Some experts believe people who are able to meet their weight loss goals will have a better chance of achieving their financial goals, too. That’s according to an article in the latest issue of Women’s Health. So whether your goal is to shed a few pounds or save some more money here are a few tips to help you out:
1. Get Ready: Remember that change is a process, not an event, according to Dr. James Prochaska. That statement explains why so many New Year’s resolutions end by February. People don’t spend enough time preparing for change, whether it’s a change to their diet or a change to their spending habits.
2. Go Slow: Stick to smaller goals like losing 10 pounds or saving an extra $3,000 and spread them out over time. You’ll have a much easier time losing two pounds a week over five weeks or saving $300 a month for ten months. The article mentions a recent study that showed people who aimed to save a lot of money actually saved less over time than those who set goals for saving smaller amounts.
3. Hang Out with the Right People: Self-control is contagious. So if you’re hanging out with people who spend lots of money or always order dessert, you may be less likely to stick to your fitness and money goals.
4. Hang Out in the Right Places: Your physical environment impacts your success. If you find yourself tempted to cheat based on your environment, try changing it.
5. Set Rewards: Rewards are great for kids and adults. Give yourself a weekly or monthly reward when you meet your goals. The treat doesn’t need to be fancy to help you stick to your goals.
6. Cut Yourself Some Slack: If you slip a little, don’t be too hard on yourself. Focus on of your goals one day, and on the next goal tomorrow. Soon it will be easy to lose weight and gain wealth at the same time.