Even though millions of people make New Year’s resolutions each year, studies show that over half of them don’t believe they’ll achieve them. We get it. Focusing on a “new year, new me” mindset is easy when you’re writing down your goals, but following through with them is another story entirely.
If you’re dedicated to enjoying the new year, new you vibes, we’ve got some good news for you. The reason why you’re not reaching your goals likely isn’t your fault. Yep, you read that right. It’s not your fault. The problem probably lies in not knowing how to set the right goals and failing to understand how to attack them. Here’s how to set resolutions you’ll keep and a few easy ones you’ll be able to achieve.
How to Set Resolutions You’ll Keep
So, why do people fail to reach their goals when it comes time to stick to their New Year’s resolutions? First off, most people’s goals aren’t rooted in why. To stick to a goal you set, you have to understand why you’ve set it in the first place. Keep this in mind when trying to think of a new year, new you that you’d like to meet. Make sure your goals have reasons behind them, such as self-improvement, career advancement, or something more concrete like health or well-being.
Secondly, studies tend to show that people fail when setting larger goals because they look at the big picture and attack the goal all at once. Instead, take small steps towards your goals. Set yourself up for success with positive affirmations daily, and then take a deep breath and take one small step forward. If your goal is to learn Spanish in 2021, start by practicing vocabulary for just 20 minutes a day. Then, next month, you can move on to 30-minute grammar classes.
Ideas for New Year’s Resolutions 2021
Now that you know how to set the right goals, here are a few easy resolutions for you to set and keep in 2021. Enjoy a new year, new you, and new energy entirely with the small, life-changing goals.
Read One Book Each Month
According to studies in the UK, adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction. Yes, just 30 minutes a week! If you spread that over five weekdays, you’ll only have to read for 6 minutes a day. However, if you’d like to push yourself just a bit further, try to focus on reading one book each month, following a semi-strict daily reading schedule. Remember what we mentioned above and focus on small steps. Most people can read an average 300-page book in just under 9 hours, so divide those 9 hours out over a month, and you’ve got it done.
Workout 3 Times a Week
Currently, only one in three adults receives the recommended amount of physical activity each week, roughly 30 minutes a day. And, with everybody’s busy schedules, stressful lives, and constant distractions, it’s easy to see why that number is so low. This is one goal that’s hard to start. However, once you do, you truly are left feeling refreshed and energized. To set and meet this goal, it’s recommended to start small and try and not tie the goal to any physical changes, which can cause frustration. Instead, simply try to aim to work out three times a week for 30 minutes each time. Don’t overdo it, don’t try to meet some wild weight loss goal, and simply focus on your health.
Communicate Better with Loved Ones
If you’ve found yourself struggling with Zoom meetings and virtual dates, make 2021 the year that you dedicate time and energy to learning how to communicate better. Since this is a relatively large skill to learn (and one that, quite honestly, takes a lifetime to master), we suggest focusing on mastering one communication area. If you have difficulties reading social cues, focus on learning how to interpret non-verbal communication cues. If you feel that you don’t properly communicate your appreciation for your partner, focus on giving them one authentic compliment per day.
Save $100 More Each Month
Ahhhh, financial New Year’s resolutions. We all have them, don’t we? Yep. Whether your financial goal for 2021 is to save more, spend less, pay off debt, or increase your credit score, you likely have some sort of a financial goal. To help you achieve those goals, you’ll first need to set yourself up with the right tools. We’ve compiled a list of resources for your here:
- Are You Financially Literate? Spending Edition
- 7 Simply Ways to Slice Your Grocery Budget
- 5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries
- 10 Best Money-Making Apps
- 10 Fast Ways to Make Money Online
- Best Personal Finance Apps of 2020
- 7 Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt
Those should serve as a starting base for planning your goal. Once you have the tools you need, it helps to utilize some sort of budgeting or tracking app to help you stay accountable. You’ll be able to set financial goals, set up alerts, and receive feedback regarding your progress.
Link the app to an account or debit card that’ll also help you focus on reaching your financial goals. While we might be a little biased, we all love the Cheese Debit Card when it’s time to save cash. On top of cashback, there are tons of other perks, such as:
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Ready to take control of your financial life for the New Year? Click here to join us and receive your Cheese Debit Card.
