Are you a perfectionist? Do you think … just a little more polishing and you’ll be ready to launch that two-year-old project you’ve revised, reworked and re-engineered to death?

Old School

Are you so old school that you were taught “if it is worth doing, it’s worth doing perfectly?” Well, let me share a truth with you. They were wrong. Your teachers, bosses, parents … all the people who pushed for perfection at the price of completion were off-base and out of step with this time.

I used to be a perfectionist. I made sure there were no critical omissions in my completed documents. The problem is that I didn’t publish as many articles as I might have if perfect wasn’t part of the goal. Actually, perfect was not my personal goal. It was the required operating procedure standing in the way of project completion.

Perfectionism was a girdle in the old-school world. It was tight, restrictive and painful. There was nothing fun about wearing the girdles I wore as a young woman. Why didn’t I question the need to adhere to such a rigid rule then?

I am not endorsing sloppy work. I don’t advocate half-ass effort. I am recommending that you allow yourself the creative freedom of knowing that good enough is good enough.

Life is your personal laboratory. It is yours to explore, experiment, and decide what’s most important to you. It is your place to dream, test ideas, and implement plans. To accomplish more in your life, think of life as a beta.

Do the best you can as quickly as possible, then launch the program, project, or venture. Revise and perfect it later. Think beta –the first iteration. The Microsoft method. Decide how to monetize the initial effort and price future updates. Get it done.

Launch Beta 1. Get Feedback. Revise. Improve. Price. Launch Beta 2 to a market of early adopters waiting expectantly, and to the later-adopters who have been waiting for Beta 2. What a great operating model. Rinse. Repeat. Replay.

Go launch your new product.

Peace and prosperity,

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© 2010 Judith Stephens. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Are you still doing the same old tired things and hoping for different results? You want to increase your income by 20% this year. But you haven’t actually done anything to make it happen. You know this is the definition of insanity, right? Isn’t it time to change your mind? And a habit or two?

A change in your habits or behavior will bring about new results in your life. Shake things up! Take wobbly toddler steps in the right direction to get you started.

I stopped watching TV. As I watched successful people “entertain” me out of using my time more productively on my own projects, I decided it was crazy to watch them do their jobs at the expense of my own. So for the first time in years, I didn’t watch the Australian Open tennis tournament. I left Venus and Serena Williams to handle their business and I handled mine. It was liberating! Serena won without me. And I finished a new information product. I love progress!

You might want to introduce a daily walk to your routine. Use it to get clear on your goals as you clip along at a steady pace. Or spend 10 minutes meditating first thing in the morning. Or say two affirmations that resonate with you. Or list five things for which you’re grateful at the end of the day.

Decide one thing that you’ll accomplish today. Not just activities, but accomplishments, a completed assignment you can check off the To-Do list. Let these things represent a mindset and momentum shift for  you. Commit that you will complete it by noon, or 3pm. Accept no excuses.

Will you write that proposal that’s been nagging you? If it’s not an income-oriented project, is it operational? Might you compile this month’s bills in one place — like a file folder? How about listing all of your expenses and totaling them? Give yourself the power of knowing exactly where you are financially. It means you have to stop playing games with yourself. What was it — money masturbation 101? Enough already.

Change some variable in your results equation to achieve the outcomes you desire. Make a change in your routine. Do it daily. Adopt habits to develop and strengthen your mental and money muscles. Do it for seven days. Then expect to see different results.

Let me know what habit you adopted, or unproductive habit you stopped. Did it help?

Peace and prosperity,

P.S. I invite you to subscribe to my new Financial Fitness eZine. Get the latest money tips, news and expert interviews. Simply click here and enter your name and email in the form.

A transition is “a life change characterized by a sharp break with the past.” Life’s transitions happen all the time. Often they don’t let you know they are on the way. What was, is no longer.

I recently lost my sister. Technically, Phyllis was my best friend. In actuality, she was the sister I always wanted. Fifteen years ago we adopted each other. Someone to watch our backs. Her transition smacked me upside my head and shattered me. But worst, the business that surrounds the death and dying process left me shell-shocked.

Are you one major transition away from an unexpected disruption of your life? How will an unexpected and unplanned for event impact you? Are you vulnerable? Have you put emergency plans in place? Do you have a Plan B to protect and shelter you from the devastation of unwanted change?

