Did you know that only 8% of people achieve their resolutions? For the most part, that is because they set unrealistic and impractical resolutions and don’t create a plan to help them achieve their goals. Read on for ten tips to help you make and keep your financial resolutions this year.
Want It
Don’t just set a resolution for the sake of making a resolution. Pick something that you really want to do that you will be motivated to fight for. Making a change is hard to do, so make sure that you resolve to do something that you would actually want to change.
Make Only a Few Resolutions
Instead of making twelve resolutions that you probably won’t keep, make one or two that will keep you focused and that you will be able to achieve. Make sure that you make specific goals so that you can judge your success along the way.
Start Small
Make small, bite size resolutions that are achievable rather than giant resolutions that you will become discouraged in trying to realize. Resolve to do something for ten minutes a day, rather than make an entire lifestyle change.
Create a Plan
Making a resolution to “get out of debt” or “lose weight” are great, but they won’t really get you anywhere. If you want to get out of debt, create a budget and a monthly payment plan to help you pay off your debts. If you want to lose weight, make an exercise plan that you can stick to and a food plan to help you eat better.
Hold Yourself Accountable
Find a way to track your progress, be it a blog, a sticker chart, on social media or with a friend. If you are held accountable for your goals, you are more likely to achieve them. If you have to report to someone, even if it is just to a blog, you will increase your chances for success.
Create Reminders
Put reminders of your resolution in places that you will often see them. Put reminders in your phone, pencil in your resolutions into your calendar, and put post it notes around your office or home to help you remember your resolutions. Create a dream board and include your resolutions on it.
Make it Fun
Your resolutions don’t need to be something that you will hate doing, find ways to make it fun. If you have resolved to lose weight, buy cute workout clothes that you will enjoy working out in. If you have resolved to save money, save up for something that you are really excited about. Reward yourself for keeping your resolutions along the way.