--- title: A Three-step Plan to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions description: At the start of a new year, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the past 365 days and consider what we might change going forward. image: https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/mwisdom_blog/winter17_nyr.jpg --- [![MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png?width=464&name=MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2.png "MoneyWisdom_HFCU_r2")](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) Filter by Category** - [Show All](https://go.hfcu.org/blog) - [Security](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/security) - [Personal Finance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/personal-finance) - [Auto](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/auto) - [Business](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/business) - [Credit Score](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-score) - [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home) - [Credit Cards](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/credit-cards) - [Life Changes](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/life-changes) - [Insurance](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/insurance) - 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[Pets (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/pets) - [dormant account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/dormant-account) - [inactive account (1)](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/inactive-account) # A Three-step Plan to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions ** [Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/author/hanscom-federal-credit-union) ** Jan 02, 2019 ![Keep Your New Year's Resolutions](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/mwisdom_blog/winter17_nyr.jpg) At the start of a new year, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the past 365 days and consider what we might change going forward.  Lose weight, show more gratitude, or save more ... these are noble goals that are often forgotten by the time Valentine's Day rolls around. This year, take charge with a plan to keep your resolutions on track so you can celebrate your success in December. Here's how: ### start small and think sMART It’s easier to accomplish a big goal when you break it down into a series of smaller goals. These are called SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-based. A few examples: - Replacing a fast-food lunch with a protein-packed salad twice a week. - Sending a thank-you note each time you receive a gift. - [Transferring $25 from each paycheck to a savings account.](https://www.hfcu.org/bank/checking-accounts/your-way-accounts_and_services.html) ### stay motivated with family and friends Instead of making a silent vow, tell your friends and family what your resolution is and how you hope to accomplish it. The added social element can be the motivation you need to stay committed. Pairing up with other people or creating a challenge to include healthy competition can push you to stay on top of your goals and remain accountable. ### expect setbacks and reward successes You might feel as if you’re taking two steps forward and one step back, but don’t let a setback derail you! Setbacks are normal, even with the most focused goal-achievers among us. Keep your eyes on your next step. If you feel like you're sliding back to hold habits, adapt your goal so it's easier to meet with success. For example, maybe you're not saving as much as you would like from each paycheck because you've had some unexpected bills. Rather than throw in the towel, give yourself a break and save a smaller amount...just don't stop saving! It's also important to celebrate your victories, even small ones. You saved the first $1,000 in your emergency savings account or opened up [your first certificate account](https://www.hfcu.org/checking-and-savings/certificates.html)? Woo-hoo! The more you enjoy what you’re doing, the better your chances at meeting the goals you set down for yourself in the beginning of the year. *To help you develop a spending plan, Hanscom Federal Credit Union offers [a free Money Management Planner](https://go.hfcu.org/mmp?_ga=2.213548692.141110787.1576465013-1376238094.1570043984). This 12-page guide includes worksheets, tips, and strategies for creating a healthy budget.* [![money management planner](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/118438/2a9c8caf-d451-47b1-8e35-79af14b6bb06.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/118438/2a9c8caf-d451-47b1-8e35-79af14b6bb06) *Others are reading:* - [5 Surprising Things I Learned About My Credit Report](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/5-things-i-learned-about-my-credit-report-and-score) - [Protect Yourself From Holiday Shopping Scams](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/protect-yourself-from-holiday-shopping-scams) - [The Top 3 Questions We Get About Credit Reports and Scores](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/the-top-3-questions-with-answers-we-get-on-credit-scores) - [6 Common Credit Report Misunderstandings](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/6-common-credit-report-misunderstandings) - [Here's How to Get a Free Credit Report Evaluation](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/this-is-what-happens-at-a-credit-score-evaluation) ** [Home](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/home), [Holidays](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/topic/holidays) [** Office Kitchen Etiquette Do's And Don'ts ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/office-kitchen-etiquette-dos-and-donts) [** The Difference Between a Soft and a Hard Credit Inquiry ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/credit-know-how-soft-vs.