New Years Anti-Resolutions for 2020
I’m going to suggest something a little radical for the new year and the new decade, 2020. Instead of focusing on a new year’s resolutions, consider listing the things you are going to stop doing. Ideally, these should be self-sabotaging habits and behaviors that prevent you from achieving your goals.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Let Go of Unsupportive People
You will stop (or reduce) your communications with unsupportive people. Anyone who truly cares about you also cares about what’s important to you, including your goals. Beware of people who discourage you from sticking to your goals. I genuinely believe this is why the “unfollow” button and the ability to send calls straight to voicemail exist. Be intentional with who you invite into your life. There are amazing private Facebook groups with people trying to achieve your goals; join one. Find a local support group, a Bible study group, your group of people. I like to call these your “battle buddies.” These are people with shared goals and similar struggles. You can encourage each other.
2. Break Up With Your Credit Card
You will stop buying items with a credit card. It’s tough to pay off credit debt when you are still using a credit card. You tend to spend, on average, 25% more when you use a credit card instead of cash. Consider committing to using your debit card for expenses and using only cash in areas you typically overspend in (eating out, groceries, clothing, etc.).
3. Stop De-Prioritizing Saving
You will stop putting savings at the bottom of your to-do list. Putting money into your savings should be at the top of your spending plan. There will never be a good time to start saving. Consider using payroll deductions to have a portion of your paycheck go directly into your savings account, so you don’t have to think about it. Remember, it’s more about the habit of saving first rather than the actual amount you save.
4. Never Shop Without a List
You will stop going to the grocery store without a shopping list. I have never heard of anyone who considers a trip to the grocery store to be a stress-reducing experience. It’s crowded, overwhelming, and no matter what time you go, it’s an inconvenience. First, shop your pantry and refrigerator. I cannot tell you how many times I bought something I already had, or I already had all the ingredients for a meal. Next, think through the meals you want to make. You can easily find budget-friendly meals online. You don’t have to get fancy. Start with a few quick meals like spaghetti or hamburgers. The point is to limit your meals out.
Hopefully this gets you thinking about what you may need to stop doing in 2020. Take the time for a little self-reflection and commit to stopping self-sabotaging habits. This can go a long way to helping you reach your goals!
