There is something magical about the start of a new year. It’s like we are given a chance to make a fresh start on just about every aspect of life. Yet sadly, it’s only a few who take this opportunity to do things differently. There is a big difference between thinking about the things that need changing and actually making changes. We are creatures of habit.

Psychologists will tell you that changes in human behaviour are triggered by one of two things – avoidance of pain or the pursuit of pleasure. Most of us settle for mediocrity and the same old, same old. Some people are thrust into making changes through painful events such as separation, redundancy, illness or death. A few have the vision to see that making small changes now can lead to significant rewards in the future.

Being future-focussed is the key to making a fresh start with your finances. That means setting yourself some key goals. It also means forgetting the past and letting go Making a fresh start means exactly that. Imagine that instead of a house and investments you had money in the bank. Imagine that instead of your current financial outgoings you could redesign your budget to change the balance between spending and saving. If you are clear about your goals and if you are prepared to let go, then it is possible to completely restructure your financial affairs to make major changes in your financial outcomes.

It takes courage and confidence to make big changes. Letting go of possessions or habits creates feelings of vulnerability and insecurity. There is comfort in sameness. Change is uncomfortable. But without change, there can be no difference in outcomes. As the saying goes: if you do what you always do, you will get what you always got.