Ringing in a new year always carries something magical about it. It’s a bittersweet time, when we say goodbye to the past and optimistically look forward to our future. As 2022 changes to 2023, we’re motivated by opportunities to restart, set goals, accomplish tasks, and sometimes, completely start over.
We all make New Year Resolutions, planning in this new year to do everything better than we did last year. We pledge to do things differently. We resolve to save more money or go to the gym consistently. We’ll keep in touch with family more often or we’ll finally check an important item off our bucket list.
Some of the most common New Year Resolutions are to exercise more, lose weight, practice self-care, get organized, learn a new skill or hobby, save more money and spend more time with family and friends.
But did you know that less than half of those New Year Resolutions actually stick? Sure, we may start out strong, but studies — and our own personal experiences — prove that those pledges to do better wither away within the first two months. No matter what you are resolving to do, there are a few ways you can set yourself up for success in 2023. It’s going to take some extra effort on your end, but it will be worth it.
Set Meaningful Goals
Be sure that the goal you are striving for is for reasons that are internal to yourself and not put upon you by others. Ask yourself WHY you want to reach your goal. If it’s truly something YOU want, then you are much more likely to succeed.
Make a Plan
Abstract resolutions are harder to execute than ones that describe specific ways you will work towards your goals. Sit down and write down HOW you will make this the year you finally achieve what you want. Your plan should also include detailed steps about how you will get back on track if you start to lose your way.
Tell Someone
Your resolutions are more likely to fade away if no one knows about them. Find someone you trust and someone who will be supportive and tell them about your goals and your plan. Sharing your why and your how is a crucial component, and doing so will make you more resolute and persistent.
Celebrate the Little Wins
Goals aren’t achieved overnight, which is why you’re much more likely to succeed if you reward yourself for the steps you take along the way. This should be part of your overall plan, so be specific about how and when you will reward yourself. Just be sure your reward isn’t allowing yourself to perform the habit you are trying to overcome!
We checked in with some of our Sponsors for tips and advice on great ways to start and what to focus on. First up is Tori Sheridan, Realtor with The Vince May Team at BHHS Fox & Roach. Tori offers advice to buyers and sellers who are looking to make a move in 2023.
Tori said that for buyers, “The best thing you can do as a home buyer to better position yourself in today’s market is to get pre-approved. Take the time to review loan options, rates and know what you’re willing to spend in monthly payments. Nice homes sell fast and you don’t want to lose the home of your dreams while you’re scrambling to get pre-approved.” For sellers looking to get top dollar for their home, she said, “As a former home staging consultant, I can’t stress enough the power of home staging. At the end of the day, home buying is an emotional experience and you want buyers to envision themselves living in your home the moment they walk through the door.” She suggests taking down family pictures, religious themed decor and collectibles. “Next, cozy the house up by turning on the fireplace, setting fresh cut flowers on the table and putting a fuzzy throw blanket on the sofa.” Tori said that a simple online search will yield plenty of articles with tips on
home staging, and most real estate professionals will work with home stagers to get the job done.
If getting your finances in better shape is your priority in 2023, then it’s best to listen to professional advice from Jack Del Pizzo, CPA of Del Pizzo & Associates. “My advice is to save money for retirement,” explained Jack. “It doesn’t matter how young or how old you are, you should be saving for a secure future.” Jack said that people often get overwhelmed with the thought of saving a significant amount of money so they never get started. He said, “Your retirement journey starts with a single step, and you have to be willing to take it.” By implementing the strategies listed here and heeding the advice of our Experts, you will be well on your way to finally reaching those goals on your TO-DO list. Make 2023 your year to resolve to crush those resolutions. You don’t need luck; you just need the right plan!