At the beginning of each new year, approximately 50% of the population makes resolutions. Among the top resolutions each year are weight loss, exercise, quitting smoking, better money management, and debt reduction (Journal of Clinical Psychology). However, only 8% of those people that make a resolution, keep that commitment to themselves (Forbes.com).
If you are pretty far underwater, saying you want to get out of debt and manage your money better is a really big resolutions. You may have better luck if you approach your New Year’s resolutions thinking about patching small holes in your big picture.
Here are some strategies for thinking about some common resolutions made each year:
If Your Resolution is About More Time
Many of us wish we had more time. Time for our family. Time to give back. Time to do nothing. If your resolution is more time, here are some factors you may want to keep in mind.
- Baby Steps. If you want to make more time to volunteer, don’t sign-up for a 20-hour-a-week opportunity. Choose one thing you’d like to try once. And celebrate that step!
If Your Resolution Has To Do With Money
We already know “money management” is one of the top resolutions each year. But where do you even starter?
- Write it down. Take out a pen and choose one thing you are going to focus on for the next 90 days. It might be to put $10 into savings each week or deciding to walk for 10 minutes twice each day. Write it down and post it on your refrigerator.
If Your Resolution Has To Do With Wellness
Maybe you’d like to lose 10 pounds and start exercising every day; to go to church more and wake up every morning grateful; and to feel at peace each night about the decisions you are making with our money. Our physical, spiritual, and financial wellness all work together to make us feel balanced… or out of balance.
- Get Support. Whether it’s your spouse, a friend, or your MOPS group, telling others about your goals is a proven strategy to achieving them. Let them know you’d like to be held accountable.
Another way to make your commitment known is to head over to brightpeakfinancial.com/resolve to write down your commitment. We’ll send you weekly updates for your first 6 weeks to help you stay on track by getting past the first big hurdles.
If you submit a commitment, we’ll also send you a free e-book: “Resolve: A guide to keeping your commitments to yourself.”