-hard-inquiries) ### About Author ![Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/HFCU-Profile-1000x1000.jpg) Hanscom Federal Credit Union Hanscom Federal Credit Union, a purpose-driven $1.9 billion organization based in Littleton, MA, empowers its members to achieve financial wellness. Hanscom FCU serves over 95,000 members across the country and overseas through 16 branches, over 100,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 5,000 contact centers, and a web-based branch. Related Posts [![Your First Step in Buying a Home: Pre-Approved for a Mortgage](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(85).jpg) Your First Step in Buying a Home: Pre-Approved for a Mortgage ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/bid/172300/the-mortgage-application-process-get-pre-approved-before-you-look) [![How to Buy a Home With No Money Down](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFi0NubHVw.png) How to Buy a Home With No Money Down ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/how-to-buy-a-home-with-no-money-down) [![How to Avoid ID Theft Over the Holidays](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Blog%20Photos%20800%20x%20800px%20(1)-1.png) How to Avoid ID Theft Over the Holidays ](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/bid/155005/don-t-let-identity-theft-ruin-your-holidays) ** - [**](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2017/) - [**](https://X.com/share?url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2017/) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://go.hfcu.org/blog/keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2017/&summary=&source=CeBIT) ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ### Comment ### Subscribe To Blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### contact **Hanscom Federal Credit Union** 1610 Eglin St. Hanscom AFB, MA 01731 Call us: [800-656-4328](tel:8006564328) [https://www.hfcu.org/](https://www.hfcu.org/) ### About Us [The MoneyWisdom Blog](https://www.hfcu.org/the-moneywisdom-blog.html) ### Social ** ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.facebook.com/HanscomFederalCreditUnion The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://X.com/HanscomFCU The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.instagram.com/hanscomfcu/ The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### https://www.linkedin.com/company/hanscomfcu/ The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ## You are Leaving Hanscom Federal Credit Union #### **Please read the following before proceeding to:** ### http://www.youtube.com/c/HanscomFederalCreditUnion The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. ### Popular Posts [What You Need to Know About Putting Your Home in a Trust](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-putting-your-home-in-a-trust) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-02-10T072804.753.jpg) [What You Need to Know About Your Federal Tax Bracket](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tax-bracket) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-03-22T123305.900.jpg) [6 Boat Types to Get on the Water](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/6-boat-types-to-get-on-the-water) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/Jet_Ski.jpg) [23 Organizations Dedicated to the Needs of Seniors](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/23-organizations-dedicated-to-the-needs-of-seniors) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/Senior%20citizens.jpg) [9 Smart Moves for Lottery Winners](https://go.hfcu.org/blog/lottery) ![older man looking at top retirement worry on digital device](https://go.hfcu.org/hubfs/images/lottery_winner.jpg) ### Recent Posts - [![National Credit Union Administration](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NCUA-logo-small.png?width=95&name=NCUA-logo-small.png) ](https://www.ncua.gov/) [![Equal Housing Lender](https://go.hfcu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/EHL-logo-small.png?width=65&name=EHL-logo-small.png)](https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing) - @ 2023 [Hanscom Federal Credit Union](https://www.hfcu.org/) - Federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.hfcu.org/content/docs/Privacy_Notice.pdf) **Disclosure:** Hanscom Federal Credit Union does not provide and is not responsible for any products, services, or overall website content available at any third-party sites linked within this blog. 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Please consult the privacy disclosures on those linked sites for further information. ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hanscom Federal Credit Union" }, "dateModified" : "January 31, 2024, 6:26:47 PM", "datePublished" : "2019-01-02 12:26:00", "description" : "At the start of a new year, many of us take the opportunity to reflect on the past 365 days and consider what we might change going forward.", "headline" : "A Three-step Plan to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/118438/images/mwisdom_blog/winter17_nyr.jpg" }, "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://go.hfcu.org/blog/keep-your-new-years-resolutions-2017", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/118438/Logo%202.jpg" }, "name" : "Hanscom Federal Credit Union" } } ```