How to Meet Your Financial Goals One Tiny Triumph at a Time

Money is often a major cause of stress in our lives – and something most of us want to improve upon. But where and when—and how—do you start? According to a November 2017 survey from the American Psychological Association, 62 percent of Americans say money is a common stressor, even more so than work, the current political climate, and violence and crime.

With so many Americans feeling financial anxiety, it’s no surprise that when it comes to making New Year’s Resolutions, “Making Better Financial Decisions,” “Saving Money,” or “Spending Less/Saving More” frequently make the top five most popular resolutions.

The New Year is a great time for a fresh start, a new opportunity to learn or do something different, to set goals and strive for more. Let’s be honest, though—how many times have you made a New Year’s Resolution with the very best of intentions, only to find yourself breaking it a few days or weeks later? You’re not alone, and it’s not a question of willpower. It turns out that nearly half (42.4%) of people who make resolutions don’t succeed because they are setting goals that are too big and too broad.

Coaches, Cafés, and Confidence

Capital One® is on a quest to help people improve their relationship with money and gain financial confidence. One of the ways Capital One does this is through Money Coaching. Money Coaches help people take control of their relationship with money by zeroing in on what's really important, helping them find new perspective and achieve financial confidence. While the Money Coaches are available year-round in Capital One Cafés, they agree that the start of the New Year is a particularly auspicious time to explore the intersection of life and money.

So, in the spirit of kicking off the New Year with actionable and attainable financial goals, the Capital One Money Coaches have partnered with James Clear, a nationally known expert on micro-habits, to help people take their big, overwhelming resolutions and break them down into achievable, bite-sized actions. As an author and researcher, James Clear studies successful people across a wide range of disciplines—entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and more—uncovering habits and routines that make these people the best at what they do.

Celebrating Tiny Triumphs

From January through March, Capital One will be celebrating your Tiny Triumphs by sharing a series of  small, actionable tweaks that people can make to better their relationship with money. The program, developed through the collaboration between James Clear and Capital One’s Money Coaching team, embraces the fact that goals aren’t usually achieved in one fell swoop; they’re achieved by taking a series of actions, and each one is a #TinyTriumph. Whether you’re online or in a Capital One Café, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with and encourage others who are also trying out the empowering tips.

During the first three months of 2018, new tips will be posted on the @CapitalOneCafé Twitter handle and Capital One Café Facebook page. These inspirations and expert tips will encourage people to stay motivated and focused on achieving their money goals, one tiny step at a time. Participants can also stop by their local Capital One Café to speak with an Ambassador or Capital One Money Coach about how to identify their goals, join the social community, celebrate their tiny triumphs or get some take-home guidance. To kick start the New Year, here is a preview of the first tips from Capital One—I encourage you to try these at home!

• Saving 99% of your paycheck is 0% exciting. Budget for the things you enjoy, too.
• Setbacks happen. Get back in the saddle, and keep your eyes on the prize.
• Big dreams happen in bold baby steps. Set achievable goals and celebrate the #TinyTriumphs.
• Goals should be for you. Not your friends, family, or feline overlord.

Making a positive life change can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This New Year, resolve to improve your relationship with money, one #TinyTriumph at a time.

For more information, follow @CapitalOneCafe on Twitter or Capital One Café on Facebook.

*Cafés do not provide the same services as bank branches, but have ATMs and associates who can help you. Visit a café for details. Banking products and services offered by Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC. Food and beverage provided by a third party. ©2017 Capital One.