As the year comes to a close, people are naturally contemplating and developing their New Year’s resolutions. It is reported that the origin of making New Year's resolutions began over 4,000 years ago by the Babylonians, who reportedly made promises to their gods in hopes of earning good favor in the coming year. It was also reported that the number one resolution was to get out of debt [source: History]. Year in, year out, just like clockwork this urge to reinvent ourselves, get out of debt as well as other thoughts remain prevalent.
Just as we love the idea of new beginnings, as with historical trends, there can be delays in starting these new resolutions or even reverting to old ways even before the end of January. So let's make the year 2022 different and focus on baby steps continuously evolving to the new realities caused by the pandemic. Here are a few steps that can be taken in developing these resolutions that can change the course of our lives.
- Take some time to self-reflect:
Spend some time reflecting on everything you experienced, achieved, and discovered in 2021 so that you can create the closure you need to forge ahead.
- Credit Worthiness
While accessing credit enhances access to finance and a better standard of living is important, ensuring one honors financial obligations when due remains vital in building a credit profile. So pay that credit card bill, mortgage, or personal loan repayment on time. Not only will you become attractive to lenders and have access to more credit products and services, but you will also build one of the best reputations, creditworthiness.
- Have an open mind
Become open-minded and remember life is a journey. Anything can happen at any time. One thing we have all learned since March 2019 is that as people, we are resilient and can adapt to change positively.
- Become a Deep Practitioner in Something
Whether for a business or just for self as a hobby, practice something on a deep level. Explore using available tools to aid skill acquisition and open doors to opportunities.
- Practice Self-awareness
In the words of the Great Socrates - “man know thyself”. The ability to know and understand one’s strengths, desires, weaknesses, and fears is truly a gift. This is in-depth knowledge needed on the path to greatness. Just know that whatever the choice, you will be making the best decision based on who you truly are.
- Find that place where ideas forge
Carlo Rovelli in “Seven Brief Lessons on Physics’ published March 1, 2016, stated that Einstein’s incredible ideas were formed in the one year he took off from his education in the 1890s. We need to find that place where ideas can be forged, such as taking a walk, a coffee shop watching as people go by, meditating in a private study or even in the shower.
- Adopt the principle of Aggregation of Marginal Gains
Making small continuous improvements every day will compound over time, giving desirable results. Focusing on the task at hand and improving it by just 1% at any time. The principle of Aggregation of Marginal Gains states that this will lead to astounding results over a period of time.
- Celebrate little wins
We live in a dynamic environment, and because things move rapidly, we do not stop to see what we have accomplished. That is why it's important to celebrate your little wins between milestones.
- Breathe
It is never too late to start over. New resolutions or modifications to New Year resolutions can be made every day.
- Start the year with a self-evaluation
Last but not the least, start the year with a credit self-check. Review your credit report and credit score to ensure the year starts on a positive note. Take control of your financial health in 2022 and access your credit reports and scores on the go with the CRC Mobile App, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store.