not going on that vacation after all. Perhaps you were able to pay off more debt or be generous to more charities because of the things you weren’t spending on. Force yourself to make a list of those things.
Be happy with what you have
Now that you’ve made your list of financial things that you did, now make a list of thing the things that you have and love. I can’t recommend The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up enough because not only does it teach you to declutter, but it teaches you to appreciate and “honor” what you already have. Maybe you have a great mixer that you love to use to knead breads or a treasured piece of jewelry from you beloved late aunt. Rather than looking at the things that others have, look at the things that you have and be grateful!
Give yourself timed, measurable goals to improve your financial situation this year.
I’ll be sharing more about what I have on my goals list on Thursday’s blog post, but a few examples could be: pay off $x on my car by March 15 or stash away $x by June 1 to put toward vacation. By giving yourself an exact number and a deadline, you’re holding yourself accountable. Your goals should be your top priority so be careful what you wish for!
Ask your successful friends for advice.
Some of my favorite financial conversations are with people who have way more money than me and motivate me to throw my work in to overdrive. I see what they have and want it too, but not in an envious way but in a way that if they can accomplish it, I can too!
We’ve all experienced jealousy before, so don’t beat yourself up when you do! The question is what you do with it that matters. I hope this little post inspires you to propel life forward next time the jealous bug bites you!
