Everyone makes them, and few keep them. New Year’s resolutions can be a great way to trade in bad habits for good ones but can also feel more like a burden than a blessing. Some people take on too grand a goal to realistically keep up with through the year. Others may struggle to think of anything at all. No matter what camp you’re in, here are 3 things to remember when making a New Year’s resolution.

Get enough sleep

Are you looking to lose weight, reduce stress, or generally be healthier in 2020? Getting enough sleep could be the key to achieving all of these. Research shows that getting enough sleep can make it easier to avoid cravings for unhealthy foods. There are studies linking lack of sleep to increased stress, and even increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Experts recommend getting up and going to sleep around the same time every night and avoiding screens for at least half an hour before going to bed.[1]

Watch what you drink

You might think you’re doing well in the sugar consumption department until you look at the dietary information on a soda bottle. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 25 grams of sugar a day for women, and 38 grams a day for men.[2] For reference, a 12-ounce bottle of cola has 39 grams of sugar in it. So, watching what you drink could be as important as watching what you eat.

Set realistic goals

You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. The same goes for New Year’s resolutions. And if you set an unrealistic goal, you likely won’t meet it. Frustration can be a major obstacle to achieving a goal, as can resolving to do something you absolutely hate. If your goal is to work out more, there are many options other than the treadmill if you find it too boring – like swimming, yoga, and dance. If having an active retirement is your goal this year, remain patient with yourself throughout the year and don’t abandon the goal after a relapse.

If you have financial goals for 2020, the professionals at Zinnia Wealth Management can help you create a plan. It doesn’t pay to put off figuring out your finances, so resolve to do so this year. Whether you’re looking to retire in 2020 or not, we can help you create a plan for the long-term. We offer no cost, no obligation financial reviews so that we can meet face-to-face and learn more about your specific financial planning needs.