Year after year, financial and medical related goals top the list for new year resolutions. Ask any number of people what their intentions for the new year are, and you’ll likely hear goals related to a healthier lifestyle and/or money management. Let’s use some of these common aspirations to explore why you might be struggling to stick to your resolutions.
Disclaimer: the goals mentioned in this post are potential examples of common resolutions. This is not medical advice. Discuss with a healthcare provider before engaging in a diet or exercise regimen.
1. Your resolutions are too broad.
Eating healthier can take many different forms. But unless you make your goal more specific, it will be tough to take action! A better resolution might be: reduce caloric intake to 1500 per day. Even better to outline how you plan to do that. You might use an app to count calories and a food scale to measure portions.
2. Your resolutions are too vague.
Saving money sounds admirable, but that should only be the start of your plan. You might outline what/when/where/how you will achieve this goal. For example, I will save 15% of my biweekly paycheck via automatic transfer into a high yield savings account (HYSA). Finding your WHY can make you more likely to stick to your guns. Perhaps you’re saving for a down payment or to take a vacation.
3. Your resolutions are too lofty.
If you’re out of shape, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to complete a marathon. To finish a long distance race is a fine long term goal, but perhaps you should start with putting on your running shoes and running on a treadmill or outside for two minutes. If you bite off more than you can chew at the start, you’re more likely to get discouraged and throw in the towel. Make your goal more digestible in the beginning. Establish the habit first, celebrate some small wins, then build on those.
4. Your resolutions are too abstract.
Most resolutions seem reasonable to most people. But why does it matter to YOU?! Remember when we talked about finding your why. Your why is the reason you set the goal in the first place, will help you get started and continue to make progress. Keep your why(s) in mind when the going gets tough. Bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck (Proverbs 6:21). For example, I want to lose 10 lbs. to increase energy and stamina to keep up with my kids!
5. Your resolutions are too general.
Giving yourself a deadline might be helpful to stick to your resolutions. A deadline can take many forms. It can be a quarter, fiscal year, a holiday or season, anniversary or other milestone. For example. I want to save $10,000 by August 31st so I can book a surprise wedding anniversary trip at the end of the year. This goal is a good start, but remember you can make it even better by outlining exactly how you plan to do this.
To summarize, you might have heard the acronym SMART to help make your aspirations attainable. To increase the likelihood that you’ll stick to your new year resolutions, make sure they’re SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Do you set new year resolutions? If so, what are they, and how are you doing? Can you make them more SMART? Let me know in the comments!
I will link some products below that might help you stay motivated and achieve your goals. I’m rooting for you! No matter your intentions for this year, be sure to give grace to yourself and others along the way.
Alicia <3
**The following links are all affiliate links. I earn commissions for clicks that result in purchased products. However, these are all products I’ve purchased and used myself, and found to be helpful.
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