“The death of a loved one imposes cruel demands on the closest survivors. You, more than anyone, need time and space to handle your emotions, gather your thoughts and say goodbye. And yet demands are suddenly coming from all sides.”

I didn’t know. I was unprepared. Dumb is expensive. Here’s my heads up to you so you know.

Transitions

Many people are vulnerable to big transitions. The death of business partner you count on, a surprise divorce request, an unplanned move from your home, or getting laid off from your job can temporarily rock your world. Developing alternative plans — ones you hope not to use — can protect you emotionally and financially. Make a Plan B today and minimize the severity of tomorrow’s thunderstorms.

Yes, you’re married to a wonderful person. One you love and trust. Your relationship is secure and special. But ask yourself … what if? In America we have a 50% divorce rate. You gotta ask.

I’m a positive person. I prefer to think about what I want, not what I don’t want in my life. And yet such a limited approach can leave you at the mercy of those things you don’t want in your life.

Accidents happen. People change their minds. It’s important that you think about and consider the what-ifs. Then make provisional plans to protect yourself and your family.

Make A Plan B

Like what kind of plans? Step one is Keep a Cash Stash. In case your credit cards are unavailable, you need cash to manage a major life change. The cash must be accessible — you must be able to get your hands on it when you need it most.

Regularly add to a Personal Financial Security savings account. Such an account is often referred to as an “rainy day” or “emergency” fund, but — here I go again — I dislike the feeling of preparing for what I don’t want. A Financial Security account describes what the money is for and works for me.

You might open a new brokerage account with your favorite investment services provider and start a Financial Security equity fund. Or a Keep-Me-In-the-Manner-I’ve-Become-Accustomed bond fund.

Purchase life insurance where you are the beneficiary for anyone on whose support you depend. Key man insurance policies are standard in many corporations. You may want to have the equivalent. Insure the person or persons who are most important to your life running smoothly. It costs to grieve and takes time to replace their contributions to your life.

What other safety valves should be put in place to protect you? What do you wish you had known before you went through a big transition? Share your experiences with us here.

Start working on creating your Plan B today.

Peace and prosperity,

P.S. Subscribe to my new Financial Fitness eZine. Get the latest money tips, news and expert interviews. Simply click here and enter your name and email in the form. Thanks!

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Get Rich Slowly is one of my favorite personal finance blogs. I like the way JD Roth (the admin) thinks and analyzes his financial behavior. I also like how he writes about money and finance. It takes considerable writing skill to make personal finance articles interesting and keep your audience entertained enough to read it. JD does a very good job.

As we prepare for the money management portion of the Money Attraction Bootcamp, I’ve asked my group to read this blog post. Discretionary spending bits and pieces. I’ve encouraged them to get their feet wet, and assured them that the water isn’t cold. We’ll discuss opinions and views in the Financial Fitness Academy’s new membership forum. Bootcamp members never disappoint. It should be great fun.

See how JD analyzes his 2009 restaurant spending. This is a good model of how to analyze and control your financial behavior too. See how he proactively asks IF this is the way he wants to spend his money? Look at the techniques he uses not to spend impulsively. See how he rewards himself for sticking to his spending plans. There is a lot of substance in this blog entry.

I hope you find Get Rich Slowly as interesting and informative as I do.

Judith
The Money Lady

PS  If you haven’t already done so, subscribe to my new Financial Fitness eZine. Simply click and enter your name and email in the form. Thanks!

What do you want? This is a question we don’t ask ourselves often enough. It’s a question for which we often don’t have answers. But it’s a lovely question because it motivates us to think of the possibilities. It encourages us to imagine and to dream.

What do you want in your life that you don’t have now? What would you like to add to your life in the next 3, 6 or 12 months?

What changes do you want to see in your personal and business life? What new experiences will you allow yourself? What people will you invite into your personal and professional spaces? What do you want to learn?

As we move toward 2010, remember that you can have as much of, and as big as, you can see. What will you choose?

For instance, where will you live? What geographical area? What city? What setting — urban, suburban or rural? House, condo or apartment?

What about your work? Where will you work? Will you prepare for a job change? Will you aim for a major promotion on your current job?

If you’re a business owner, will you commit to growing your business by 20% in 2010? How about a 30% increase in revenue? How will you do it?

