One Day at a Time

Did you know that 90% of New Year's resolutions fail? It's actually worse than that. Studies show that 23% of New Year's resolutions fail within the first 7 days of the year! 43% fail within the first 30 days. By mid-February, more than half of New Year's resolutions are already dead.

I despise New Year's resolutions. It's not that I don't appreciate the sentiment behind them. I spent years starting (and failing) New Year's resolutions, too. The problem isn't in the idea; the problem is the execution.

Here's the problem. A New Year's resolution doesn't take anything more than some empty, albeit well-intentioned, words. It's a verbal declaration....with nothing behind it.

"I'm going to become a bodybuilder."

"I'm going to lose 75 pounds."

"I'm going to write a book."

"I'm going to be a better parent."

"I'm going to stop drinking."

All of these are good things, but in the general-ness of the proclamations, there's no real meat to them. There are no natural next steps that would actually bring these resolutions to life. They are wishlists. They are hopes. They are dreams.

Here's what I suggest as an alternative. Set a new habit. Pick something; something achievable. If you really want to lose 75 pounds, set one habit that will move you closer to it. Walk 10,000 steps per day. Don't eat after dinner. Cut out soda. Pick a small habit that, when repeated daily, will move you closer to your goal.

Finances are the same way. "I want to pay off $80,000 of student loans." I love the goal (or resolution), however, that statement alone won't unlock that potential outcome. Instead, what's needed are some simple, repeatable habits. Budget every month. Track spending every month. Find a way to bring in extra income. Intentionally make larger payments on one debt. Pick one or two "want" categories to cut back on each month. Paying off $80,000 of debt is a huge challenge, but it's also achievable. Most people aren't doing it, but you don't have to be most people.

Those are just a few examples. Don't set resolutions this year.....you'll surely fail. Instead, pick one or two small but repeatable habits that will naturally lead you closer to where you want to go. Then, once these habits become a standard practice in your life, you can add new habits or intensify the existing ones. That, I'm confident to say, is a fool-proof way to succeed.

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