As the New Year approaches, the temptation to make resolutions is undeniable. According to a Statista.com survey, here are the most common resolutions:
1. Save More Money - 59%
2. Exercise More - 50%
3. Eat Healthier - 47%
4. Spend More Time With Friends/Family - 40%
5. Lose Weight - 35%
6. Reduce Spending On Living Expenses - 26%
7. Spend Less Time on Social Media - 19%
8. Reduce Job Stress - 19%
However, as per US News and World Report, around 80% of people drop their resolutions by mid- February. So, what does it truly take to succeed in achieving these aspirations?
I'm on a quest to find out.
Let's take a look at the changes I've made in my life related to these popular resolutions and how I managed to do that.
1. Save More Money: The simple answer here is automatic transfers into retirement and savings accounts. I also teamed up with a financial planner who set a savings goal for my retirement. Plus, I turned tracking my portfolio and passive income into a fun game of striving for financial independence.
It motivated me to cut down my necessary expenses. Today, my wife and I have streamlined our expenses, and our passive income exceeds our needs. On top of that, my consulting firm still brings in additional income. Financial peace is ours.
2. Exercise More: About seven years ago, I joined a hiking meet-up group, and for the last four years, I've been hitting the trails three times a week, followed by a coffee meetup. It's not just about exercise; it's also about socializing. It's a two-for-one deal that works wonders.
3. Spend More Time with Friends and Family: Building and maintaining friendships daily was not something I did a couple of years ago. It required a conscious decision to cultivate new connections.Persistence is key. Setting up regular "dates" with people I wanted to know better filled my social calendar without too much effort. Card games and Sunday dinners with friends, visits to the neighborhood art gallery, and board game nights are now regular features in my life. I even enjoy attending parties and events at night, while my wife prefers quiet nights in. We plan our week in advance to ensure we both get what we need.
4. Spend Less Time on Social Media: Fortunately, I'm not much of a social media addict, but I do have a weakness for binge-watching TV shows. They're experts at keeping you glued to the screen for hours. Unfortunately, this habit is directly linked to my desire to shed those extra pounds. I can't resist snacking while watching TV or going to the movies.
For my new year's resolution weight loss, I've set a SMART goal: to lose 16 pounds in eight weeks (by February 28, 2024).
My plan includes:
1. Mayo Clinic Diet Program: Tracking and meal planning.
2. Accountability Buddy: A fellow hiker who's on the same program, and we meet every Friday after our hikes to plan meals for the coming week.
3. Regular Check-Ins: We touch base three times a week during hikes or through texts to stay on track.
4. Team Accountability: At our office, our team uses a wall tracker to monitor our quarterly goals. I get a checkmark for days I follow the meal plan, and if I stumble, the team steps in to provide support.
5. Spousal Support: My wife and I have discussed how she can be an ally. She's agreed to keep tempting snacks out of my sight by locking them away in her office.
I'm starting this journey on January 1, after the holiday parties wrap up. I've already prepped by studying the meal plans and coordinating with my wife on shopping, meal prep, and cooking. It's my first time following a diet plan, and I anticipate some steep learning curves and a strong urge to quit early. But with external encouragement and accountability, I'm determined to overcome my deep-seated habit of indulging whenever I want.
And, of course, I'll be chronicling my trials, triumphs, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with achieving my goals.
Onward!
-Scott
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