It’s no big secret that most people conjure up a slew of resolutions at the beginning of each year, with the most common being saving money, shedding a few pounds, eating healthy, exercising more, and quitting smoking. However, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only fewer than 10% of the so-called “resolvers” follow through. The big reason is that most people view resolutions as these enormous changes rather than the result of small, continuous self-improvement decisions.
Are you looking to turn a new leaf this year? Consider the following simple yet valuable self-improvement ideas to stay the course and not spiral back to your old habits.
#1. Be Realistic -- Set Realistic Goals
Setting goals is the first step towards self-improvement. However, setting unrealistic goals can hamper your personal development journey even before it takes off. If you look to quit smoking, for instance; don’t immediately go cold turkey. It has rarely worked in the past, and it’ll likely not work for you. Same goes for reducing alcohol intake; don’t go from a 5-bottle-a-day drinker to a teetotaler.
With that in mind, it helps to chunk your long-term goals down into smaller, more manageable short-term targets. It’s one of the most effective self-improvement tips for those who want to start eating more healthily or exercising more.
#2. Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
It’s only natural to ask for help -- even the most successful people do. They certainly didn’t get to where they are without a little nudge from others. That’s why it pays to learn how to ask others to help you. Even better, create a support network to help you manage the ups and downs of life. It’s always easier to do it as a group.
#3. Be S-M-A-R-T
After setting goals, you should make sure that those goals are indeed SMART. In other words, they should be specific (S), measurable (M), achievable (A), Realistic (R), time-bound (T). If you are looking to lose weight and keep it off, it’s wise to set a smart goal such as dropping one or two dress sizes.
#4. Follow the 50-30-20 Rule of Saving Money
You cannot improve your life without learning how to get a handle on your financial matters. After all, saving money is never a walk in the park. That’s where the 50-30-20 rule might come in handy. What’s it?
A 50-30-20 rule is a simple approach to financial success, and perhaps one of the best self-improvement habits you can cultivate. It simply means take 50% of your income and allocate it for traditional living expenses such as utility bills, mortgage payment, rent, etc. The next 30% goes to spending on whatever makes you happy (holiday, dining outs, etc.). Of more importance, however, is that the biggest chunk of the remaining 20% goes directly to your savings, investments, and self-help projects.
#5. Small Changes Make Big Difference
Again, if you are looking to be happier, healthier, and fitter, do it in small steps. While that $3.99 spiced latte you enjoy every day might seem harmless, over the months it comes up to $1,450 you could have saved towards your next vacation.
