Sticking to Resolutions

 We're leaving December 2022...

January 1st is the start of a new adventure, or at least that's what they say. As an introverted romance author who is happiest at home, my adventures will probably happen on the page and in the paranormal romance stories I write. 

I do like to set some New Year Resolutions. 

The flaw with resolutions is that they're tough to stick to long-term. In fact, only 40% manage to maintain their resolutions beyond 6 months.

My New Year's Resolutions tend to be focussed on being less lazy, writing more, and working harder, but I like a refresh, and day one of a new year is a good time to start. The question is, what's the best way to maintain your willpower?

Choose the Best Goals

The place a lot of people go wrong is setting a lot of different goals. Taking on too much can be overwhelming, which means the easiest way is to form new habits. Be specific with what you want and plan the steps to achieve it. 

This leads to the next step...

Plan Plan Plan

Write down your goal and brainstorm how to achieve it. Make lists, prepare for obstacles that might block your path, plan ahead. Know what you want. 

Start Small

Don't jump in at the deep end. That's what your steps are for. You build to the end achievement. You might feel like it's going slowly, but that's what progress is. You're not planning on being an overnight success. You'll have to put the work in. 

Deadlines 

Deadlines can help, but they come with their own downfalls. If you're going to be disheartened when you miss one then they might not be worth it. Give yourself a contingency plan and figure out how you'll proceed even when you feel it's not going as quickly as you want. 

Keep it Fresh

Don't keep trying to achieve the same goal. You're already starting for a low point if it's something you've failed at. Make enough changes to the New Year Resolution that it truly is a fresh start. 

Be Patient

This a process and that means it won't be an instant success. There will be setbacks and missteps. It might not happen as quickly as you want, but keep your spirit, keep planning, prepare for anything, and try your best. 

On Your Way...

Now you have the basic tools to get going. All you need is to figure out what your New Year's Resolution is going to be. I'm making it easy on myself. My first one is to publish my book, which is almost ready to go. 

Keep an eye out for book extras and updates, and if you like what you read here, take a look around and read some of my other articles.  

 

 

One Broke Girl

 I'm not alone in struggling financially at the moment. I think we're all feeling the strain.

My piggy bank is empty and it will be for a while. 

I'm a struggling romance writer with a minimum-wage day job, which means, money is often on my mind. 

I've read some ridiculous tips on cutting costs and budgeting. Things like cutting down on coffee shops and instead having coffee at home, and cancelling unnecessary subscriptions. As if those aren't the first things to go. 

I was advised to find out what financial help I'm entitled to, which is zero because I have a job. Another tip was to resist splurging and save the money instead as if I can afford to splurge on anything when food and power bills just keep rising. 

I'm no money expert. If you need deep advice there are better sites to go to for that. I'm just a writer with no money., and the truth is, there really is no way to budget and save when the money isn't there, but I have found some ways to be a little thrifty. 

Yellow Stickers

That's right. I'm a yellow sticker enthusiast. There's no reason not to be. When you consider the same product was £3 at ten to five, and then at ten past five has reduced to as much as 70%. I'm buying that bad boy. And most supermarkets have reduced sections, and I've actually found toys for 40 pence that have made an activity pack. 

Saver Brands

Supermarket own brands are cheaper and a lot of them match up to more expensive brands. There are some brand names that I can't bring myself to give up - I'm looking at you Tetley and Nescafe - but there aren't many food products that I'm willing to pay so much more for. 

Another thing to think about is wonky vegetables. They're not as pretty but what does that matter once they're chopped and cooked?

Less Waste

According to the Office for National Statistics, households make up 70% of all food waste and a third of that waste is still edible. Of course you don't want to make yourself ill by eating inedible food, but think of it like this; best before is a suggestion, while use by is a rule. 

By wasting less you can save yourself a small fortune in money, and there are ways to utilize what is in your fridge. Things like chopping your veg and freezing them or putting bread in the oven to crisp it up. Make the most of what you've got. 

Track Your Spending

It's boring, and it can be frustrating, but by budgeting and tracking the money you spend, it makes you aware of where your money goes, and if there is a way to save somewhere, this is where you'll see it. I use a spreadsheet to budget but I know someone who writes it in a notebook, and there are plenty of apps. 

Pay Off Debts

They say to pay bills and debts before you save and I think it's a good idea. When you have debts you pay interest so it makes sense to get rid of the debt costing you money first. It makes more sense to prioritise that. 

Just a Writer

Like I said, I'm no money expert. I'm just a romance writer with a day job that doesn't pay a lot, so I'm learning to make the most of the money I have, and I'm sure that if you're looking for tips, you've already tried what I suggested, but maybe there's just one thing there you haven't thought of and I hope it helps. 

If you have any tips to share then feel free, and if you're here looking for writing news, then stay with me. Alternatively, you can head over to my website for homepage news and updates. You'll even find some book extras there.