Consider a Money Buddy for Success this Year

One of the biggest lessons of my second book was to never “go it alone.” 

It’s a mistake I made a few times myself and something I learned when I researched wildly successful people – from Oprah to Bill Gates. The key? They always surrounded themselves with at least one other key person who was instrumental in their careers.

So, when I was building Women’s Financial Network and then Family Financial Network, I created a program called the Money Buddy.

It evolved from my own annual planning – something I do religiously around the New Year – which includes a self-assessment and strategic plan for the coming year, just as many companies do.  

Too often, people fail to reach their goals. One big reason?  We don’t codify them in writing. Another? We go it alone.

So just as we have a buddy or team of support to help lose weight or get in shape, why wouldn’t we do the same with our other goals?  Sure, it’s great if you can afford a $10,000 executive coach. But not everyone can. To me, it seemed obvious that people would be more likely to succeed if they worked with a partner - a buddy – to help them stay on track.

That’s the idea behind the Money Buddy program. I've tested it over the years and have found it to be a great way to deepen a relationship while asking those questions that are critical to getting you where you want to go.

What are some common goals you might consider in your own annual plan?

• Financial – Too often people measure their success by their paycheck. But measuring your net worth will reveal a much truer picture of how you’re doing. Too much debt? Spending beyond your means? Are you making progress? If you're not sure, maybe it's time to start measuring your net worth or work with an advisor.
• Physical – Sorry to put you on the spot, but... Are you caring for your health the way you should?  What can you realistically do this year to take a positive step?  Is it time for a physical? Do you need some support to get in a regular exercise habit? Is there one thing you can cut out that will help you? I'm not a fan of hitting the gym, but I do it as religiously as brushing my teeth because it has such an impact in so many ways -- energizing you for the workday, keeping ailments at bay, boosting confidence, and keeping you flexible and active.
• Professional -- Perhaps this is the year when you step-it up? That could take many forms: getting a new certification, taking on a leadership role, finding an executive sponsor (considered a better move than just a mentor), or applying for overseas jobs that boost your responsibilities. Perhaps it’s returning to the workforce. If so, how will you get there? In my book, I talk about the importance there of tapping the network right around you but that's just to start.

Other areas for goal-setting might include your social/community, family and/or spiritual life. Your plan might also include an assessment of yourself in the last year. What were your strengths? Weaknesses?  Did you address your shortcomings? If not, how might you in the New Year?

If you’d like a copy of my Money Buddy program, share your email here.

Either way, make the coming year your best. Discover what you want to accomplish – for yourself and/or those most important to you – and set out to do it. Life is short. The time is now.