How to Make New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Actually Stick To
Every January, we all start out with the best of intentions. “This year I’ll get fit, save more, eat better, and finally organise the garage!” — sound familiar?
But somewhere between the beach days, the return to work, the long weekends and the first rainy weekend of the year, those resolutions often start to fade. The truth is, most of us set goals that sound good, but aren’t that easy to stick to once real life kicks back in.
So how do you make resolutions that actually last past February? Here are a few light-hearted but practical tips to help you stay on track in 2026:
🎯 1. Keep it simple - really simple
If your resolution needs a spreadsheet and a motivational playlist to get started, it’s probably too complicated. Focus on one or two small, achievable goals. “Save $20 a week” or “go for one walk a day” is far easier than “completely transform my life.”
🧭 2. Make it meaningful
The goals that stick are the ones that genuinely matter to you - not the ones you think you should make. If your goal connects to your values (like spending more time with family or feeling more secure about your finances), you’ll find it much easier to stay motivated.
📅 3. Add it to your routine
Habits don’t happen by accident — they’re built into your everyday life. Link your goal to something you already do:
Want to read more? Keep a book beside your bed instead of your phone.
Trying to save money? Set up an automatic transfer on payday so it’s done before you can even miss it. You can also transfer this into an account that takes extra steps to transfer out of so that you don’t tip into those for minor reasons.
😂 4. Don’t take yourself too seriously
You’re human - not a robot. If you slip up, it’s not failure, it’s just feedback. Miss a week at the gym? No big deal. Bought that extra coffee? Enjoy it. The goal is progress, not perfection.
💡 5. Tell someone (or make it fun)
Accountability can work wonders. Tell a friend, partner, or even write it on the fridge. Or make it playful - turn saving money into a challenge, or track your progress with little rewards along the way.
💰 6. Make a financial resolution that matters
A great place to start is with your finances. Maybe it’s reviewing your insurance, topping up your KiwiSaver, or creating a “rainy day” fund. These goals don’t just make you feel good now - they set you up for real peace of mind all year long.
🌟 The bottom line:
Your resolutions don’t need to be perfect — they just need to be possible. Small, consistent changes are the ones that stick. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone.
At New Vision, we’re here to help you turn your financial resolutions into lasting results. Whether it’s getting your cover sorted, reviewing your KiwiSaver, or planning for the future, we’ll help you start the year feeling confident and in control.
📞 Let’s make 2026 the year your goals actually happen. Contact New Vision Financial Services to start your year on the right foot.
Amy Callon
Financial Adviser
New Vision Financial Services
Plan your future and let us help you have peace of mind along the way.