The very top resolution for 2024 from the statista poll is to save more money.
I think this is a good reflection of people’s pain point.
But I don’t think it’s a good resolution.
In fact, there is another money resolution a little further down the list… to reduce spending on living expenses (e.g, food, energy)… that sounds even more painful.
The reason I think either of these will boomerang on you is that neither one sounds fun.
Hey gang, let’s save money!!
That does not sound like fun.
That sounds like white knuckling it.
A resolution doesn’t have to be super fun to be realistic, but it helps if it doesn’t sound like it is going to suck the life out of you.
I think a more productive resolution about money involves growth.
Like, I am going to take 5% of my income and double it by investing this year.
Or I am going to find $100 a month on money leaks (e.g. subscriptions I don’t use) and use it for a trip to Cancun.
I like resolutions that steer you towards something that delights you rather than a resolution that involves turning screws that hurt you.
How can you make your money goals delicious?
I missed the in-town Christmas.
I missed the out-of-town Christmas.
I missed Christmas with Mom.
I missed New Year’s Eve.
I was busy worshipping the porcelain god.
It was probably food poisoning. No one else what sick, but a week later I still feel like I was kicked in the gut by a truck. We’ll never know.
Anyway, I want to reach out from my deathbed cocoon and offer a suggestion.
I could give you a list of questions to help sort out your 2023 year.
I could give you questions to help you develop your path for the big brand-new year coming up.
But I think it’s more realistic to make a small ask.
Ask yourself what you have done, created, or experienced in 2023 that you are proud of.
Write it down.
That’s it. Mission accomplished.
Look at you… already starting a new year winning!
We are in the thick of the holiday season.
Last minute gifts are being picked up.
Plans have been made.
Turkeys and sugar plums are at the ready.
Take a deep breath.
I think it’s time for a holiday pause.
Take a second deep breath.
In and out.
Slowly.
Imagine the family arriving for the festivities and instead of rushing to gather coats and stow packages under the tree, imagine your family and friends with the sound turned down.
All the pleasantries are just a murmur.
Tune into what it is like just to exchange energy with these humans.
Notice the softness of their skin and the brightness to their eyes.
What scent do you notice? What do you hear other than the chaos? What sounds lie beneath the clatter?
Close your eyes and imagine them coming into the room and scooping you into their arms.
Feel the hug that wraps all the way around you.
Pull them in a little tighter so they get the signal that you are really here. You are really present in that moment.
When you are having stolen moments with people you love, the holidays are not a chore.
This is the time to imagine life in slow-motion.
You can slow it down with your mind.
Soak it in.
Let the gravy burn.
Let the snow melt on the hard wood floors.
Savor the moment.
This slow-motion practice let the love sink in a little deeper.
Then, saturated with love, let it speed up again.