A new year welcomes new beginnings. For most people, this marks a chance to restart and change for a better life. In this blog post, we share our top tips to prepare for the new year so you can make the most out of it!
Tip 1: Reflect on last year
Now is a good time to look back at the experiences and lessons you had from the previous year. Both good memories and tough challenges offer useful knowledge for your growth as a person. Take time out of your day to sit down and write at least one lesson you learned.
Tip 2: Set goals
Looking ahead is just as important as looking back. After reflecting on what you have accomplished and learned from the previous year, list out the goals you wish to work towards this year. These may be entirely new or simply a continuation of goals you have yet to complete from years before. For every goal, ensure that you consider if it is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and has a set Time to be completed by. These are known as SMART goals.
Tip 3: Start planning and budgeting
Though life is unpredictable as 2020 has shown us, it is good to have an idea for what you intend the year ahead to look like. Having a plan for the whole year may be a massive task, but aim to write down events or goals you have on a calendar. You can do this for the upcoming month or even just the week. This can help give you direction and structure despite changes you may encounter.
Budgeting is one of the best examples of planning. Like other parts of our life, our finances also benefit from being planned and given thought. Estimating how much money you may earn, and how much you plan to spend or save it are very helpful. It can help avoid financial stress as you become more prepared for future expenses. Using tools such as the SaverAsia Budget Calculator help make budgeting easier even for beginners. You can visually see how much money you have left after all your expenses are deducted from your income. This makes it easier to remember what you need to spend on and what you should save.
Tip 4: Track your progress and be accountable
Staying motivated by yourself is easy at first. However, you may find yourself losing focus once the energy boost from the new year fades. Thus, tracking your progress through a journal or even asking a friend to hold you accountable can help you stay on track to achieve your goals. Seeing your growth and development in life such as your health, fitness, career and even personal finance become easier to see when you record your journey. It helps remind you how far you have come each step and what you can do differently whenever you fall off track.
Tip 5: Enjoy and be kind to yourself
Each year brings its own victories and losses. The most important is to remember that it is part of life. Remember to enjoy your years as they pass, and give yourself breaks when you need.
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year!