Improving Without Formal Resolutions
As another year begins, many people feel the pressure to make New Year’s resolutions aimed at enhancing their personal and financial lives. Yet, the truth is that the vast majority of resolutions don’t last. According to various studies, nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. The main reasons? Overambitious goals, lack of clear planning, and reliance on willpower alone.
At Advocates Wealth Planning, we understand that meaningful, lasting improvement is rarely the result of a single, dramatic decision made at midnight on January 1st. Instead, it stems from sustainable habits and realistic strategies that integrate well into your daily routine.
Why Resolutions Fail
Unrealistic expectations: People often set broad, ambitious goals without breaking them down.
No action plan: Without a map, it’s easy to lose direction.
Neglect of mindset and environment: Success depends not only on what you do, but also on your surroundings and mental framework.
Success Through Small, Consistent Changes
Rather than formal resolutions, consider adopting habits that promote long-term growth across all areas of your life — financial and beyond. Learn from those who have achieved sustained success:
1. Focus On Process, Not Just Outcome
Successful people emphasize daily systems over lofty goals. Instead of “I want to save $10,000,” try “I will save $20 every week.” This makes progress measurable and manageable.
2. Build Your Habits Around Your Lifestyle
Rather than forcing yourself into drastic routines, integrate small habits into what you already do. For example, automate your savings to align with paydays rather than setting reminders that you might ignore.
3. Track and Reflect Regularly
Keep a journal or app to monitor your progress. Reviewing achievements weekly or monthly helps maintain motivation and course-correct when needed.
4. Prioritize Flexibility and Patience
Life changes, and so should your plans. Instead of punishing yourself for missed milestones, adjust expectations and keep moving forward.
5. Invest in Your Personal Growth
Read books, attend workshops, or seek mentorship in areas that matter to you. Continuous learning creates momentum for both financial and personal goals.
Tips for Long-Term Success
Set “if-then” plans: For instance, “If I get a raise, then I increase my 401(k) contribution by 1%.” This tactic helps link opportunity with action.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledging even minor achievements builds positive reinforcement.
Limit decision fatigue: Automate choices about spending or saving to reduce mental strain.
Maintain strong social networks: Surrounding yourself with supportive, goal-oriented individuals encourages accountability.
You don’t need formal New Year’s resolutions to improve your life. By committing to consistent, realistic habits and shaping your environment, you stand a much better chance of reaching your long-term goals. At Advocates Wealth Planning, we are here to help you create personalized strategies that align with your vision for financial security and total life satisfaction—not just resolutions that fade by February.
Remember, progress is a journey. Small, deliberate steps today lead to the meaningful changes you desire tomorrow.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk. Therefore, there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken by Advocates Wealth Planning (“Advocates Wealth Planning”), or any non-investment related content, will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Neither Advocates Wealth Planning’s investment adviser registration status, nor any amount of prior experience or success, should be construed that a certain level of results or satisfaction will be achieved if Advocates Wealth Planning is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services. Advocates Wealth Planning is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or accounting advice. Moreover, no portion of this discussion or information serves as the receipt of, or a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Advocates Wealth Planning. A copy of our current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request or at www.theadvocateswealth.com. The scope of the services to be provided depends upon the needs and requests of the client and the terms of the engagement.
Please Remember: If you are an Advocates Wealth Planning client, please contact Advocates Wealth Planning, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. Unless and until, you notify us, in writing, to the contrary, we shall continue to provide services as we do currently.