Making New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year. And with that greeting, we all know: it’s that time of year again—a time of making promises to ourselves, resolutions about the coming year. Many of us are faithful to the tradition, and then, some of us don’t even bother (a membership of which I am a card-carrying member). But what’s all this resolution-making all about?

Some time in January, most folk make at least one New Year’s resolution (it is a tradition, after all). There are those whose New Year’s resolutions are goofy, but others take New Year’s resolutions very seriously. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I do set goals periodically throughout the year (who doesn’t?). But, for those serious about New Year’s resolutions, wanting to turn them into a reality, here are some helpful tips.

Although usually made at some New Year’s Eve party or on January 1st, there’s no law mandating that part of the tradition: resolutions can be made toward the end of the ‘old’ year, to as far out as, heck … March (the year’s still relatively new three months in).

Still, if you take New Year’s resolutions seriously, this represents a chance to change something you either, don’t like or, something you want to improve. Resolutions can range from losing weight to spending more time with family to getting out of debt. Regardless of what it is, don’t just go with the first thought that pops up, or ‘sounds good.’ Think hard about what you truly want to change or improve in the year ahead.

Now, let’s get started.

First, keep it real by being realistic. Shoot for something reasonable, something attainable. Fifty pounds of weight loss in two months is improbable, impractical, and the attempt even dangerous. Reducing $75,000 of debt by year’s end, when you don’t even earn that a year, is again, improbable, impractical, and the attempt (something likely involving criminal intent) is also dangerous. You get the idea. Think, baby steps. Shooting for losing 1-2 pounds a week or reducing a credit card balance by $2,500: both fall into the manageable arena.

Write your realistic resolution(s) down. Something about committing it to paper makes it more real. Place it in a ‘good’ spot (wallet, fridge, mirror). When seeing/reading your resolution, it serves as a source of motivation.

Now that you have your realistic resolution in front of you (written down and placed in a good location for reference and inspiration), it’s time to fine-tune it, break it down into those baby steps. Weight-loss is one of the most popular resolutions, but a better example, something with results more ‘tangible,’ is debt reduction.

For resolutions related to getting out of debt, start with secured loans. Secured loans involve losing something if payments aren’t made (e.g. your house, car, etc.). You can work to pay your mortgage balance down by adding extra to pay down the principle. It’s also a good idea to spread the debt-reduction around, ‘diversify.’ Focus on those small, but still important debts, too (e.g. nominal doctor bills). Getting rid of such ‘annoyances’ alleviates stress—and meets your resolution, because you’re reducing debt.

The key, however, is not giving up if you don’t see results immediately. You have all year to make something happen, make a change for the better. Be patient with yourself. Accomplishing part of a goal is better than missing the mark altogether, right?

New Year’s resolutions that are thought-out, realistic, and broken into baby steps, establish a natural guide to follow. The good vibes derived from accomplishing the ‘small stuff’ can carry forward—and provide motivation and encouragement to keep it going. If you meet your goals, great. If you surpass them? Even better.

These tips aren’t strictly for New Year’s resolutions but for setting goals in general, whether it’s January or September. While I don’t make traditional New Year’s resolutions, I do set goals occasionally. Any way you look at it, resolutions or pursuing goals are chances to improve aspects of your life. And what’s the old adage: there’s always room for improvement.

Until next time, stay serif.