I know I am. I don’t know the number of New Year resolutions I have made over the years. And how many of those have I kept longer than the first month? Zilch, nada, none. Because I didn’t have the mindset to make them last.
Because too often we charge in when it would be better to assess where we are first. It can be painful to look back to see our mistakes and shortcomings. And yet, a review is the best way to determine what we need to do to make significant changes in our lives. Before you prepare to start the new year with loads of new resolutions and goals, take some time to reassess your life in these different areas.
Take Stock to Start Your Year on The Right Foot
Obligations—Ever wish you had more time for what was genuinely important to you?
Now’s the time to make that change. And the first step is by looking at all the things you’ve taken on that no longer feel important. Consider each committee, sponsorship, extended family, and friend obligations that no longer feel fun. If they feel like a burden, it’s time to unload them.
That may feel challenging.
After all, no one wants to let others down. But this is your life, and it’s time to choose yourself instead of others’ wants.
That being said, there are some obligations you need to keep. Like those to your immediate family (partner, kids, pets, and so on).
Finances—If you wish you had more money but can’t or don’t want to work more to get it, take a careful look at your finances. Quite often, little wants turn into needs.
We have a newish word in Swedish for this: Villhöver. It is a mix of the words for want and need. It is very prevalent among my group of friends as an expression of something you really want but not necessarily need.
Scan through last year’s bank statements and make a note of any recurring payments. You may wince when you see how much you’ve spent on unnecessary things throughout the year.
Having occasional treats for you and your family is okay. But if “shopping therapy” has become a burden, now’s the time to fix it.
Make a list of all the ways you could cut back without feeling deprived.
For example, could you eat out two nights a week instead of four? Is it essential that you shop for clothes every month? How much could you save if you took your lunch to work three days a week instead of getting take-out? Do you find it fun to have four bazillion TV channels?
These are just a few ways you can trim expenses, so you can save for things that matter to you instead.
Dreams and Goals—Many people cite not having enough time or not enough money as the reason why they stay in dead-end jobs, don’t pursue their passions, or make real changes in their lives.
If that was you and you’ve taken our advice and reevaluated your obligations and finances, those excuses should no longer be holding you back.
So, what do you want really? To go back to school and start a new career? Turn your side-hustle or hobby into a business? Purchase and cook homemade, whole foods that support your health and wellness?
By choosing to make changes in your life, you’ve now opened up a whole new world for yourself.
Resolutions are not bad, you just need to be prepared for them.
In the end, the new year is here and it’s time to make resolutions and goals. We all know that this is the time of the year when we reflect on what we have done in the past, think about what we want to do in the future, and set goals for ourselves.
The most important thing is not just setting goals but also making sure you’re ready for them – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Otherwise, you set yourself up for failure.
Grab it, and don’t look back!