“RESOLUTE” Or Not

Nearly 200 million Americans start their New Year with a carefully crafted list of well-intentioned resolutions according to research by the University of Scranton. Yet many, if not all resolutions, are forgotten or ditched by February. Many people choose not to make resolutions because of their past failure rate. According to INC., “Researchers say about 60 percent of us admit that we make New Year’s resolutions but only about 8 percent of us are successful in achieving them.”

Every year, top resolutions involve health (weight loss, healthy eating, exercise) and money (saving more and spending less). The benefits of trying and reaching some goals far outweighs the loss of never trying. So, as you plan for 2020, consider a few simple strategies and methods to help you succeed. 

1. Set realistic resolutions. If you want to save more money, set a realistic goal and divide that amount by the number of annual pay periods. Determine a specific amount to auto-deduct from your paycheck each pay period to put in savings. Make sure the amount is doable for your current situation. Even $10 a paycheck will make a difference.
2. Two are better than one. Find someone you trust to hold you accountable in achieving your resolutions. Get together periodically and help each other move forward. Ask specific questions and be honest about your progress.
3. Include resolutions in everyday life. If you want to eat healthier, schedule time in your week to plan healthy meals. Visit a new store that sells healthy options. Try out new recipes. Join an online support group. Prepare a healthy meal with a friend, and then invite a few more friends to join you. 
4. Start with one. Have you considered making one resolution for the year? Try breaking up your resolution into bite-size goals. If you want to read more books, choose one and set a goal to read one chapter a day. Before you know it, your chapters will result in books completed.
5. Celebrate successes. Even if the “win” is small, be intentional and celebrate the stages of success. If you make a resolution to lose 50 pounds, celebrate with friends or family for every 10 pounds you lose. A game or movie night will take the focus off of food and put it on the relationships you’re building while having fun.

If you are starting a new exercise plan in 2020, don’t forget SilverSneakers®, a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that’s included with many Medicare Plans. Click here to check out your eligibility. 

For any questions related to your health or life insurance for 2020, contact us at Insurance Group of the Ozarks.

Source: “7 Steps for Making A New Years Resolution and Keeping It;” “January Perfect Time Resolutions.”