Liz Koh: Skills to stay afloat during life upheavals

Every so often we may experience a sudden change in our life, planned or unplanned.

Eva Bennett has just published a handy guide to help you deal with life's three biggest upheavals: relationships, redundancy and retirement (As Time Goes By: Dealing with Life's Changes, available from www.evabennett.com.au).

We only have one life and to make the most of it means having the resilience to withstand change, so potentially negative events can be turned into positive ones. Sometimes that can mean stepping outside your comfort zone. Here are Eva's tips for dealing with life's changes:

Set a clear, positive vision of how you want your life to be. Change your thoughts to change your life.

Reinvent yourself. Make a list of all the things you are good at and think about how you could apply those skills.

Don't let fear hold you back from making changes. Ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that could happen? What are the benefits if I take the plunge?"

Serve others as a way of maintaining social contact and helping you feel good about yourself.

Aim for a balanced life in the six key areas of work, relationships, health, leisure, finances and goals.

Practice good communication skills so you stay connected with your family and friends.

Use your money wisely.

Lighten your load by getting rid of things or relationships that drain your energy, and thinking about what makes you feel more energised.

Think young and do what you love. Use diet and exercise to slow down the ageing process and maintain your health.

Life is to be enjoyed now, not later. As Eva says, "Do it while you can because we don't know what the future holds."

Liz Koh is an authorised financial adviser. The advice given here is general and doesn't constitute specific advice to any person. A free disclosure statement can be obtained by calling 0800 273 847. For free ebooks, go to www.moneymax.co.nz and www.moneymaxcoach.com