The Ultimate F-word: How I’m Approaching My Goals Differently As Fifty Approaches Me

January 03, 2019

Editor’s note: As we launch 2019, I’ve asked each of our bloggers to reflect on their own personal goals, plans or thoughts on the past or upcoming year. Our hope is that you not only draw inspiration from our sharing over the coming weeks, but also that we are all able to feel more connected through our shared human experience and recognize that no matter where we are on our personal financial wellness journeys, that we all have similar hopes, dreams and struggles. Happy New Year! Here’s what Teresa has to say:

I’ll be reaching the grand age of 50 this June, and I’m determined to reach this milestone with as much grace as possible. On most days, however, it seems my deteriorating body didn’t get the memo.

This year, I had several appointments with my physician, a nutritionist, and other specialists and after being poked, prodded, x-rayed, and scanned, the general diagnosis is simply that “You’re getting older.” What the ****? Can I please have my co-pay refunded?

Since I wasn’t able to find the magic bullet for feeling better, I’ve decided it’s time to get back to the basics for 2019. I’m going to approach my fitness goals using some of the tried and true methods I’ve used when it comes to my finances.

Pay myself first

The phrase “pay yourself first” is popular in personal finance meaning you should save to your investments and retirement accounts first each time you get a paycheck rather than spending it elsewhere and waiting to see what’s left over. By putting your savings on auto-pilot, you’re more likely to reach your goals versus someone who waits until the end of the pay period hoping there are funds left to save.

Using the same philosophy, I’ve learned I have to get to the gym every morning at about 6:00 as a part of my daily routine for any real progress. On the days I’ve planned to get there in the afternoon or evening, some emergency or unexpected fire pops up that needs my attention, and my trip to the gym gets sacrificed. If I get my workout in first thing, I’m energized the rest of day and know that I’ve done something good for myself regardless of how the rest of the day goes.

Moderation works

When it comes to meeting financial goals, we often have to remind ourselves that slow and steady wins the race. For example, I can’t pay off my mortgage early by throwing every extra dollar I have at it until I’ve rebuilt my emergency reserves. If I throw all of my extra dollars at the mortgage, I’ll be in no position to handle life’s next curve ball and will have to resort to a high-interest credit card.

Instead, I make small adjustments with my financial goals like ratcheting up my 401(k) contribution 1-2% every January, making one or two extra principal payments on my mortgage each year, and increasing my “emergency fund” contribution each quarter.

The same approach is true with my daily workouts. I went into my first few workouts this summer with a little too much gusto and spent a week recovering from the damage I did to my lower back. Shivers go up my spine now whenever I see a kettlebell or those battle rope thingy-ma-jigs. I’ve learned that at my age, I have to spend a good deal of time stretching before and after my workouts and I increase my weights slowly each week. I’m getting stronger every week while not doing damage to my muscles and joints.

Stay focused on the goal

When I’m faced with financial decisions – large or small – I’ve learned to ask myself “does this purchase meet one of my goals?” My weakness can be clothes. When I’m tempted to buy a pretty top or something that’s caught my eye, I ask myself, “Does this purchase help me reach any of my goals?” If the answer is NO, then I don’t buy it.

I’m working on asking myself similar questions when I’m just not in the mood to work out…

“Why am I getting up at 5:30 AM?!” So I can get back to rowing and enjoying the outdoors (there are ladies in their 70’s and 80’s doing this!) So I can keep up with my great nephews. So I can remain independent for the rest of my life if God’s willing.

Developing better fitness habits now will help me meet those goals. And studies indicate that I don’t have to kill myself or train like I did as a 20-year-old collegiate rower for results. I can work a variety of programs including strength training, yoga, Pilates, and other fitness routines to stay fit — in moderation.

I just need to find the method that works best for me, make these an automatic part of my daily routine, and stick with it. The results will come — slow and steady — which is just fine at this stage of my life.