Why I Don't Like New Years Resolutions

I've always loved Batman... who doesn't right?  Batman is known for his dedication, discipline, and commitment to Gotham. He doesn’t just wake up and hope for things to get better; he works hard every day fighting crime. Batman is constantly pushing himself to be better — physically, mentally, and morally. This reflects the idea behind New Year’s resolutions, which are often about self-improvement or making positive changes. .

As we enter 2025, many of us are setting financial goals—saving for a house, paying off debt, or building retirement funds. But if you’ve struggled to reach similar goals in the past, you might be missing a key ingredient: systems. In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear says, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” It’s not enough to just set a goal—you need a system to support it. Here’s why focusing on systems, not just goals, is the key to success in 2025.

Why Systems Matter More Than Goals & New Year Resolutions

Goals are great for setting direction, but they don’t show you how to get there. For example, wanting to save $10,000 sounds great, but without a system, you’re left wondering how to make it happen. The other problem in just having a goal without a system, is that at first when you have a goal you are highly motivated, but you quickly loose the motivation because you might not see instant results. 

Just think of the last time you set a goal to diet to lose weight. You may have made progress but because it didn’t show up on the scale immediately,  you started to lose motivation and gave up. Then you were back where you started in that never ending loop!

That’s where systems come in. A system is the exact daily or weekly process you follow to reach your goal. Instead of obsessing over the target, you focus on the small, consistent actions that lead to big results. For example, if you gaol was to save $10,000, instead of stressing over that focus on automating your savings, This action, over time, will help you hit your goal without ever having to think about it. The same systems can also be applied to any of your financial or personal goals. 

 Why Systems Work

• They Build Habits: Systems help you create habits that make progress automatic. Saving money becomes part of your routine, not a struggle.
• They’re Flexible: Life changes, and systems can adapt. If you can’t save as much one month, you can adjust and pick it up later.
• They Keep You Motivated: Small wins, like hitting a savings milestone, keep you motivated to continue. Progress feels tangible and rewarding.
• They Lead to Long-Term Success: Building systems means creating habits that help you achieve your goals year after year, not just once.

How to Apply this in 2025 

• Set Your Goal: Choose your target—whether it’s saving $10,000, paying off debt, or investing more.
• Create Your System: Identify the daily or weekly actions that will get you there—e.g. automate savings.
• Focus on the Process: Don’t just focus on the goal—commit to the system, and the results will follow.
• Review and Adjust: Check in regularly to see how your system is working and make tweaks as needed.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize milestones along the way to stay motivated and keep the momentum going.

Final Thoughts...

This year, instead of just setting a goal, focus on creating a system to reach it. The key to financial success is consistency, not willpower. By building good financial habits, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Of course, you can apply the same principle for setting up systems for your personal goals.

If you’re ready to create a financial system for 2025, the team at Tolevsky Partners are here to help. Let’s make this year your most successful yet!