A lot of people spent time reflecting on last year and setting fantastic goals for 2021. While we didn’t set any hardcore New Year’s resolutions this year, many people still did. The biggest triumph of all though is being able to stick to your plans and reach those goals throughout the year. Below are a few tips on how to keep up with your resolutions (even when you lose steam).
Setting Reasonable Goals
First and foremost, it is key to set reasonable goals for yourself. If your aspirations are too lofty, you may wind up running out of enthusiasm early on. Instead, focus on more obtainable, smaller goals that will help you reach the longer-term aspirations that you may have.
When setting personal goals, it is important to have a “big picture” in mind. For instance, if you are setting a debt payoff goal for the year, think about all of your financial goals, not just your debt freedom. If you want to invest, save money, and buy a home, be sure to include those things in your planning too. Be sure you are setting reasonable goals for yourself within the grand scheme of things.
Another thing many people suggest is setting SMART Goals for yourself. We discussed SMART Goals on the blog a while back, you can read more about them here. SMART Goals can help you hone in on the specifics of what you’d like to accomplish, when, and how.
Tips to Keep Up With Your Resolutions
If you find you have trouble trying to keep up with your resolutions, you’re not alone. A lot of people abandon those dreams by the end of January (seriously). However, there are a few tips you can consider to help better set you up for success.
- Keep your goals specific. As mentioned above, the more specific you are in your goal-setting, the more likely you will be to reach them.
- Make exact plans as to how you will accomplish it. You won’t reach your goals if you don’t have a plan of action.
- Plan for how you will cope and learn triggers. Much of the time, resolutions are about resolving bad behaviors. You should learn your triggers (i.e. spending triggers) and figure out how to cope without giving up focus.
- Replace bad habits with good ones. If you are an overspender, become an over-saver.
Last but not least, pick a change you actually want to make. Many people spend time trying to reach goals they don’t truly desire. For example, people strive to live healthier lives and at the beginning of each year commit to exercising every day. That isn’t something most people want to do. Instead, you can find ways to live a healthier lifestyle (i.e. make time for outdoor activities and eat better).
No matter what, it is important not to lose faith in your goals and aspirations. Everything takes time, especially when it comes to lifelong goals. Be patient with yourself.
Read More
- The ‘Feel Good’ of a New Year
- Making Debt Resolutions
- Debt and the Holidays: An American Story
- Update: Settling Into Our New Home
Amanda Blankenship is the Director of Social Media for District Media. In addition to her duties handling everything social media, she frequently writes for a handful of blogs and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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