From losing weight to getting organized, spending less or more money or just enjoying life to the fullest – it’s that time of year when everyone starts making resolutions for a New Year.
A New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere but also found in the Eastern Hemisphere, in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice for someone else.
Andrea DiRocco, owner of Belleville’s One to One Fitness explained a lot of people come to her looking for help with discipline around consumption, especially after indulging through the holidays, along with physical fitness.
She said the first step to achieving health goals is make a realistic plan with guidelines, drink more water, organize healthy meals, focus on why you’re eating certain ‘go-to foods’ like sweets, and strength training.
When it comes to your wallet, the New Year is always a good time to reflect on the accomplishments of the previous months and start setting goals, including financial ones.
Investment Advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy in Belleville, Sam Brady said prioritizing is important and the first thing that needs to happen is clearing any outstanding debt.
He said the key is determining what your budget is, and recommended first setting money aside in an account earmarked for debt repayment or investment.
Brady explained educating yourself about your finances is equally as important as budgeting. Also set aside time regularly to monitor and review how your finances are doing and appreciating.
No matter what your New Year’s resolution is for 2017, start with just one and start small. If you try and focus your energy on changing just one aspect of your life, your chances of success will be even greater. Think about what is really important to you, plan ahead and be accountable. Try for a new resolution. Revisiting previous resolutions you didn’t achieve could later lead to frustration and disappointment. To keep your motivation moving, reward yourself whenever you achieve something new. Don’t worry or beat yourself up if you fall back on your old habits. Treat it as a temporary setback and let it guide you rather than a reason to give up your resolution.
Setting specific goals and keeping track of progress are great action items to keep in mind when heading toward the new year.
