New Year's Resolutions Worth Sticking To

Every year, idealistic hopefuls ring in the New Year by penning heroic lists of resolutions…and every year, as people fall short of their goals, skepticism rises. We become overwhelmed or under-motivated, and lofty goals slip down the priority list while buying groceries and finding your toddler’s other shoe take precedence. And while some goals could stand to take the back burner (I’m looking at you, “Learn How To Do the Splits,”) there are some resolutions that are worth the “effort” of pursuing – although most of them can be broken down into simple tasks!

Here’s our list of Top New Years Resolutions Worth Sticking To:

1. Eat Healthier

Ah, starting off with a classic. May I just say that your long-term health is so worth the investment? Common obstacles for this one include “healthy food is more expensive” and “I don’t have time to cook healthy things, and there isn’t a Vegetables ‘n More drive thru.” The answer here is actually pretty simple, and it’s “Meal Prep”:

• First, Pinterest. Or at least Google. Get inspired with the plethora of “One Minute,” “Two Ingredient,” “Three Health Benefits” recipes they make available to you.

• Buy whole fruits and veggies (not the pre-cut, 12-times-washed, organic-est-organic available – I’m talking a simple head of lettuce and box of strawberries, friends.)

• Set aside an hour on Sunday (do it while you’re watching your show!) – make a work-week’s worth of sandwiches, wraps, salads and dishes that will be ready to go when you are, once the week gets rolling.

• Have a plan for out-of-the-house: Opt for the drive-thru items that have the least made-up words in the title, or the most easily identifiable ingredients (think: lettuce vs. mystery burrito sauce). Or, if you’re within driving distance of a Pit Stop Food Mart or Fischer’s Market, you can pop in and peruse through the lighter fare we have available for heroes like you – the one picking the turkey deli sandwich and apple instead of the Fritos and jerky. Stay strong.

2. Save Money

As if anyone really needs to be convinced of this one. We could all probably wizen up on the way we spend our cash monies. Break it down into basics:

• Tackle one area at a time. Look at where you spend the most money, and focus on minimizing that area. Don’t overwhelm yourself with an entire budget overhaul that leaves you breathless from the amount of money you’re no longer allowing yourself to spend. To be honest, it just probably won’t work. Start small.

• Take advantage of promotions. Be a coupon clipper. Remember that Taco Tuesday is the day your favorite Potato Egg & Cheese is only $1 between the hours of 1 – 4. Be aware of local promotions businesses are running – at Fischer’s Market and Pit Stop Food Mart, we have a Fuel Rewards Network program that can allow you to save money on gas (25 cents off per gallon, anyone?) simply by purchasing the items you’re already buying – like bottled water and car washes and Kit Kats. So be informed and take advantage!

3. Travel More

This one is more of an encouragement than it is a list of to-dos. Sometimes I get the impression that the only people who make this a legitimate goal are the ones that are getting “wanderlust” tattooed on their ankle, or those who have some magic stash of funds for weekend jaunts to France. But travelling doesn’t have to be a big ordeal – Texas is chock-full of cool places that would make for perfect weekend trips for you and your boo/kids/dog. Travelling gives us space to think, and new territory gets dormant gears turning in our heads. Get out there! And when you go, don’t forget to stock up for adventure – water, firewood, sunglasses, s’mores supplies, Pit Stop Food Marts and Fischer’s Market have you covered.

4. Give Back

Sometimes it’s hard to be charitable because you’re short on money, or time, or an idea of where to begin.

• Start with what’s important to you. Homelessness? Rescue pets? Pick something that starts putting faces to the needs, consult Google, and figure out what the next steps could look like.

• Be intentional with your giving. Deliberate to save $1 a day, and donate $30 per month to a charity whose mission you support. It may not seem like much, but it’s more than $0. Plan for it, and you’ll be less likely to back out of it or skimp on it.

• Look for products with good causes. There are plenty of organizations that are selling everything from shoes to books to belts whose proceeds end up lending aid to someone else. Pit Stop Food Marts and Fischer’s Markets sell a line of Mpact Initiative products – gum, mints, and water – whose proceeds go towards charities that are helping build a better world. And you thought you were just freshening your breath!

#newyearsresolutions #savingmoney #goals