New year, new you?
Why new year’s resolutions often fizzle, and how to make yours stick!
New year, new you? Most of us would love that, but the truth is a bit messier. You’ve probably heard that plenty of people ditch their resolutions within a few weeks, and the research backs it up. Some studies show most resolutions fade before the month is out, while others suggest the average one only survives a few months at best. So if you’ve ever started January feeling unstoppable and ended up back in old habits by March, you’re in good company.
The upside is you don’t need a complete reinvention to make real progress this year. What you need is a simple, realistic plan and habits that actually stick. That is where small actions, systems and even tools like Raiz can make all the difference.
Why so many resolutions fail
They are vague or too huge. A resolution like get fitter or save more money sounds great, but it does not give you enough direction to follow through. Big ideas feel inspiring on day one, but without clear steps they fade fast.
They rely on motivation, not systems. Motivation is loud at the start of January. Then work ramps up, the inbox fills, life gets hectic and the buzz disappears. Without a system to fall back on, old habits always win.
They treat the fresh start like a punishment. After a big December, many people swing to the opposite extreme and vow to be perfect straight away. That all or nothing mindset rarely lasts more than a fortnight. Sustainable progress is built from patience, not punishment.
Build tiny habits and use automation
- Start small. Real change comes from habits that are easy enough to do on your busiest day. Ten minutes of movement. Five dollars into your investment account. One healthier choice at a time.
- Automate before you notice. This is where Raiz can help. Setting up a recurring investment on payday or switching on Round Ups means your future self benefits without you needing to think about it each week. When something happens automatically, it no longer relies on motivation.
- Use the silly season as a reset, not a guilt trip. Instead of punishing yourself for December spending, use it as a moment to check in. What do you want to continue into the new year and what do you want to tweak. A small, intentional shift beats a dramatic overhaul every time.
- System beats motivation. A system is simply a repeatable way to get things done. It might be a calendar reminder, an automation in Raiz, or a set time each week to check in with your goals. When your system is stronger than your excuses, progress happens on autopilot.
How to set up your resolution for success
- Pick one meaningful change you actually care about.
- Define the exact behaviour, time and place.
- Make it tiny enough that it feels easy to start (no overhaul needed!)
- Set reminders- an alert in your phone, a picture on your screensaver, a note on the fridge.
- Review once a week and adjust the plan instead of quitting the goal.
- Slowly increase the effort only after the small habit feels automatic.
Why this works
You are removing the pressure and replacing it with consistency. When you make the habit small enough, your brain stops resisting and simply gets on with it. Over time, these tiny steps stack up.
This is the same principle behind investing regularly with Raiz. You do not need a large amount of money to begin. Small, consistent contributions have a compounding effect. Set up properly, your system takes care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on living your life.
The goal is not to become a brand new you overnight. It is to create habits that support the life you want to build. And when your systems are simple, sustainable and partly automated, you are already halfway there.
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Important Information
| This blog has been issued by Instreet Investment Limited (ACN 128 813 016 AFSL 434776) as Responsible Entity of the Raiz Invest Australia Fund (ARSN 607 533 022) and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on such information, you should conduct your own review or consult a financial advisor before making a decision to invest. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and any associated reference documents before making an investment decision. In accordance with the Design and Distributions Obligations, we maintain Target Market Determinations for our Funds. All documents can be found on the Raiz website www.raizinvest.com.au, or calling the Customer Support team on 1300 754 748. Please note that past performance is not a reliable indicator or guarantee of future performance. Historical returns, forecasts, and market commentary are provided for general informational purposes only. All investment carries risk and may result in loss of capital. |
