So much has happened in the world since the beginning of 2020 and none of it was on our vision boards. Ha. I always get a laugh when I see that meme. Coronavirus has taken the world by storm. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening human lives, the turn of events has been distressing and depressing. 

While you may have had big dreams for 2020, you might feel disheartened at what has transpired in the world. Don’t lose hope!  You can STILL make 2020 the best year yet. Let it be a reminder that each and every day is a gift. We are not owed our next breath.

Even before the pandemic…my world stopped when we lost Kobe. It just didn’t make sense that someone who gave their all every day of their life would be taken so suddenly and tragically. I just knew that Kobe would get more time because he was just that great at making the best use of the time he was given. If anyone deserved more time it was Kobe Bryant.

But it doesn’t work like that. Our time here is finite. Our time to live our purpose and complete our assignment is limited. Similar to his life, Kobe’s death changed me. It reminded me that I had work to do. That my next breath is a gift. That when this is all over I want to say that I left it all on the court.

It’s with that perspective that I am determined to STILL make 2020 my best year yet. I owe it to myself.

The top priority to making 2020 your best year yet is to prioritize health. Not just physical health but your mental health as well. Maintain social and physical distancing practices. Don’t ignore the ways in which you find peace and happiness. Do what you need to do for you.

Here are a few way to make 2020 your best year, yet:

Re-evaluate your goals

Don’t be afraid to start over. Treat today like day one of 2020. Your goals pre-coronavirus may not be realistic post coronavirus. Do you have a goal to generate more income? With the inevitable economic impact of the virus one or even two sources of income may not be enough to protect your financial goals. Did you plan to launch a new business this year? Can the timeline be shifted? Create a new blueprint for the current climate. Remain flexible. A pivot  may be necessary. Evaluate, create a new plan, and then execute.

Focus on self-improvement

If you are fortunate enough to be working from home, it can be a great opportunity to focus on self-improvement. It’s a wonderful time to read more books, create a budget, create an at home physical fitness routine. More important than productivity, create a few self-care routines that will ultimately improve your quality of life. Try journaling, meditating, and taking adequate time to rest.

Leverage your full-time job

While all jobs are at risk due to the uncertainty of the economy, if you are fortunate enough to work from home and retain your full salary, find ways to create leverage. Having a salaried job makes you less risky to banks and lenders. Consider maxing out your 401k. Speak to HR about other financial resources your job may provide.

Improve your money habits

We may be headed into a recession, if not a depression. Your money habits are more important than ever. Here are a few money habits to consider and add to your financial goals:

Generate more income

One stream of income is just too risky during these times. Consider finding new ways to generate extra income with the skills you currently have.

Cut expenses

Don’t add new expenses because you have more income. Find ways to cut back on your spending where you can. The goal is always more income and less expenses.

Save more money

Regardless of your income…try to save money! Even if it’s just $10. Save it! There is absolutely no way to grow your money without first saving it!

Improve your credit

If your credit isn’t  where you want it to be, use this time to work on improving it. Lenders have increased the minimum score requirements for loans. In the upcoming months good credit can be leveraged to find investment opportunities or to fund the business you’ve dreamed of running.