How are your 2018 New Year’s resolutions going? Did they get forgotten in March like most others? Or were they the ones that didn’t even make it out of January? Did you bother at all, or did you fail to give it any thought, because you knew that you wouldn’t bother? You are certainly not alone if you fall into any of those groups. Very few New Year’s resolutions are successful, or still successful by the end of the following year.

Most people struggle for one of two reasons. The first is that they make resolutions that they don’t really care about or need. People say that they want to give something up, when they don’t really want or need to, perhaps they’d be better just cutting down?

The second is that they make unrealistic demands of themselves. They announce that they are going to clear their debts or lose a significant amount of weight, without ever having a plan as to how they are going to do it. Instead, why not making one of these resolutions, that you might actually keep.

Improve Your Financial Situation

Whether you need to discharge debt, clear loans, save for an event or just make an effort to take control of your finances, chances are, you could do with making some improvements to your financial situation. Instead of making wild resolutions about paying off massive amounts of debt or saving thousands, why not think about what you had actually be happy with this time next year? Instead of saving, focus on creating a simple household budget and sticking to it.

Be More Active

Getting more exercise is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions. New gym memberships peak in early January, and most people have stopped going by the time the weather starts to improve. Fitness is essential, and being more active can help you to live a longer and healthier life. It can also reduce your stress levels and improve your mental health.

So, why not set yourself a more specific goal? You could join a gym and speak to a trainer about what you want to achieve. You could book yourself on a 10k race so that you’ve got something to aim for. Or, you could buy yourself an activity tracker and start counting your steps in an attempt to move more each day.

Spend More Time with Your Friends

As we get older, and we’ve got more going on in our lives, we often see our friends less. We’re all busy, with full and hectic lives and it can be hard to find the time. But, these relationships are essential. These friends make you laugh, they help you to have fun, they are there for you when you need them, and they are a big part of your life. But, these relationships need to be nurtured if you want them to last. So, why not make it a resolution to see your friends and loved ones more often? Whether it’s a coffee in the afternoon, or a big night out, it’s worth it.

Do you make New Year resolutions? Have you pinned down any for the coming year? I know it gets a bit stressful this time of the year but intentional planning keeps you prepared for what’s coming in the new year. Share your thoughts below!