How often do we make New Year’s Resolutions which seem to disappear by February?
Many Canadians start the New Year with huge goals to get rid of their consumer debt or to get their financial house in order but when the end of the year rolls around, they haven’t accomplished what they hoped.
Sticking to New Year’s resolutions is as easy as ABC if you follow this simple acronym.
Approach with Intent
We are not alone. Everywhere you look there are people struggling with their finances. When we approach a New Year’s resolution we need to be intentional and specific.
Rather than saying “I would like to improve my financial situation this year,” challenge yourself to be specific. What would you like to change? Would you like to save more, pay off debt, learn how to invest?
Spend time in prayer. Sticking to our resolutions has a lot to do with the attitude of our heart. When heart attitudes change, so can our finances.
Begin One at a Time
Focus on only one goal at a time. If you are paying off debt, start with one debt. Tackling too much too fast will leave us overwhelmed and exhausted.
When it comes to finances sprinting to the finish line isn’t a wise strategy.
Celebrate the small victories. This will give us the incentive to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
Commit to Change
Changing our financial future isn’t just about the physical. To truly change our relationship with money and eliminate the fear and bondage we need heart transformation.
Committing ourselves to change, no matter the sacrifices we need to make is vital. This can be done through accountability to a friend, spouse or a coach.
Writing down our commitment is also helpful and allows a level of accountability to yourself. Don’t accept compromise as an option.
No matter what the financial situation, resolutions can be kept as easily as ABC. Approach with intent, begin only one at a time and commit to change by being accountable to someone else. Financial fitness isn’t easy, but don’t wait any longer. Start now and take it one day at a time.