I have never been a fan of New Year’s resolutions because they usually set people up for failure and then feel bad about themselves. We all know the main reason resolutions are not kept simply because they are impossible. Vowing to lose lots of weight, exercise more, eat healthier all the time, get organized, etc., are unrealistic and vague goals hardly anyone can successfully meet.
Let’s forget about New Year’s resolutions in 2024 and replace them with a few good intentions that reflect your priorities and then establish a realistic and straightforward way to meet them. You will enjoy a sense of satisfaction when you have accomplished a few good intentions rather than feel disappointed in yourself for failing to meet several unreachable goals.
Here are some tips to get started – instead of setting yourself up with vague resolutions, say:
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>“I’ll take 10 minutes every morning to plan my day so I will be more organized” rather than just saying you’ll get more organized.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>“I want to lose 10 lbs and will have a diet and exercise plan that will allow me to meet that goal by mid-year” instead of saying I’ll lose a lot of weight in the next two months.
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>“I will set up a meeting in the next 90 days with an estate planning attorney to ensure my assets and family are protected before” instead of saying you’ll get a will drawn up when you have time.
Then, do what YOU need to do to accomplish your intentions. Some people leverage “accountability” by telling friends and family about them. You’ve set not only your expectations but those of others as well. This is especially important regarding estate planning, as you might want to talk with your partner or adult children about your plans, including beneficiaries, medical directives, and more.
Do NOT beat yourself up if you miss your first deadline. Life has a way of getting in the way. If you lost 5 lbs instead of the entire 10, celebrate the 5 lb loss and recommit. If you didn’t schedule the meeting with the estate planning attorney by your deadline, pick up the phone and do it right then and there. You do not want to be one of those who die without a will (called intestate), leaving your heirs what can be a big and complicated mess.
Reward yourself for a job well done. Were you able to get yourself organized and have maintained that goal? Great! If you lose the 10 lbs, treat yourself to an indulgence of the not-caloric kind – maybe a ticket to a concert or a little retail shopping splurge? If you did meet with the estate planning attorney and get your plan underway, the bonus for you, and I promise you this, is the feeling of enormous satisfaction in knowing you’ve taken care of things for your loved ones.
It truly is priceless knowing that you have done everything you can to protect them.
The big message here is to identify those things in your life that you sincerely want to accomplish in the coming year and make a realistic, measurable plan to achieve them.
I hope that getting your affairs in order is your priority if you haven’t done so yet. And if you have, update the plan if needed. Having an outdated estate plan is almost as bad as not having one.
I can’t help you lose weight or get organized, but I can help ensure you find the rewarding satisfaction of getting your estate plan in order in 2024. I’d be honored to help. Call me at 513-399-7526 or visit my website, www.davidlefton.com