There is something about the start of a new year and setting goals and aspirations. According to Psychology Today, the fresh start effect, as it’s come to be known, is the idea that temporal landmarks act as a kind of mental reset button to steer us back on track and get us focused on our goals. So what can you do to make sure you stick with your resolutions long after the new year?
How to Keep Your New Years Resolutions 🎉
Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
If you only remember one goal setting tip from this article, the SMART goal method is probably the most impactful, as the SMART acronym encapsulates all the planning and tracking techniques crucial for success.
- Specific (specific and narrow for effective planning).
- Measurable (define what evidence will indicate progress).
- Achievable (attainable).
- Relevant (aligns with your values and long-term objectives).
- Time bound (time-based, time limited).
Example of a SMART Goal:
- Specific: Pay off credit cards
- Measurable: Every month check your statement to see progress
- Achievable: Determine what you can set aside comfortably relative to your income
- Relevant: This is relevant to a long term goal of buying a house
- Time bound: By October 2022
Check out this article for more details to apply the SMART method to homeownership goals:
Metro Detroit Lender Explains How to Set SMART Homeownership Goals
Trick Your Brain with Forward Thinking
If your motivation starts fizzling out by mid February, you’re not alone. In fact, there is term for this called “delay discounting” which causes our brain to undervalue long-term choices and overvalue short-term choices. For example, most people would rather have $75 today instead of $100 in a month from now. So how can you make sure you stay on track?
According to an article from Science Direct, one way to increase the value of completing a task is to make the finish line seem closer. For example, vividly imagining a future reward.
Imagine or simulate the experiences of achieving your goal. Vividly daydream about sitting in the backyard of your new home spending time with family. What will your dream kitchen look like? Will it be mid-century modern or traditional farmhouse? Vision boards are another valuable tool for imagining your future. Create a collage of images (can be digital or on paper) with what a completed goal will look like right down to the last detail. Then keep it on your desk or somewhere you can see it everyday.
Here’s to 2022 and achieving your goals!
About Metro Detroit Lender, Julie Krumholz
Julie Krumholz, is an FHA lender at Superior National Bank in Rochester, Michigan. With over 35 years in the mortgage industry, Julie’s goal is to provide the best possible mortgage experience and the most competitive rates. Julie has vast experience in FHA loans, VA Loans, USDA loans, portfolio loans, MSHDA loans and more.
