How You Can Start Preparing for the New Year Now

This time two years ago I was so stressed out by my financial situation that I was barely sleeping. I never knew if I’d have enough money in my account to pay my bills or if I’d bounce a check or have my debit or credit card rejected when I went to pay for something.

I didn’t have a budget and I had no clue how much money was going into or coming out of my account each month.

I had just discovered personal finance blogs, which lead me to start tracking my spending. All of a sudden I was able to sleep better at night knowing that I had enough money in my account to pay my bills, at least the minimums. I still didn’t have a budget, but I was on my way to learning more about my financial situation.

I made the decision that come January 1, 2014 I was going to start living by a monthly budget. I was confident that I could set up a successful budget because I had been tracking my spending for a couple of months by that point.

Some critics might say that I should have started budgeting right then and there instead of waiting for the New Year, but I disagree. By preparing for my new goals for the new year ahead of time I was able to get a head-start on my progress.

If you’re the same way and you have big plans for next year, don’t just wait around until then to get started. You can start preparing for the new year (and new goals) now. Here’s how.

Reflect on the Past

Take time to think back on the past year. Did you accomplish what you set forth to accomplish in 2015? If not, why? Should you consider setting the same goal for the new year that you had for this year?

Thinking back on past successes (and failures) can teach you a lot about yourself and will help you set more attainable goals for the future.

Find Direction

Along that same line, you need to spend some time thinking about what you want to accomplish in the new year. Are your goals helping you to accomplish the big picture of what you want your life to look like? If not, perhaps you need to change directions a bit.

Last year I decided to set fewer goals than I did the year before and for 2016 I anticipate setting even fewer still. I’ve found that the more I narrow my focus on the direction I want to go, the further I get, even if I don’t meet all of my goals.

Set Your Goals and Have a Plan

Instead of just setting vague goals for the new year, like “I want to lose weight” you need to set more concrete and measurable goals, like “I want to lose X lbs by the end of the year.” Once you’ve decided on your goals for the new year, formulate a plan to help you get off on the right foot. Create a meal plan to help ensure you eat healthily following the holidays, or start creating a budget so you can kick off your financial goals with ease.

No matter what your goals are for the New Year, and no matter how this year turned out for your 2015 goals, everyone gets to start over with a blank slate for the new year.

Are you preparing for the new year already?