It is no secret that I admire Dave Ramsey, and at this time of year, most of us are reaching the beginning of our busiest time here in Indian River County. For many of the businesses I work with, business is better than it has been in years. That relieves us of some of the financial stress we may have faced in the past seven years, but now we have a whole different kind of stress, the kind where it becomes more difficult to balance everything that is going on in our lives. I thought this post from Dave Ramsey might just give us some food for thought.

“5 Traits of Fulfilled People

You know them when you see them.

They’re those people who are always cheerful and smiling. They’re the ones who rarely complain, and everything they touch seems to turn to gold. They’re successful yet humble, influential yet compassionate. And the thing is, that’s who they really are! What you see is what you get, in public or behind closed doors.

What makes them that way, and how can we all start living our lives a little more like they do?

These people are fulfilled, and it’s a way of life that we can all adopt for ourselves. It just requires taking on some of the traits of fulfilled people and living our lives intentionally. Here are five of their not-so-secret secrets.

1. They Have a Plan

Fulfilled people know where they want to go in life, and they know how to get there. Not only that, but they’re not bogged down in hopelessness that it’ll never happen.They’re full of hope for the future and optimistic that with hard work and prayer, they’ll see their plans become reality.

Related: 7 Types of Life Goals

2. They’re Full of Gratitude

Whether they’re making a salary of $30,000 or $300,000, fulfilled people are grateful for their lives and see them as a blessing from God. They don’t always long for the next, bigger, better thing. Instead, they celebrate their accomplishments and who they are nowrather than comparing themselves and their circumstances to others. They may not have the best of everything, but they make the best of everything. In short, their hearts are content.

3. They Don’t Let Money Control Their Lives

Sure, we all need money to survive. But here’s where fulfilled people differ from a lot of the rest of us: money doesn’t rule their lives. They take control of their finances rather than letting their finances control them. It’s an attitude shift that plays a huge role in our happiness! When we tell our money what to do, we put ourselves in the driver’s seat.

4. They’re Debt Free

Not only do fulfilled people take control of their money, but they take it one step further: They get debt-free. What’s the difference? People who choose not to worship money may still have debt, even though they’re probably on their way out. But those who have become completely debt-free reach a whole new level of fulfillment.

Not only is their attitude toward money different, but they’re actually able to live free of the bondage of bills, payments, interest and collectors. They can direct money toward other, bigger goals: emergency savings, retirement, a house, college, and generous giving. And when life throws them a curve ball, they’re ready because they have the money to hit back. Want to learn how to become debt free? Sign up for Financial Peace University now!

5. They’re Givers

Speaking of giving, the most fulfilled people are the most generous. After all, giving is the most fun you can have with money! They feel so blessed that they’re compelled to give to others.

Broke people can’t be generous, though, because they have no margin in their finances. The road to generosity starts when you begin to make a plan for your life and take control of your money.

And when you do all those things, feeling fulfilled in your life isn’t far off.”

We hope this sets you up on a path to a happier outlook on things.

DiSalvo