How Do You Stick to a New Year's Resolution?

Every year, about 38% of people make New Year’s resolutions. Common resolutions focus on getting healthier, making lifestyle changes, and taking that long-awaited vacation. But unfortunately, 23% of those who do set resolutions give up within the first week, and 43% abandon their resolutions by the end of January. 

And just why is it that people give up on their New Year’s resolutions so quickly? Typically, it’s because they set a goal that was too lofty to achieve—those who stick to their goals set realistic and achievable goals. By doing so, it is far easier to see your results moving in the desired direction and want to keep going.

In this article, the team here at Cash Store will give you some tips on how to set the right resolutions and stick to them throughout the year. Let’s achieve your resolutions and goals together!

5 Tips to Set New Year’s Resolutions That You Can Achieve  

Setting an achievable goal doesn’t mean simply making a goal that is so easy you can’t help but make it. In most cases, you want to push yourself out of your comfort zone to create the change you hope for. However, creating the right goals takes a bit of thought and perseverance. So, how do you do it? Read on for our top tips.

1. Start with SMART Goals

Setting SMART goals is one of the most effective ways to stick to your New Year’s resolutions. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By setting goals that fit these criteria, you create a clear roadmap that’s easier to follow. 

For example, if your goal is to improve your health, consider setting a SMART goal like, “Exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week for the next three months.” This is specific, measurable, and achievable. If you’re working on finances, a SMART goal might be, “Save $50 a week for the next six months.” 

SMART goals keep you grounded and give you a way to track your progress so you stay motivated as you start to see results.

2. Have an Accountability Partner

It’s easier to stay on track when someone is there to support and encourage you. An accountability partner could be a friend, family member, or coworker who’s also working toward a goal or simply willing to check in regularly. Set up weekly or monthly check-ins to share your progress, challenges, and wins. This added layer of support helps you feel connected and encourages you to keep pushing forward, even on tougher days. 

If you don’t have a person you can turn to, consider an app that can help. Health-related apps like Noom or FitDay can help you track your progress. And financial apps like Acorns or Digit, can help with reminders to make sure you don’t overspend or make poor financial decisions. 

3. Reward Yourself Along the Way

Setting up small rewards for your progress can keep motivation high. As you reach different milestones, take time to reward yourself. These don’t have to be big or costly; simple treats, like a relaxing afternoon off or a new book, can work wonders. 

Rewards give you something immediate to look forward to and can make the process feel more enjoyable. Charting your milestones also helps you see how far you’ve come, which builds confidence in your ability to reach the next goal. 

4. Focus on Positive Goals

When setting your resolutions, try framing them in positive terms rather than focusing on what you want to avoid. For example, instead of saying, “Stop spending so much on takeout,” you might set a goal to “Cook at home three nights a week.” 

Positive goals give you something to look forward to and actively work toward rather than something to resist. This shift in mindset can reduce stress and increase your chances of sticking to your resolution because it encourages growth and new habits rather than restriction.

5. Practice Gratitude

Throughout the process, practicing gratitude can help keep you motivated and can keep you focused on the positive versus any perceived negatives. Each week, take a moment to acknowledge your progress and appreciate the changes you’re making. 

Reflecting on what you’re grateful for can help you stay focused on the bigger picture, even on days when motivation dips. By regularly focusing on what’s going well, you’re less likely to feel discouraged.

Want Some Financial New Year’s Resolutions You Can Stick To?

At Cash Store, one of the things we want to help people achieve is financial literacy and growth. Whether it is understanding the foundations of personal finance, improving your credit score, planning for retirement, or anything in between, we want to help set you up for long-term financial success. So, if you know that you want to build a financial resolution that you can stick to but don’t know where to start, we’ve put together some ideas.

Here are some financially focused New Year’s Resolutions that you can beg, borrow, and steal for yourself. And remember, if these goals don’t hit the nail on the head, simply modify them to work for you!

1. Build an Emergency Fund

“Save $500 in an emergency fund by setting aside $20 each week for the next six months.”

Building an emergency fund doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small and aim to save a set amount every week or month. By committing to $20 a week, you’ll build a helpful cushion of $500 in just half a year, giving you a little extra security without putting too much strain on your budget.

2. Reduce Monthly Debt Payments

“Pay an extra $25 each month toward your credit card balance to lower your debt by $300 over the next year.” By setting a goal to pay a bit more than the minimum, you can start reducing debt in a manageable way. An extra $25 a month may seem small, but trust us, it adds up.

3. Track Spending for Better Budgeting

“Review and categorize all expenses each month for three months to identify areas to reduce by 10%.” Looking closely at your spending can reveal patterns and help you prioritize. By tracking your expenses for three months, you’ll have a clear picture of where your money goes and where you might want to cut back.

Need a template to get started? Several options are available for download here.

4. Improve Credit Health with Regular Payments

“Set up automatic payments to pay at least the minimum on all credit accounts monthly, then aim to add $10 extra to each bill.” Making payments on time each month is a great way to build credit. By setting automatic payments, you avoid late fees, and even a small extra payment can help gradually reduce the balance and support better credit.

5. Start a Retirement Savings Habit

“Contribute $25 a month to a retirement account, totaling $300 in one year.” Saving for retirement doesn’t have to start big. Committing to a modest $25 monthly contribution will build a steady habit and slowly grow your savings. Remember that you can always adjust this goal higher if you have the means to do so.

Ready to Set Your Achievable New Year's Resolutions?

Though your financial goals should be a bit of a stretch, making them too lofty will likely cause you to quit instead of push through. By following the tips we shared above on how to stick to a New Year’s resolution, you are far more likely to see the progress you desire.

Want more great financial tips? Follow the Cash Store blog and grow your financial literacy and independence. 

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