Key Takeaways
- You have more steady ground than you may realize. When everything feels upside down, your breath, your questions, and your numbers are still yours.
- You don’t have to solve it all today. Start by identifying which answer to which question would have the biggest impact. Your first answer guides the pathway to the next thing you need to know.
Navigating Something New
Transitions, huh? Lately we’ve felt the seasons changing, and the seasons of life changing right along with them. In my case, my 16-year career is coming to a major transition as I go all in on my small business. No more W-2 safety net!
Whatever you’re going through, whether it’s an unexpected job loss, a relationship change, a planned retirement, or even a new health diagnosis, we can all be left feeling untethered. And that’s before we even get to the financial part! That particular brand of stress can be a real doozy!
We’re navigating some tough new waters. So how do we rein in the anxiety a bit by finding the stability that actually exists? Read on!
Stop the Spin: Try These 3 Steps
Step 1: Get centered, literally and emotionally.
Find your breath, and breathe out longer than you breathe in. Feel your feet on the floor. Look around the room, find the corners, and notice the sharp edges. When you really start to feel lost, these small actions can bring your nervous system back online.
And yes, we’ve heard it a million times: listen to your body. Stop when it says stop. Notice and respect your limits. If you’re working on a thinking-heavy task, set a timer, then take a break or a walk. Do what you need to do in order to reset.
Step 2: Identify what information would be most helpful right now.
Ask yourself, “If only I knew X right now, I would be able to…” Perhaps your predictable income stream has shifted (raising my hand!). If I only knew about how much money was coming in, and when, I could make sure I’m prepared to meet my bills that have very specific due dates. That information would let me draft a plan, which would help me feel more secure about meeting my financial obligations.
Step 3: Understand what you do know about X.
Look for patterns in your existing finances. What does tend to flow into your bank account, and when? Once you know those numbers, how can you plan for your next bill?
Change can make everything feel up for grabs, but you aren’t starting from zero. Your breath, your questions, and your numbers are the steady ground you can stand on right now, even while the rest is still shifting. And, you don’t have to figure out the whole picture today. Just the next bill, the next breath, the next small step.
So, whatever your “new normal” is, what’s one thing you do know right now, and how could it help you feel a little more reassurance this week?
FAQs
- I’m in the middle of a big life change and feel too overwhelmed to even look at my finances. Where do I start?
Start small and take it easy on you. Take a few deep breaths, then pick just one question to answer, like “What would be helpful to understand right now?” You don’t need the whole picture, just enough information to relieve your anxiety, even a little bit. If it still feels like too much, a financial coach can be an accountability buddy in order to help you sort through your situation–both the numbers and those feelings.
- I’m a solopreneur and my income is unpredictable. How do I plan when I don’t know what’s coming in?
Try focusing on the “when”. Look back at your last several months of income to find your patterns, including your lowest month, your highest month, and when payments typically land. Compare your bill due dates to when the money comes in, and adjust your due dates where possible, like with your credit card companies.
Could you use some guidance and accountability navigating a new transition? I’ve got you! Schedule your free 30-minute consultation!
