New Year, New You

The New You Starts Now, Not On New Year's Day

As the New Year begins, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the year ahead. It's a time of renewal and a chance to make positive changes in our lives. Whether it's improving our health, achieving career success, or cultivating better relationships, the New Year brings with it a sense of hope and opportunity.

Setting Realistic Goals

When it comes to making New Year's resolutions, it's important to set S.M.A.R.T. goals. Instead of aiming for drastic changes overnight, focus on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based goal steps that will lead to long-term success. This approach not only increases your chances of sticking to your resolutions but also allows you to celebrate small victories along the way.

Creating a Plan of Action

Once you've identified your goals, it's time to create a plan of action. Break down your resolutions into actionable steps and set specific deadlines for each milestone. This will help you stay organized and motivated throughout the year. Remember, a well-defined plan is the key to turning your aspirations into reality.

Specific Goals

Just to be clear, most people are not hitting the ground with everything and all at once. Find a way to hold yourself accountable for a specific goal, whether it's sharing your goals with a friend or family member, joining a support group, or tracking your progress in a journal or app. By regularly checking in on your goals, you'll stay on track and have a better chance of success.

One book that has helped me get very specific about business goals is "Book Yourself Solid" a book written by Michael Port.

Measurable Goals

I want to share a secret with you. I never measured my success with my financial goals until I started following  The Budgetnista. I started getting serious with my finances around 2016 and all roads led to her.  Her approach toward breaking financial goals down in a relatable way is one of the reasons she became a New York Times Best Seller with her book, "Get Good With Money"

Achievable Goals

I continuously audit what comes in and out of my house throughout the year.  One particular year, I wanted to focus on minimalism and living with less. During that time "The Year of Less" by Cait Flanders was crucial in shifting my mindset so that I could focus on what is important and remove some of the physical and mental clutter..

Relatable Goals

Whatever your relatable goal is, we are going to do some level of self-sabotage. It's important to remember that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the journey toward self-improvement.s. Last year, I facilitated a book club for my former company. 

A large portion of my clients were committed to their financial goals but then, there is always YOLO lurking in the background. "Stop Doing That Shit" by Gary Johnson Bishop hits the nail right on the head. There is a section in the book that talks about the three saboteurs, which are Life, Them, and last but not least, YOU.

Time-Based Goals

How many times have you said, "I want to do it, but I just don't have the time"? Well, I am here to tell you that you do have the time. It is all about how you choose to spend your time. You can spend it making excuses or you can spend it reading "The 12 Week Year" by  Brian Moran and Michael Lennington. I just want to warn you, that I struggled with keeping up with this myself, so be kind to yourself but get it done. It is all about progress and not perfection.

Start Before 2024!

Which of the recommended books are going to read before 2024? Leave a comment below.