Get real with those New Year resolutions

January is a long month and one that can be a challenge financially. I’ll be helping you get through it over the next few weeks. But in keeping with tradition, let’s start the year with some resolutions!

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Don’t be so hard on yourself

So you’ve overspent, not achieved all you wanted, eaten too much. Who cares? That was then. It’s a new year and no one worth knowing is perfect. As Jess Glynne sang, don’t be so hard on yourself. Set achievable resolutions and give yourself a little reward if you do well – and don’t beat yourself up if you break them. Just don’t give up.

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Keep it simple

The key to making resolutions you can manage is to start with a long list, then cut it right down to what’s achievable. Stay focused on things that can realistically be ticked off the list. Make full use of a calendar or diary so you can stay on top of your To Do list. For example, I never do any exercise unless I’ve put a time specifically in the calendar to do it (I still hate it).

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Divide and conquer

Divide your resolutions into separate groups. A big list of targets and plans with 100 things on it is overwhelming, but a series of smaller, themed lists are much easier to deal with and process.

My list features; finances, health and lifestyle, ambitions, fun stuff and things to do with friends and family. Add an “urgent” column for things you absolutely have to prioritise. Oh and don’t call everything "resolutions”. You’ll be more likely to give up completely and feel worse if you fail.

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Get rid of negative situations

Try to cut back on everything that’s making you unhappy. Stop “doom scrolling” on your phone, delete social media sites that are full of angry posters and mute the news if it’s upsetting.

One positive thing you can do that will make you feel better is, somewhat counterintuitively, register complaints. If you’re unhappy with the way a business or organisation has treated you, letting them know can give you closure, even if you don’t win.

Make a simple complaint template that features a one-line overview of the main issue, an overview with a few bullet points setting out the key points and a summary specifying what you want to resolve the matter. You’ll feel so much better for doing so.

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Make a budget that is realistic

Getting on top of your finances is essential, but don’t let the process leave you feeling overwhelmed. Set yourself a time limit of no more than 30 minutes to get started. I have the telly or radio on in the background so I’m not doing this in silence. Have a cuppa too (or a glass of wine).

There are loads of budget templates out there if you don’t know how to get started. I’d use free debt charity StepChange, who have a budget guide and planner on their website.

If you are making your own budget, keep it short, listing just your incoming funds and principal outgoings. Make sure you include estimates for things you pay for as you go, like the food shop, travel and lifestyle spending and entertainment.

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Acknowledge your achievements

We tend to focus on our failures, but to err is human. If you have a drink in dry January, or give in to the call of chocolate during your diet, you haven’t blown it for a year. Pick yourself up and start over.

Most importantly, make sure you note down when you’ve achieved your goals. You’ll see you’re succeeding more than you think. It’s not the bad days you should focus on, it’s the ones where you achieved something, no matter how small.

Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist. For more advice, visit this link.