Resolutions. I've never really been one to stick to resolutions. Let alone think of a list of things I need to change in my life being that me and my life are pretty much perfect.
I kid.
Here is what I know about resolutions ... They need to be concrete. It can't be "I want to be a better person." Okay, well it can. But, as part of that resolution you have to know how you are going to do it. And why it matters to you.
At least for me, anyway. Take something simple I've done over the last few months. I've given up pop and coffee. A Coke and a cup of joe were two of my favorite things in life. So why did I decide to ditch them? For one, I never, ever drank water. I would go days. I would wake up and have a cup of coffee. Come lunch time, I'd have a Coke. If I ate dinner, it would definitely be with a Coke. And this happened every day. When my boyfriend looked at me like I was the dumbest person on the planet, not to mention I felt tired almost every day from caffeine crashes and horrible sleep, I decided to give the whole water thing a go. Just a few days in and after months of tossing and turning and constantly waking up through the night, I was sleeping the whole night through. My wallet was a little thicker, too, and I generally feel better. The whole idea came about because yes, I want to be healthy, (Not to mention not look 50 at age 30) but it was grounded by 1) Drinking water is cheaper. 2) I get much better rest.
As far as what I'm going to change come January 1? I want to be financially stable. This girl needs to get a budget and stick to it. I want to be knowledgable about my finances. I want to know how much I can save and how much I can spend. The whole swiping in the dark thing is far from cute and right next to stupid. So how will I do it? Setting out a budget, first and foremost. And then I'm going to try cash envelopes. Once it's gone baby, it's gone. What's really going to keep me to this one? A joint savings account with my significant other to take a much-needed vacay and a graduate education I am really hoping I don't have to take out loans for.
What are your new years resolutions? And what are your tips for keeping them?
This is great advice! I've never been good at resolutions either because I'm too vague. But maybe this year..haha. Way to go on cutting out pop and best of luck with your financial resolution! :)
ReplyDeleteon my resolution list for this year:
ReplyDelete1) become a redhead ;)
2) quit biting my nails (has been on my list for years now...)
3) start our new writing project!