Is becoming an entrepreneur on your list of New Year’s resolutions? “Life Entrepreneurs,” a new book by Christopher Gergen and Gregg Vanourek, argues that the concept isn’t limited to your career — it’s about creating the complete life that you want.

The book takes readers through a process of getting in touch with their core identity, creating their vision for their lives and making that vision a reality. It features interviews with 55 entrepreneurs from a variety of fields about how they created work that they love, that serves others and that aligns with their values.

It’s all about an “electric attitude of what’s possible,” says Vanourek, who talked with us by phone last month. He is a founding partner of New Mountain Ventures, an entrepreneurial leadership development company.

Gregg Vanourek: I think that for those people who are forced into a situation where they’ve lost their job security and it’s a tough hiring market, we could make the case that this is the time to be entrepreneurial.

The book “Free Agent Nation” (by Daniel H. Pink) talks about this trend that’s already under way of more people being free agents and contractors and having the flexibility to move from project to project, company to company.

All the principles and practices of entrepreneurship — being motivated, ambitious, resourceful, having a vision, taking action, taking risks — I think can be helpful for people who are put into this position by necessity so that you can keep your head above water. It could be a wonderful opportunity, surprisingly, for those people.

Photo by John Wiley & Sons.

Always try to plan and discuss money matters during a relaxed time at home. Many times couples bring up money matters on a whim, which usually blind sides the other.

You should start the conversation with a complement that’s deserving and true. For example, you could say “before we discuss this, I would like to say you’re doing a great job balancing the check book”

This is a lifesaver, always use plural words like “we” or “our” when referring to finances. Using words like these places the discussion or blame on the two of you.

Whichever partner is talking, be sure not to interrupt them while they’re stating theri case to you. Even if you totally disagree with their comments. After they are done, you should acknowledge their comments, and state your case.

Last, but not least is always reward yourselves for the financial progress or goals you two have made and accomplished. Go to a nice restaurant, or just spend the night out of town and enjoy each other’s company.