Often in this space I write about how you should envision what you want to change in your financial picture. This is because with a little reflection you can take the steps necessary to change and move to a position where you will have greater comfort and ideally an extra dose of happiness.

Those are ideas you’re going to hear a lot about as the calendar turns to 2020, and that is not a bad thing.

The start of a new year is a bit of a construct and is not necessarily some magic point in time where changes are easier to make or more liable to stick. It is, however, a time when one is inclined to take stock of where they are and where you want them to go.

No matter what changes you would like to make, they do require that bit of reflection, but then they also take a great deal of discipline and continued motivation. After all, if these were easy things for you to do, you would just do them instead of requiring a resolution to do so.

This can feel even more daunting when you see others having success where you struggle. They make it seem like it is so easy. First, keep in mind they have more internal struggles than you see. It is easier to see the successes from the outside than to appreciate the turmoil that someone combats. And second, people have strengths and weaknesses in different areas. When you are envious of someone’s success in one area, they probably envy you in another.

But through all of this, one thing to remember is that success can be had if you remain on the path to it. So here is a wish that you find that success in whatever battle you take on and reach your hoped-for destination.

And next week, we’ll turn back to more of those financial concerns.