This quote from sculptor Henry Moore pretty much sums up my view on New Year’s resolutions –
“I think in terms of the day’s resolutions, not the years’.”
Henry Moore is an interesting character. He used his natural artistic talent to escape the traditional notions of work. And at the time of his death, Moore was known as the world’s most successful artist commanding millions for each piece. At the same time, Moore lived a rather frugal life.
In the past, I’ve set typical New Year’s resolutions – lose weight, get active, read more.
I’m not alone in this. I guarantee when I head into the foothills to walk the dogs over the next week, there will be four times as many people out there. But over time, the number of hikers will fade along with all those well-intentioned resolutions.
The problem is that most New Year’s resolutions are too vague. Couple that with an unrealistic one-year timeframe and you have New Year’s resolutions that aren’t attainable.
Instead, I prefer setting a daily resolution. If you resolve to set one new thing to do everyday, by the end of the year, you’ll have completed 365 resolutions.
And just as the path to financial independence consists of taking small steps in the right direction, setting a New Day’s resolution will better keep you on that path.
Readers, are you setting New Year’s resolutions, New Day’s resolutions, or not even bothering?
ambertreeleaves says
For 2017, I was more thinking of setting habits. In most cases, habits lead to results.
High on my list is no using my smartphone while the kids are not yet sleeping…
Financial Slacker says
I agree about creating habits. It’s a great way to get things done.
Thanks, ATL.