Resolution Solution!

"Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account."  ~Oscar Wilde

New year's resolutions have been made, did you make yours?  Did you mentally make a list in your head?  Have you written out goals for the coming year?  Did you share your list with another person that may help you be accountable to accomplishing your goals?

"Mark McCormack reported in his Success Secrets newsletter that 83% of Harvard School graduates had no goals 10 years after graduation; 14% had goals, but not in writing. The remaining three percent had written goals - and were earning 10 times as much as the group with no goals. Even the 14% whose goals were not in writing were earning three times as much as those graduates who had no goals at all."

Many people make the same resolution year after year whether the resolution is to eat better, exercise more or make better financial solutions you can bet that one of those items is on the resolution list of someone you know.  Is it possible that we are coming about this resolution thing all wrong?  Wikipedia defines a New Year's Resolution as: "A New Year's resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous."  How many people view their resolution as a true lifestyle change?

Exercise is high up on many people's list.  The gyms are packed this time of year with people signing up or finally showing up to use their memberships.   Where was everyone in December?  Priorities have shifted since the resolution was made but will the long term commitment to keeping exercise a priority prevail?  It will if you view it as a lifestyle change.  Exercise must become part of your weekly routine just like brushing your teeth.  If exercising is only a time to socialize with your new gym buddy, or something to brag about on your Facebook page you will likely find other things to do when your friend fails to show up or another opportunity that requires less work (say a movie invite) comes your way.  Write down a specific goal you know you can keep like working out at least three times a week.  Sure five to seven days a week may be what you can do in January but if you commit to three times a week regardless of what is going on in your life you will be more likely to stick to your goal.   A great website to visit for inspiration is www.health.discovery.com.

Eating better is another one.  Yes we all want to be healthy and eating raw, fresh fruits and vegetables is an excellent resolution.  Can you commit to cooking at home five nights a week?  If not how many nights a week can you commit to your healthy eating goal? When you go out what restaurants can you eat at that will give you healthier options?  Do a little research on the dishes at your favorite restaurants the calorie and fat content may shock you into cooking at home more often!  A great website to visit is www.hungrygirl.com.  This website features nutritional information for favorite restaurant dishes along with recipes to make a healthier version.

Financial Resolutions!  How many of you have said- this is the year I will pay my credit cards off, or I will save more for retirement or have that emergency fund that everyone keeps talking about.  Ah the goals are great but you need to write down specific steps you will take to get there.  A great website to visit is www.cnnmoney.com.  The site is full of information and ways you can better yourself financially.  Have you considered buying a home?  Home ownership will provide you with a tax deduction as well as the ability to gain equity on your investment.  The first time homebuyer tax credit is still available so now is the time to buy!  Visit my website at www.waynewarshawsky.com to view properties in your area that are for sale.  You can also sign up to receive free weekly emails of new listings.  I would love the opportunity to assist you in purchasing your new home. Call me today so we can discuss how I can help you achieve your resolution to be a homeowner! 

I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's.  ~Henry Moore