Budget, Stress, and a Diet

INTRO

How clichè of us to use a picture of food this week while discussing dieting. We promise to be more responsible next time.

Hansei means to reflect, and in this issue, we finally dive into one of the most significant Japanese concepts next to Kaizen that may help finally get someone over the hump on how to lose weight or adjust their diet.

Of course, we are all hungry just thinking about it, but it’s all about making small changes that eventually lead to achieving major life goals.

In this issue:

• Automate Your Savings

• Time Management for Stress Reduction

• Reflect on Your Diet Progress (Hansei)

NEWS FOR MILLENNIALS

• A message for all 30-year-olds. “Ego blocks your own growth.” All the missed opportunities are something to look back and grow on. - Wild Rapha

• On an ego note, Millennials are cool too. If not, with massive student debt and no homes, we have positive things to show, too. - Thom Villing

• Millennials are addicted to self-improvement. Thank god, too. Without it, we wouldn’t have an audience. - Jules Schroeder

• A neat personality test. If you’re into that sort of thing. - Jordan Peterson

How Do I Put Money Into Savings?

Week 4 of 4: Automate Your Savings

In the last several weeks, you’ve been able to download a system that allows you to see what you’re spending.

Then, you created budgets with the information that these systems built.

Rocket Money was the tool used as an example, but a handful of services - free or paid - can do this.

Last week, you evaluated your finances. Identifying special categories that can be used to cut out quickly and put towards savings. Did you find savings in other categories? Restaurants? Entertainment? Subscriptions you didn’t know you had?

Today, the big moment has arrived: put the money you’ve saved to work. Put it in savings!

Automation increases savings success. Vanguard research shows that automated contributions can increase retirement savings by up to 300%. So, we’ll explore three different automations.

Pretty easy for Vanguard to say that when they have a jillion dollars in their fund, right?

Okay, but seriously, find something that works for your budget best.

Here are 3 ways to automate:

1. Set up automatic transfers to a savings account:
   
   By scheduling regular transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account, you ensure consistent savings without the need to manually set aside money each month.
   
   This method helps in building a habit of saving and can be adjusted based on your financial goals and income changes.
   
   Most paycheck systems like ADP or Gusto (whatever your employer uses) will allow you to set up an automatic withdrawal.
   
   One way to do this is to setup an account and make it difficult to pull money out of. A completely separate account, perhaps.
   
   The rule that is easiest to follow and build is the 15/65/20 rule:

2. Use employer-sponsored retirement plans:
   
   Many employers offer retirement plans like 401(k)s, which often include matching contributions.
   
   By enrolling in these plans and setting up automatic deductions from your paycheck, you can take advantage of employer matches and tax benefits, significantly boosting your retirement savings over time.

3. Create separate savings accounts for specific goals:
   
   Having distinct accounts for different savings goals, such as an emergency fund, vacation fund, or home down payment, can help you stay organized and focused.
   
   Automating contributions to these accounts ensures that you're consistently working towards each goal, making it easier to track progress and adjust as needed.

How to Better Manage Stress for Better Sleep

Week 4 of 6: Time Management for Stress Reduction

In our fast-paced world, stress is as common as the cold. It sneaks into our lives, impacting our ability to get a good night’s sleep.

No, it’s not your fault!

This week, we’re diving into practical strategies that can help you manage your time more effectively.

1. Prioritizing tasks:
   
   Managing stress starts with understanding what truly needs your attention. By listing tasks in order of importance, you can focus on completing high-priority items first.
   
   This approach reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and allows you to allocate your time and energy more effectively, which can lead to a more relaxed state of mind when it's time to sleep.

2. Setting realistic goals: Stress often arises from setting unattainable goals.
   
   Setting realistic and achievable objectives can reduce anxiety and create a sense of accomplishment.
   
   This positive reinforcement can improve your overall mood and ease your mind, making it easier to transition into a restful sleep.

3. Using time-blocking techniques: Time-blocking involves scheduling specific periods for different activities, including work, relaxation, and sleep.
   
   This method helps you manage your day efficiently, ensuring that you allocate time for relaxation and unwinding before bed.
   
   Having a structured schedule can prevent last-minute stressors from interfering with your sleep routine.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on sleep-related issues.

How Do I Lose Weight in a Kaizen Way?

Week 4 of 5: Reflect (Hansei)

The Japanese have a word called Hansei, which basically means “self-reflection.”

Toyota uses Hansei in its own manufacturing facilities to do better work.

At the end of projects, it’s part of their job to reflect on what challenges they hit and what caused those issues.

After identifying the points that caused the issues, they can then decide what solutions to implement to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Dieting is very similar: after a few days or a couple of weeks, look at the progress you’ve made (or sometimes no progress) and reflect on what is causing there to be unsuccess.

Are the foods being eaten too calorie-dense? Are there a lot of things that aren’t being logged? Are any nutrition or exercise goals being met?

One of the most important things is that it keeps someone accountable for the actions they’ve taken that have gotten them off the path to success and what changes need to be made or adjusted to get back on.

Take the next week to reflect on what needs to be adjusted.

Next week, we’ll implement the changes and start moving toward success again.

Remember, small improvements are still big wins. And in Hansei, be sure to reflect on the things that you’re doing well. The small wins that will lead to major changes in the future.

Disclaimer: This information should not be taken as medical advice. Before making any significant lifestyle changes, consult with a qualified professional.