Will you outsource more of the non-income producing tasks that currently take up your time? Will you hire a virtual assistant? Will you become involved in more joint ventures? Will you attend more industry conferences and meetings to meet other people in similar work?

As you contemplate what you want, I hope you will remember to play. Look for new opportunities to have fun, to love, and to enjoy your life.

Let’s welcome 2010 with a full, yet light heart.

Peace and prosperity to you,
Judith

What’s your plan for 2010? Do you have a plan for growing your business? What about a plan to grow your life?

When I worked in corporate America, we started the annual planning process for the new year in September or October. Planning involved every layer of the corporation. We forecasted sales by product line, and included evaluating all aspects of the business — staff size, operating expenses and projected profits. Planning forces you to think specifically about your business’ future.

What’s your plan?

As we end 2009, take the next few weeks to think through your strategy for 2010. Start by thinking about what you want.

If you want to increase your 2010 income by 15% over 2009, what do you need to do to achieve it? Will you sell more of your products/services at the same prices? Will you raise your prices? Will you Introduce new products at higher price points, or decrease your overhead by reducing the number of employees on your payroll? Will you outsource more administrative tasks?

Here’s the benefit: The planning process strengthens you and your business. It provide you with a mental agility that only comes from thinking through your options.

Would you like to learn more about developing your 2010 business/life plan? Join me at my free Money Attraction Secrets! Discover How to Use Spiritual & Business Tools to Attract & Manage Your Money teleseminar on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. Register today at http://themoneyladyteleseminars.com

Inviting more money into your life isn’t woo woo. Money attraction is about incorporating proven spiritual principles and sound business practices into your planning process.

To Your Financial Success!

Judith

Like many people, I have issues around money. I call them money baggage — those limiting thoughts, beliefs and emotions around my finances. What about you? What feelings do you associate with money? Do thoughts of money make you feel anxious, angry, unworthy or confident and relaxed ? What’s your money self-talk like? Do you think about abundance and achievement or lack and limitation?

I decided to clear out my baggage and increase the abundance in my life. I needed support to build a new financial fitness routine. I know about the Laws of Attraction, the importance of affirmations and declarations, and the benefits of positive thinking. I wanted an improved relationship with money. I needed personal development tools and exercises to clear my resistance and anchor my wealth building intentions. I sought to rewire my emotional circuitry, to take myself off automatic pilot and kick my energy up a notch or two.

No More Stinkin’ Thinking

My goal was to get past the money junk that had accumulated in my life. I didn’t want to analyze it. I wanted to clear it out, along with any stinkin’ thinking that had seeped into my consciousness to rob me of health, happiness and personal power. My goal was to attract more good in my life. More good people and great experiences.

I spent January 2009 letting go of emotions I no longer want. And adopting new financial attitudes and behaviors that would serve me well as I reach new levels of financial comfort. It was a highly spiritual quest, and I was aptly aided by superstars in the prosperity arena.

According to Joan Sotkin of Pro$perityPlace.com, “financial issues are always related to non-financial emotional issues …” Joan reminded me that prosperity comes through other people. I heard her and ended my self-imposed isolation. I’ve made new friends and associates, and reconnected with a few great old friends. I’ve entered into joint ventures with two awesome groups whose energy and expertise complement my own in amazing ways.

Tap Into EFT

I began tapping to clear my fears of the big steps I’m taking. Tapping? Yes. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) are tools to help remove emotional blocks that prevent you from achieving your goals. EFT is a needle-free form of acupuncture. By tapping on certain meridian points while concentrating on the emotional disturbance, energy begins to flow and relief results. EFT is easy to learn, and does not require special education or extensive training. It can be used effectively in almost every emotional, health and performance issue. Pioneered by Gary Craig, EFT‘s benefits are huge. It works. Many people are tapping and talking glowingly about it.

Paul Zelizer, a new Twitter and Facebook friend, is a genius at bringing people together. Paul says “EFT is among the best clearing tools available today.” Get Paul’s free ebook, PZ’s Money Makeover2. It explains how to use EFT for financial well-being.

I’m refreshed and vibrating at a higher energy level. I’m ready to implement my new 2009 action plans. I’m feeling more hopeful and much less stressed. I tap frequently and journal my feelings.

What about you? Have you heard of EFT? Have you tried it yet? What were your experiences? Share your thoughts about it here. More tools and exercises coming soon.

Judith