She Strengthens

Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolutions with a Bang

As we bid adieu to the old year and welcome the new one, many of us make promises to ourselves to become better versions of ourselves. However, research shows that nearly 50% of people give up on their resolutions within the first month. Why is that?

The Reality Check

One major reason is that we underestimate the time it takes to break old habits and form new ones. While we think it takes 21 days, studies reveal that it actually takes around 66 days for a new habit to become automatic. This means that if you start working on your resolutions on January 1st, it’ll take until spring to see real change.

Get Ahead of the Game

So, how can you avoid falling into the trap of giving up too soon? Here are some zero-cost tips to get you started:

Start Small

Begin with the easier resolutions on your list. Identify what’s manageable for you and prioritize accordingly. For instance, if you have a fitness goal, create an at-home workout playlist on YouTube or sign up for a gym membership today (many gyms offer free trials or promotional rates).

Practice Budgeting

Use January to practice your budgeting habits and recover from any holiday splurges. Master the art of saving and you’ll be set for the next holiday season. Open a high-yield savings account, Roth IRA, or other accounts to elevate your finances.

Sleep Better

Fix your pandemic sleep habits now to ensure healthy sleep patterns by next year. Be intentional about separating your work and sleep spaces, and change your daily habits to improve your sleep quality.

What Not to Do

Remember, it’s essential to focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. Avoid comparing yourself to your pre-pandemic self, and don’t try to implement all your big goals at once. Take it slow, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up.

Take Action Today

The key to success lies in taking action today. Consider January a month of trial and error, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks. By following these zero-cost tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your New Year’s resolutions. So, what are you waiting for? Get started now!