Holiday cheer is contagious. We are all filled with love and joy during the most wonderful time of the year. As the year wraps up, we start thinking about what we could do differently as we start fresh in the upcoming year. New Year Resolutions have become traditions for many. But how can we make these resolutions more than just wishful thinking?

First, we have to start small. Incremental changes are the best way to implement a new habit and to make it stick. This applies to resolutions as well. Instead of declaring that you will exercise 5 times a week for an hour, when you have not been exercising at all for the past few months, start by setting a goal of walking for 15 minutes three times a week. Also, a great way to set a goal in motion is by physically writing it down. There is something that triggers the mind to work harder when you physically write goals. 

A common goal when it comes to finances is sticking to a budget. To experience the equivalent of the trigger from writing, start by tracking your expenses in a budget app (or spreadsheet if you prefer). Again, start slowly. Vow to track the most important expenses like rent/mortgage, monthly payments, utilities, food, and gas. Anything else, put it in a miscellaneous bucket and create categories in the future. It is also helpful to round to the nearest dollar: do not worry about being exact to the penny.

Make sure to continue to be your own best friend. Do not burden yourself with high expectations that will be hard to meet. It is better to start small and build up. Everyone has the ability to win with daily incremental change. Hope you had a wonderful New Year’s Eve celebration with your loved ones. Let’s keep rebelling against consumerism!

Editor: Melinda Kovacs