Setting New Year’s Resolutions

With the year dwindling to a close, many people are engaging in self-reflection. They are thinking about all of the things they have accomplished and what more they could have done. Many will reflect on issues relating to self-control, such as weight loss or kicking an old habit, like smoking. However, New Year’s resolutions could extend even beyond struggles such as this. For example, they could even extend to saving money by finding solutions to your high bill payments.

  These 5 tips will help with setting your New Year’s resolutions, now all you have to do is stick to it!

Reflect for a moment on the changes you would like to occur in your everyday life. A high bill payment is not usually on the list of New Year’s resolutions. But high bills will impact your overall stress and happiness. As you are creating your list, think of electricity and water usage and how they could be reduced through making conscious decisions in your home. There is power in making a list. It will make your resolutions real.

Once you have an idea of the changes you would like to occur, make a list of goals.

Once you have your list, categorize your goals by time and importance. Some of your goals may not be pressing, but that does not mean that you should push them aside. Rank them by the amount of time they will take to achieve and when it would be appropriate to begin each one.

By tackling harder tasks first, it will give you the confidence you need to tackle smaller tasks. Set realistic goals, but be sure they are challenging, so everything after is a cinch!

An unrealistic resolution will leave you with a feeling of futility. But a goal that is too easy might yield the same result. Strike a proper balance.

Ensure that you have a constant reminder of your goals. Perhaps you could hang a whiteboard in your living room or on the refrigerator.  It will help remind you of your commitment to yourself and encourage you to stick to the list.

Have you reduced your energy consumption? Exercised more frequently? Deposited more into your savings account?

Check it off the list. If you make a habit of referring to the list, you will not forget about it.

Remember to revisit the list weekly, to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice.