You will always be broke in January if you continue to do these.
Even the most optimistic of us fall victim to the January dry spell. The month just seems to be a series of unfortunate events that appear to go on forever. Or is it in our heads?
Here’s are five mistakes we make that make January “hard”.
1. Negative attitude
From the onset of January, we pick up the attitude that suffering awaits us in the new month. Even in December, people are already lamenting what a terrible month January “is going to be”.
This apprehension exaggerates negative experiences no matter how small they might be. It is the new year, cheer up.
2. Forget festive season
If December was a person, she/he would be offended by how fast his/her merriment is discarded.
We easily forget that just weeks ago we were enjoying time with family, our loved ones, eating and drinking and going places.
Instead of the fireworks lighting up the new year, they burn the last one. Gratitude can go a long way in difficult times.
3. Encourage stingyness
In January, everyone is broke. The excuse is the same, “I used all my money during Christmas”. This creates a perception that everyone is broke.
Then people who actually have money hide behind the wave. In fact, some start making others feel bad for enjoying in December instead of offering help.
4. Alter priorities with resolutions
New Year resolutions are the tip of the iceberg. You are still the same person you were a few weeks ago.
Don’t expect the new year to magically change you.
Take care of your bills, necessities and be slow to invest in resolutions. Small doses of change will make the big ones.
5. Blaming January
No other month gets so much ‘hype’ as January. The duration is exaggerated despite the month sharing similar days with other months.
The heat, children going back to school, maids not returning from villages, among others. All misfortune is blamed on the month and personal responsibility discarded.
This hype turns a normal month into a trojan horse and we are surprised that it turns out to be hard.