The journey to a new financial position can be filled with lots of potholes that slow you down and even cause some injury as you scout out ways to increase your income, reduce expenses, and build wealth. And to top it all off, implementing new financial behaviors can stimulate feelings of disorientation and confusion.

People often bring with them old habits of struggle and fear and this makes the journey to prosperity a chore rather than a pleasure. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every step of the way was filled with joy and the wonder of discovery?

Well, it can be, and here are some suggestions that might inspire you to keep moving forward with a smile, no matter what is going on in the world.

• Make a decision to focus on what’s good in your life rather than on what’s not. Because we live in a dualistic reality, every down has an up. You can choose what you wish to see. You can also choose how you respond emotionally to life’s events.
• Gratitude: Spend at least five minutes each day thinking about or writing down what you are grateful for. When you hear yourself grumbling about people or events, take a deep breath and say to yourself, “I am grateful for the gift in every moment,” and at that moment find something positive to focus on.
• Give of your time or talents to those who can benefit from your offering. There are plenty of people — and animals — that need help now. It’s almost impossible to give without getting something in return.
• Connect to others with love in your heart. Humans, by nature, function better in groups rather than in isolation. Step out of your comfort zone and meet new people every month.
• Laugh and smile a lot. It’s tough to enjoy your life with a frown.
• When stressed, say the serenity prayer: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to make the difference.