It is a week into 2024. Some of us are going strong on our New Year’s resolutions, and others are still working out the details of how they will accomplish their 2024 goals. Research shows that only 9% of Americans who make resolutions complete them. In fact, that same research goes on to show that 23% of people quit their resolutions by the end of the first week, and 43% quit by the end of January.
Why aren’t we more successful at keeping our New Year’s resolutions? Maybe the goals we set are too big, or maybe we did not put enough thought into the ‘why’ of the goal. Resolutions often fail because they encourage a goal-oriented rather than a process-oriented approach.
According to The Happiness Project, here are eight tips to help you create and stick to your resolutions:
- Be specific.
- Write it down.
- Review your resolution constantly.
- Hold yourself accountable.
- Think big.
- Think small.
- Ask for help.
- Consider making only pleasant resolutions.
This year, I have spoken with many people who are looking to better their financial situations. Financial wellness is the ability to live within one’s means and manage money in a way that gives peace of mind. Lots of articles online give general tips about spending less than you earn, establishing a savings, and other tips that are much easier said than done. Particularly when one lives on a fixed income, as many disabled people do, basic financial advice can only go so far.
Here is a list of small, tangible ways that can be used to improve financial health day by day:
- Instead of buying lunch, challenge yourself to pack your lunch one day a week. Put that money in your savings account. Plus packing your lunch will probably be a healthier option.
- Keep track of how much you spend a week. It’s very easy to overspend if you are just swiping your debit card.
- Automate your savings. Could be $5 or $10 a month. Whatever you can spare.
- Try not to shop when you’re hungry because you will always spend more than you expected to.
- Pay off any credit cards. That can feel daunting, but even small payments will make things easier in the future.
Whether your 2024 resolution involves finances, healthy eating, or building better habits, be prepared to stick to your goal. It is easier to accomplish smaller goals so you can build upon your success. Take things one day at a time, and the IMAGE Center is cheering you all along on your journeys!