Embracing New Year’s Resolutions: A Fresh Start
As we welcome a new year, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on our lives and set goals for personal growth. While some may view New Year’s resolutions as fleeting promises, I believe they offer a valuable chance to reassess our priorities and make meaningful changes.
Taking Inventory of Life
My best friend and I have made it a tradition to discuss, draft, and finalize our resolutions together. We even email them to ourselves as a reminder of our commitments. However, we often forget to check in with each other and ourselves to ensure we’re making progress towards our goals. This year, I’m implementing a regular check-in schedule to stay on track.
A Mix of Resolutions
I’ve learned that having a mix of resolutions is key. Some are one-time tasks, while others involve adopting new habits. This approach provides both the satisfaction of completing a task and the challenge of adapting to new lifestyle changes.
My Top Three Money Resolutions
This year, I’ve set three financial goals for myself:
1. Financial Clarity
I want to have a clear understanding of my financial situation, without any surprises. So far, I’ve made significant progress by tackling my student loan debt and paying off an old credit card. I’ve also started transferring a small amount to my savings each week. The biggest victory has been learning to ask for help and seeking guidance from a close friend, who helped me set financial goals and introduced me to Mint.com, a valuable tool for tracking my finances.
2. #StartNow Approach
My second resolution is to tackle my goals with a #StartNow mindset. This means taking immediate action, no matter how small, to get started on my objectives. While I’ve had some success with this approach, I still need to work on following through on my plans. For example, I bought a Groupon for yoga classes but haven’t yet used it.
3. Finding Happiness
Lastly, I want to prioritize activities that bring me joy, without feeling the need to justify them as career-advancing opportunities. While I’ve made some progress in this area, such as joining a book club and finding time to read, I still need to work on creating community around my passions, like cooking.
Looking Ahead
As I move forward, I’m committed to repairing my credit, contributing more regularly to my Roth IRA, and finding affordable art opportunities for personal enjoyment. I believe that by breaking down my goals into smaller, manageable steps, I can make meaningful progress and create a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Celebrating Fresh Starts
Remember, it’s never too late to start fresh and make positive changes in your life. Take advantage of the inspiration that comes with each new season, and don’t be afraid to reassess and adjust your goals as needed.
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