New Year’s Resolutions Part 3
It’s Time to Buckle Down – Part 3
Last week, we took our middle steps toward establishing good and attainable New Year’s Resolutions. Statistics show that most people give up on their resolutions before Valentine’s Day. I think that there are about 10 reasons why resolutions fail and I hope to provide you with a little hope as we enter the New Year – TOGETHER.
Here are Steps 8 through 10.
#8 – Lack of Honesty
Are you truly committed to making a change in your finances or is it just something that you “think” would be a good thing to do? Be totally honest with yourself – and your partner! – about your intentions and desires to make a change. Taking a big step with your finances will be difficult and cause some “pain”. Be truthful and honest with those involved and push forward with it. We even recommend that you include your kids in the process too. Let your kids know that you are going to make some changes and you are buckling down to make things better. I remember telling my youngest daughter that I didn’t have enough money to go to the movies. Her response to me was “Just go to the ATM and get more money!” I suddenly realized that I had done a very poor job of teaching her where money really comes from.
#9 – Wrong Perspective
While you may have the best intentions with your resolution, you could be putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. Put it all in perspective. Quit dwelling on what you have not accomplished or on past mistakes and focus on what you will accomplish instead. This is a great time to make good, positive changes and you don’t need to beat yourself up for old, past mistakes. My Mom always said, “Put a period at the end of your sentence and start a new paragraph!” You have the ability to start something new. Make up your mind and do it.
#10 – Not Believing in Yourself
Sometimes all you need to keep going is a pat on the back—from yourself. Congratulate yourself for each success. Most people have a very black and white attitude. They see everything as if you have achieved your goal or you have failed, but there are always grey areas of success and you should always celebrate. Most people have tried to budget in the past and it has failed. They throw up their hands and declare that “Budgets don’t work for me!” and give up. Take your time and know that you can really do it this time. If you don’t trust yourself to be disciplined, get some help or ask someone to partner with you. Honestly, that is what we do best. We work right beside you and hold your hand so, when you make a mistake or some unexpected expenses pop up, you are not derailed. Let’s figure this out and get back on track!
Offer that same kindness and compassion to yourself. – you deserve it.
We hope that you have enjoyed this process. We have discussed 10 reasons why most people step away from their New Year’s Resolutions and we hope that this has been of some help to you. Most of us know someone that could use a little help or boost with their finances. We are here to help. Email us today and we can also schedule your free consultation. We would love to help you get a plan started. It is what we do at Hollander & Associates.
Please let us know how we can better serve you.
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