New year, new start…. Will you stick to it?

Written by Ronald Pratap

on December 26, 2016

– How to make New Year’s resolutions that stick

How many of last year’s New Year’s resolutions did you keep? If you can’t even remember them all a year later, let alone whether you stuck to them, you’re not alone. One survey found that 58% of Aussies break their resolutions within the year. And 15% of those do so because they forgot what they promised they’d do in the first place.i

That doesn’t mean that you can’t set and achieve things you actually want. You just have to be smart about the way you do it.

Turn visions in to goals

When someone asks you to picture your ideal lifestyle, what you see in your head is actually a collection of dozens of different goals. It’s important to break it down and articulate those goals if you want your vision to become a reality.

This is easier than it sounds. Just say you want to ‘enjoy life more’. To make a start on this, you could write down a list of social activities and hobbies you love doing or would really like to try. Then turn each one in to a task that fits with your schedule and can be planned ahead of time, like ‘Make a date with a friend twice a week’ or ‘Book in for an evening class every month’. If your schedule is jam packed, set corresponding time management goals like ‘Leave work on time at least 3 out of 5 days’.

Tell people

Think of your friends and family as your cheerleaders and supporters in reaching your goals. If you tell them what you’re aiming for and why, they’ll be better able to help you. They might even be able to join you on your way. For example, if you decide you want to lose weight and get fitter, ask around for a gym buddy or someone to join you on walks. Or if you’re ready to make a change in your career, start putting the word out amongst your network that you’re open to new opportunities.

Give yourself (the right amount of) time

Yearly goals, especially ongoing ones, can be hard to keep track of. Try to work out a reasonable time frame for your goal. Some small things might be quicker, and feel less significant – but you can always build on your results. And some things just take time. For example, you’re unlikely to save up for a new car or lose 20 kilos in a month. But you might lose two kilos, or save X-percent of the amount you need. Consultant Todd Herman reckons the ideal time frame for the brain to plan around is 90 days, and that it’s better to do a series of goals ‘sprints’ rather than one long marathon.

Keep track of your progress

If you’re the kind of person who uses to-do lists – on paper, in an app, or in project management software – you’ll know how satisfying it is to tick something off. If you’re not in the habit of keeping lists, now is the time to start. Your list shouldn’t just be one point – your resolution with a check box next to it. Break it down in to smaller milestones. Say you’ve resolved to improve your diet – set yourself little achievements like ‘went a whole week without eating favourite junk food’. To make it fun, try a smart phone game like Habitica.ii

Don’t wait ‘til December 31st

It might be a New Year tradition, but you don’t have to wait for one particular time of year to set goals and resolve to change your life. With the right attitude and a bit of planning, you can start working your way towards a goal any time.

Speaking of, we’re here to help you set and achieve your money-related goals. Don’t wait for an annual appointment to chat; drop us a line any time, we’d love to hear from you on (02) 9188 1547 or email ronald.pratap@rpwealtmanagement.com.au!

i. finder.com.au, Be a geek and live in Tasmania: How to win at New Year’s resolutions

ii. Habitica

Ronald Pratap

Principal Financial Planner at RP Wealth Management | Financial Planning l SMSF I Insurance l Property Advisory. Our purpose is to provide our clients with sound advice and direction to assist with their financial affairs and help them make the best choices in achieving what is important to them.

Latest Posts

Setting yourself up for a successful 2024

Setting yourself up for a successful 2024

January 29, 2024
Everything you need to know about making your Will

What you need to know about making your Will

January 29, 2024
How much will I need in retirement_

How much will I need in retirement?

