Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions
By Chris Petry
Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Probably. While 50% or so of the American population makes New Year’s resolutions, only 25% of those people stick to them by the 30-day mark. At least according to this study from Columbia University.
Just why do we make so many resolutions, knowing that we’re statistically unlikely to follow through on them? Well, call it the magic of New Year’s. It’s, by definition, the first day of the year and that milestone is appealing. It signifies a fresh start. The closing of an old chapter and the beginning of a new one. That novelty alone is enough to stoke the fires of change in most people. The problem is, once life falls back into the same routine they were used to, out goes the resolutions.
Referring back to the poll from Columbia University, less than 10% of respondents managed to keep their New Year’s resolutions. That means over 90% of us dropped the ball, pun not intended. The #1 resolution? Health and fitness. One doesn’t have to analyze the reasons for that too deeply. Halloween to New Year’s is the most indulgent and festive time of year. It’s virtually impossible to go anywhere without being bombarded by sweets and carbohydrates. By the time January, 1st rolls around we’re all feeling the festivities. Of course, the manufacturers of home exercise equipment and running shoes are well aware of this fact and usually have big sales to coincide with the New Year.
Whether your New Year’s resolutions pertain to fitness, financial goals, travel, or homeownership, the first thing you can do to increase the odds of following through is to set specific goals, as opposed to vague proclamations. Instead of saying, “I’m going to walk more this year,” say, “I’m going to walk everyday from 6-7 p.m.” Fixing a rigid schedule makes us more likely to adhere. Leaving wiggle room in our goals makes us more likely to falter or even rescind them.
When we create specific goals, we’re not only more likely to follow through in the short term but also in the long term. That’s because the actions to meet those goals become a normal part of our day like showering, brushing our teeth or walking the dog. It’s all about prioritization. Deciding that taking actions to meet our goals is every bit as indispensable as the other tasks we take for granted as a part of our daily routine.
Say your New Year’s resolution is homeownership. What actions can you incorporate into your daily routine to accomplish that goal? For one, you can prioritize your financial well-being. That means devising and sticking to a strict budget. Limiting large ticket purchases and paying down debt. This will, of course, require daily attention. You can even schedule an appointment with a professional financial advisor to help you create a checklist for meeting your goal.
Assuming you’re already in good shape for a pre-approval, the next step would be to meet with a REALTOR to discuss the specifics of what kind of home you need. Is there an architectural style you’re partial to? Would you prefer to live in the country, the burbs or the heart of the city? Do you need an integral garage or is offstreet parking okay? Incorporate a few minutes into your routine daily to peruse homes online and take notes about what you see and what you require in your future home purchase.
Keeping a New Year’s resolution is NOT easy. The stats don’t lie. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make them. After all, making any goal and taking steps to achieve it can be great for your well-being and productivity. Even if the momentum doesn’t make it beyond February. If you’re serious about sticking with it, there’s no better time than now to formulate your plan to do so. Don’t give yourself the option! Ever hear that old saying that showing up is half the battle?
