For many people, year after year they set up a “New Year’s Resolution”. Many times its about weight loss or financial stability. This year, I have heard many people have decided not to set a New Year’s resolution at all because they simply never meet their goal(s).
First, try not to set a lofty goal. If your goal is to save money, then start with just a dollar or two a week. It really does not have to be huge, especially to start. You can always increase it as the year progresses. And if you have to dip into that savings to cover some unexpected expenses, count it as a win! Because, if you think about it, wasn’t that a reason for saving to begin with? Even this small shift in perspective goes a long way to seeing you were successful.
Trying to lose weight? Instead of going and buying the latest Peloton or gym membership, start with some small and simple lifestyle changes. For example, if you drink soda everyday, try cutting back to every other day, then cut more as you see success. Another option, go for a walk after lunch or dinner. You don’t need to get on a treadmill and exhaust yourself right out of the starting gate. Instead, start small and work up to the bigger changes.
Not being able to attain your goal/achieve success with your resolution can be downright frustrating – I know, I’ve been there many times myself. Our family goals usually revolve around our finances. Whether we want to make sure we put money into our rainy day fund, contribute towards our children’s college funds, or just be able to afford to go out for ice cream once in a blue moon, it has never ceased to be a challenge. Those unexpected medical expenses, inflation, or something expensive breaks (I’m talking to you, dear washer and dryer!), the list goes on for things that just get in the way of our ability to achieve success. How on earth do we overcome those obstacles?
And, lastly, never expect things to get easier. In fact, there was a speech by a college women’s basketball coach, Kara Lawson, who wanted to teach her team this very lesson: life does not get easier; “handle hard better”. I know this doesn’t exactly sound like a pep talk, but she had a great perspective on life and how challenges get harder as we get older. Each challenge we face teaches us how to handle even more difficult situations, they equip us for what lies ahead.
So, whatever you choose to do: set a resolution or not, just know that having goals, even small ones, is a great way to work on improving some aspect of your life. Just be sure that you are setting them to reasonable levels, making them progressively challenging and keeping a reasonable perspective on how you measure success.
Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year!