August 6, 2023
What Clients Are Saying About Our Financial Planning Services
I had the pleasure of meeting Ronald for my first consultation and he explained everything step by step to myself whi has no financial/investing experience.I was terrified of making a move to seek financial advise and he simplified it for me the best he could and left me with comfort in making the right decision by approaching RP wealth management. I'm excited for the journey ahead of taking control of my finances.Thanks again Ronald
Shadia Haoui
Shadia Haoui
02:43 16 Aug 23
I would recommend the team at RP Wealth management to anyone looking at getting their personal insurances sorted and financials planning in order. Ron and Sedat are proactive with their approach and are a wealth of knowledge. Thankyou team
Pat Zarzour
Pat Zarzour
11:15 09 Aug 23
Ronald is a very experienced Financial Advisor and very professional. Nothing is a trouble for him he goes over and above always being patient and explaining everything that is required for the client in their best interests. He is so knowledgeable and his presentations are amazing well set out and easy to understand. So glad we were referred to him he has helped myself and husband so much. 5 Stars for sure thanks Ronald.
Nicole Ferraro
Nicole Ferraro
08:23 24 Jul 23
4 months ago I sought out advice on financial security, investments and retirement. At my 1st consultation I found Ron to be welcoming, friendly and professional. He was honest and upfront about the services he offered.Since then Ron and I have discussed options and strategies, combining my current financial situation and superannuation. His expertise, knowledge and access to a broad range of financial products helped in developing a personal customised plan.I'm very happy to recommend RP Wealth Management Ron and his team. They get 2 thumbs up from me.Thank you Ron for your support and guidance. I look forward to your continual advice in the future.
Shirley McNicol
Shirley McNicol
14:23 17 Jul 22
Great team, very helpful.Ronald always goes out of his way to assist with any questions I have and there is constant engagement, great reporting and a real sense of the team being there to support and help you. I must admit I was sceptical about seeing a financial advisor, I had worried I was going to meet with some slick salesperson interested in cashing in on my inexperience and trying to sell me a bunch of things I didn't really need. Ronald was the complete opposite to this, he has been open and honest and genuinely interested in our goals, we will not be changing, and we will be sticking with the team at RP Wealth Management.
Justin Read
Justin Read
00:02 30 Mar 22
Ron and team are very professional, patient and very transparent.Very happy to have found Ron and working on my needs.
Vinodh Kumar Ravinder
Vinodh Kumar Ravinder
17:52 24 Feb 21
Ronald is very informative and professional and I have no hesitation to recommend him highly.
Chris Bakalian
Chris Bakalian
04:30 02 Jun 20
Ron and the team are extremely professional and knowledgeable, complimented by exceptional customer service.
Michael Ferella
Michael Ferella
04:11 27 May 20
Ron is honest, intelligent, trustworthy, and hardworking adviser. Always goes above and beyond to ensure he gets the best outcome for his clients. Highly recommended!
Petra Novakova
Petra Novakova
12:25 06 Feb 20
Ron is amazing!! He is so easy to talk to and explains things so you can understand everything. If we had any questions about anything he was always there to answer our questions. Definitely recommend him.
Jessica Lanzendorfer
Jessica Lanzendorfer
09:05 11 Oct 19
Ronald is a great person to deal with...explains everything very clearly and goes through all your options...looks out only for his client not any personal gain..I feel confidence that my wealth management and finances are handled correctly with his guidance
Jordan Mijalkov
Jordan Mijalkov
07:57 24 Sep 19
Ron and his team have a wealth of knowledge in the industry and have referred relatives and clients, whom have been satisfied with his service to ensure that they are adequately protected.
Daniel Caldwell
Daniel Caldwell
22:24 07 May 19
Have had a great experience, have felt all meetings and communication to be very informative and honest in areas I was uncertain about.
Josh Saumatua
Josh Saumatua
08:34 22 Jul 18
Very knowledgeable and informative. Happy to answer all questions and always responds to my calls/emails. Takes control which makes for a simple and seamless process.
Dee Bee
Dee Bee
12:24 20 Jul 18
Ronald is so easy to deal with and helps you every step of the way to make it so efficient and quick to fill out paperwok. He is very professional and makes it all happen so quickly. He always picks up the call or gets back to you, What else can you ask for. Great guy and service
Mibu Medispa
Mibu Medispa
08:08 16 Jul 18
Very professional and consistent in his work with truckloads of knowledge in his industry. He helped me with my life insurance and did a fantastic job from start to finish. Walking me through the entire process and always following me up. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend Ronald’s services to anyone. Great guy. Great professional. Great service.
Caterina Romeo
Caterina Romeo
01:07 18 Apr 18
I met Ronald in a professional capacity, and his willingness to share his insights and his enthusiasm for the work that he does clearly shines through. I'd highly recommend connecting with him if you're looking for an adviser who holds great integrity in the way they support their clients.
Shannyn Merlo
Shannyn Merlo
08:32 23 Feb 18
Great service and very helpful
Dragan Jelic
Dragan Jelic
01:25 27 Oct 17
Ronald is great communicator and very knowledgable with his financial advise. He helped my wife and I structure a better protection plan covering life insurance, trauma cover and income protection. Easy to discuss any questions we had and generally very helpful. I highly recommend talking with Ron!
James Newman
James Newman
03:38 25 Sep 17
Ronald is a really easy going guy to deal with. He will go above and beyond to ensure he finds out all the details and gets you the best cover for your circumstances. Ronald made the process of getting Trauma Insurance and Life Insurance very easy - much easier than I thought and it was surprisingly cheaper than I thought it would be too. I really recommend you see RP Wealth Management.
Hayley Pieplenbosch
Hayley Pieplenbosch
05:55 28 Jul 17
I needed general financial advice and he delivered with the lingo I easily understood. Friendly guy and always approachable. Would highly recommend him to anyone!
Gorgi Serovski
Gorgi Serovski
13:09 22 May 17
A hard working and diligent professional, Ronald certainly places his clients needs first in all situations. Keep up the good work!
Shaun Pereira
Shaun Pereira
00:14 19 May 17
We've Been Featured In
Industry Recognition

TAL Rising Star Financial Planning finalist 2016

RI Advice Excellence award Finalist 2014

One of the 50 Most Influential Advisers 2021

Subscribe To The RP Wealth Newsletter
You’ll receive the latest information about our business, services, new offerings and our marketing communications.
Book Your Consultation
Are you ready to secure your financial future today?
Get in touch with us to develop your strategic plan and achieve peace of mind.

© 2023 RP Wealth | Privacy Policy