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We’ve arrived at 2023 and it’s that time when we reflect on the 12 months that we’ve had and look to the future.

What goals are you putting in place for the year ahead? Do you have anything that you hope to achieve?

One way to help you focus your efforts could be to set a new year’s resolution. You might have one in mind or you could have a few that could put you on the path that you want to take in the coming months.

To help, here are some things to consider and potential resolutions that you might find helpful.

Plan ahead

It’s easy to let your intentions fall to the wayside as January trundles on. There are experts who advise on how to keep to your resolutions. One of the key points is to take the time to plan what you want to focus on and mentally prepare yourself for how you’ll follow through. Whether you’re taking on a new challenge or rethinking a habit into which you’ve fallen, sticking to your resolutions can be easier if you have an idea of what you can expect.

So, if you’re trying to kick a habit, research how you can do this. Spend time finding the techniques that have worked for others. Likewise, if you’re setting goals to learn more or take on something new, explore your options and weigh up what could be realistic for you this year.

Resolutions you could try

If you’re trying to focus in on some resolutions, here are some ideas that might be the springboard that you need:

• Look at your finances

2022 was a big year for us, money-wise. The cost-of-living crisis has impacted on many of us in different ways. If you’re trying to get a firm grip on your finances in 2023, why not try to set yourself a goal?

You might want to budget better so that you can start setting aside some savings in case of emergencies. Alternatively, you may want to boost your credit score so that you’re in a good position if you need to take out a loan at some point later down the line.

Financial targets can seem daunting, so break them down into smaller tasks. This will put you in a good starting position.

• Do more exercise

Many people start a new year saying that they’ll exercise more. Plenty of us will have signed up for the gym in January only to have stopped going by February.

This time, why not really think about the exercise that brings you joy? Maybe you really do love the gym but you need to reassess how you fit in going around work and other commitments? Or maybe you enjoy long walks or dance classes?

Choose to do something new or something which you know that you’ll love and you could be better placed to stick to it.

• Tidy up

You’ve probably just spent the festive season dipping in and out of your home. Now that you’re settling back into a routine, you might want to look at making some domestic changes. If you’ve been meaning to declutter or you want to redecorate, these are homely resolutions to which you can realistically stick.

• Educate yourself

Want to learn a new language? Or pick up a new skill? Should you want to expand your knowledge in 2023, why not research courses and sign up for the ones that work for you? By committing to a course, you’re more likely to have a timetable in place and goals that you can reach, making you want to get to the end.

What resolutions will you set in 2023?

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