New Year Resolutions

As we enter 2021, most people will do what we do every year, make new years resolution. These are a fantastic way to use the change in years as a new start. But, most people, including my self, fail early. Why? Because we don't write down the plan in order to be successful. So today I am giving you a few tips to make those resolutions come to fruition. 

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Finance
A common resolution is to get your finances in order. Spend less money, save more and even pay off debt. But there are some things you can do make your self more successful.

• Write down every time you spend money. Whether its paying a bill, buying groceries or just a pack of gum.
• Write down all of your bills each month and the date they are due. On that same sheet of paper, write down when you get paid and what bills can be paid with each check. This allows you to get control over your bills. It took a couple months for me but it worked.
• After a month of recording your spending, sit down with those numbers, categorize them and make a budget. 

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Fitness
Probably one of the most popular is getting into shape or losing weight. But it is also one of the most difficult to start and finish.

• Writing down your plan will help give you some direction in where you want to go.  How are you going to workout? When are you going to workout? What do I need to change in my diet?
• Create small short term goals that you honestly believe you can reach. This will give you success allowing you to continue moving forward.
• Record your progress so you can see it not only physically but mentally. 
• Of course, before you start any of this, consult a physician. 

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Travel More
One that I hear often is people will want to travel more and see a destination on their bucket list. But time and money, understandably, seem to get in the way. Or even a pandemic. But this is the time of year to start planning, that is why it is called Wave Season in the travel industry. 

• Sit down with your family and decide on a destination you want to visit. Weather it be a cruise, visit a foreign country or simply a beach vacation in Florida. It is important to getaway form real life for a bit and recharge. 
• Remember, we made a budget, well in that budget have a travel line. A lot of vacation packages like cruses, let you pay a deposit and final payment is not due until closer to travel so the upfront might be affordable.
• Write down where you want to go on a white board or chalk board so it reminds you each day what you are working towards. 
• Some will even create a vacation bucket where all the loose change and dollar bills go.
• And remember, you can plan usually a year or more out so planning for 2022 is a great option. Especially this year if you have a concern about traveling in 2021.

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Home Projects
This is one that I am working on this year and found some ways to try and accomplish those projects. 

• Make a BHAG List. Big Hairy Auditions Goals. These are the projects you know need to be done around the house but you have put off for what ever reason. 
• Pick the ones with the most priority and ones you feel you can get done. For each item, make a list of supplies, estimated cost, time and anything else you may need to complete the project.  This way you have an idea of what you are getting into.

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I think one of the keys to this is don't stress if you mess up. The important thing is, you have a plan so starting again should be much easier than with out it. And these tips can be used on so many other goals and resolutions, you just have to taylor it to what you want to accomplish. 
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Have a safe and fantastic 2021.

Mike Miller
​Freedom to Roam Travel
(904) 534-4318
[email protected]