As we approach the end of 2023, most of us look forward to a fresh new year. This usually means New Year’s resolutions and setting some goals for things we’d like to accomplish over the next few months. Getting in shape, saving money and getting more organized are always top of the list. 

This week we’re looking at the top New Year’s resolutions for 2024. Have you made yours yet?

1. Get in shape. Bathing suit season is only, what, 5 months away (if we’re lucky). New year, new you, right? While this is often the most popular resolution, it’s also one of the hardest. Make sure you’re doing it for yourself, set goals, and celebrate small victories! You’ve got this!

   If you’re worried that this goal is pretty broad, we’d have to agree. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Instead, make it more realistic by narrowing it down. Perhaps that means committing to going to the gym twice a week, but even that seems much more achievable than “I’m going to get in shape.”
    

2. Eat healthy. Let’s face it, December is the worst month for most of us when it comes to eating healthy. All the fancy dinners and yummy treats can really throw a wrench in our plans to eat well. If you pick January to get started on a plan for eating well, try meal planning to stay on track and don’t sacrifice too much or you’ll never last!

   Again, if seems a bit broad to you, narrow it down. Instead of an all-encompassing “I’m going to eat healthy” – which, really, could turn into “I’m going to eat salad for every meal” (and who is going to be able to do that long-term?), make it more specific. Add more fruits and veggies and not as much fast food instead of completely changing your eating habits. 
    

3. Save money. If your goal for 2024 is to get financially fit, we applaud you. We all know how tough this can be, but it’s a really good goal for everyone to have. But starting out strong only to find that you can’t afford that extra $200 savings each month may not be sustainable.

   Again, baby steps people! Start out with a budget so you know where you can save. Try smaller, simpler tricks rather than huge ones. Put away a small (even $5 or $10) from each paycheck. Save your loose change in a piggybank. Use only cash. However you plan to save, every little bit helps. You can do it.
    

4. Get organized. Whether you mean at home, at work, or life in general, this is a popular New Year’s resolution for a reason. When we’re organized we always seem to be able to accomplish way more, but honestly, when life gets busy, that organization can fly right out the window. Even something as simple as investing in a good agenda or day planner can make this goal a reality – as long as you stick to it!

Keep in mind that by February, most of us have tossed those resolutions to the wayside. Sure it’s easy to make those plans on December 31^st, but often they’re not as easy as we think.  If you’re geared up to make and keep a New Year’s resolution this year, maybe try something easy, like flossing daily or drinking more water, or instead of a yearly goal, set a new one each month. This will make it easier to keep and reward yourself for sticking with it!

Make 2023 your year. Whatever your goals for the year ahead, we wish you all the best!