Resolve: it’s a powerful word. To be reslved is a powerful state of being. How, then, have New Years’ resolutions become such a joke, an object of scorn for true achievers? Because those January first proclamations aren’t resolutions at all – they are only things that well-meaning individuals understand they SHOULD do. These ‘resolutions’ are not MUSTS that have been born out of the pain of the status quo. Therefore, they are easily written off with minimal effort and minimal guilt.
Doubtless there is something that you would like to change in your finances. Perhaps you’ve even made a ‘resolution’ – but were you really RESOLVED? If so, then feel free to skip ahead. But if not, give yourself the gift of a few minutes of concentrated focus in order to achieve the outcome that you truly want.
To start, all decisions should be made in a peak state, a state of momentum; because if you truly want change, you need momentum. In this peak state you’re going to make a specific decision regarding your finances.
Maybe your decision is to build an emergency fund within the next twelve months that will keep you financially secure for three months should anything happen. Or maybe your decision is to increase your PYF by 3% within the next 90 days. Or maybe you want to master your emotions around money, so you no longer tense up when looking over your spending plan each month. Whatever your decision is, cut off any possibility except moving forward.
Congratulations, you’re committed. That commitment is a promise to yourself. What’s the difference between decision and commitment? Decision is the moment that you could change, but when you commit you take what you’ve done today and you extend it into the future.
Finally, you must be resolved. What does this mean? It means it’s done. There is no more discussion, no more thinking about it, and no more negotiation. Once you’ve resolved you may notice a sense of relief, a calm that washes over you. That’s because the war inside you is over now that you’ve chose one clear path forward.
Now that you are resolved to make your MUST your reality, continue the momentum by taking action, even if it’s a little one. Do it now, while you’re in this state, so that you follow through. Otherwise you’ll have then best of intentions, but you’ll get distracted and you may fail to do it.
In order to assist you in your resolutions, below are a few common financial resolutions and some resources to help you bring them to reality. Do not let another year, another month, another day go by in which you regret not making the change you know you need. Decide, commit and resolve – and watch your world change.
Financial resolutions
Speed up savings
Additional resources here
Improve your financial sophistication
More resources here
Understand your own risk tolerance
Buy a home
There is so much to learn here, here and here
Financially prepare yourself and your child for college
Ensure you have the best 401(k)
Additional resources here and here
Header image©Raw.pixel.com/shutterstock