January 8: I Love Numbers

Before you can create a solid financial plan to start off the new year, it’s essential to first understand where you currently stand. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of budgeting, saving, and investing, but the most important step is simply taking stock of your finances and not let the numbers (if they're not where you want to be) drag you down!

Start by listing your income sources. This includes your salary, freelance work, side gigs, or any passive income streams. Next, document your monthly expenses—everything from rent or mortgage payments to subscriptions, utilities, and groceries. As Tony Robbins teaches: Money is energy and it's also a spiritual tool. Our relationship with money reflects our deeper beliefs, values, and emotions. If you approach money with a scarcity mindset (i.e., you believe there's not enough to go around), that energy blocks the flow of wealth. On the other hand, an abundance mindset, where you see the potential to create and exchange value freely, allows money to flow more easily into your life. Take control of your state and mindset when reviewing your finances, as this is a common struggle for many people, myself included. I often find myself stressing and worrying when I look at bills or check my bank account so much so that I don't even want to look at the numbers. However, I've learned to view it as an exciting game — one that involves creating money and being grateful for what I already do have: a roof over my head, a car to drive, and other material things that not everyone in the world gets to enjoy. By understanding and mastering your relationship with money (say to yourself: "I love numbers and numbers love me!" -- I learned from one of Tony Robbins' events), you can unlock financial freedom and contribute to the world. While we all value material goods differently, the spiritual side of money is about using it for growth — both personal and collective — and creating an energetic exchange that benefits not just you but the people and causes you care about.