How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions?

Last year’s resolutions have come and gone but now it’s time to make a new one and stick to it.  It’s a new year and a new opportunity to achieve your goals and stick with your resolution.  Follow these steps and it will be easy!

Make it something you really want- Don’t make a resolution that you “should” want or what other people tell you to want.  It has to fit with your values.

 Limit your list to a number you can handle- It’s best to stick to two or three resolution that you intend to keep.

Be specific- To be effective, resolutions and goals need to be specific.  If you want to work out more say “I’m working out at the gym everyday at 5:30pm.”

Automate- Automating financial goals can maximize your odds for success without you having to do anything.  If your goal is to save $3,000 this year, calculate the amount out of each paycheck, then arrange to have it automatically deposited into your savings.

Make a plan- Rather than starting one daunting goal, create smaller steps to reach it- have an action plan and reward yourself for achieve those goals.

Be prepared to change some habits- You must be open to change and accept it.  Your resolution may require some change and you must embrace it.

Write down the goal and visualize it regularly- Place your written goals in a spot you look at everyday or repeat your goals to yourself everyday.

To tell or not to tell- Have someone hold you accountable for your goals and have them check in on your progress.

Forgive yourself- If you fall off the wagon jump back on- never give up!