New year, new us.
We’ve made it through the first week of 2019!
If you’re like most of us, you’ve thought: this is it. This is the year I … work out more, save more money, finish (or start) that passion project I’ve putting off. Fill in your own blank here.
But we all know, it’s not always that simple. Most resolutions fail because they’re not the right resolutions. And this year, we want to help you choose the right ones, so you can get your 2019 shine on.
There are three main reasons a resolution might be hard to achieve:
- It’s based on what someone else (or society) is telling you to change.
- It’s vague.
- You don’t have a plan.
Here are some ways to get closer to success with your resolutions.
Choose a goal that’s meaningful and realistic.
You may have heard of SMART goals. This is an easy acronym — meaning Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — that can help you frame your resolutions in ways that are more manageable.
Set parameters around your resolution so you know what you’re aiming for, by what date. That way you can give yourself milestones to check-in.
Create a plan.
It won’t happen overnight, and that’s totally okay! We’re human — make sure your resolution is meant for one.
Start by identifying what you want to change. Now examine your habits. What typically cues the habit you’re trying to quit or keeps you from making the more optimal choice? Now think of how you can intervene when those triggers arise.
For example, if I want to spend less time on social media, I should think about why I go there in the first place. I end up scrolling if I want to feel connected or if I’m bored. Next time, instead of mindless scrolling, I’ll send a friend a message to start a conversation or actively give my attention to another activity.
Take something that triggers a bad habit and turn it into an opportunity to be more purposeful. This way, scrolling becomes something you feel better about — connecting with your friends. The more specific and personal you can get to your own behaviors, the better. Break your big goals into small behavior shifts, and you’ll get there in no time.
Accept hurdles.
We all have bad days or just get off track, but that doesn’t have to mean the end of your resolution. Having a misstep means you’re pushing against an ingrained habit — good for you! You chose a tough and worthwhile goal.
Now cut yourself some slack. If your resolution was an easy one like, ‘Don’t physically transform into a literal chipmunk,’ imagine how easy your life would be. Probably wouldn’t have any setbacks on that goal. But no, you really went for it and decided to save more money, get back into yoga, or start composting. Keep it up!
Check in on the progress you have made so you can celebrate what you’ve achieved and then get back on track. Repeat as necessary. Change is hard, so be flexible so you can keep moving forward. Each day can be a fresh start.
Find a community.
You don’t need to do it alone. In fact, it’s a lot easier if you have a support system.
Luckily, we have a community right here for you to share your goals. Telling someone your resolution can push you to be more accountable to your own success. You might even find someone who is working on something similar and you can make a plan to check in on each other.
Set up times to literally work on your goals together. Meet for coffee and help each other make budgeting spreadsheets. Grab a bottle of wine and have a Marie-Kondo date. Goals get much more manageable when you recruit some extra support and have a little fun in the process.
With all of these things in mind, we want to share Flock’s 2019 resolutions:
- Expand our reach to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Portland. We had a great first year building our base in NYC. Now, we’re ready to expand. We’ve got alumni everywhere, and it’s time to fully tap into our networks in these cities and beyond. We can’t wait to celebrate all of the knowledge our global Flock holds.
- Help college seniors by providing more thorough resources in the months leading up to graduation. We want to be of better assistance before you step out into the professional world, and that means getting specific and actionable, just like all good resolutions.
- Inspire financial freedom and independence. *Money* has been a big topic of conversation amongst Flock members. We want to encourage and provide resources for all women to be smart with their money, set themselves up for success, and get paid the absolute top dollar they deserve. Look out for more money management content.
xo,
Flock
Special thanks to these resolution resources:
Jen A. Miller on How to Make (and Keep) a New Year’s Resolution
Amanda Holden’s thread on starting your 2019 financial goals off right
Homaira Kabir’s 5 Secrets for a New Year’s Resolution that Lasts
These tips on resolutions from behavioral scientists, by Hilary Brueck
