Every year, the same script repeats itself.
On 31st December, we feel unstoppable.
“Next year, I’m going to save RM20,000.”
“Next year, I’ll clear my PTPTN debt.”
“Next year, I’ll finally get fit.”
So we buy a brand-new planner.
We download budgeting apps.
We install fitness trackers.
Fast forward to March…
The planner is collecting dust.
The apps are unopened.
And the savings? Still empty.
So what went wrong?
Are we lazy?
Not disciplined enough?
Or just… bad with money?
The truth is uncomfortable:
Most New Year resolutions fail not because of who we are, but because of how we set our goals.
Before 2026 begins, let’s stop talking about “big goals” — and start building systems that actually last.
The Real Problem: Goal Fatigue 🧠💥
When we set massive goals, our brain sees them as far away and overwhelming.
Saving RM10,000 in a year sounds simple:
RM1,000 per month for 10 months
Skip saving during festive or holiday months
But real life happens.
By March, Raya expenses hit.
Savings drop back to zero.
Suddenly, your brain says:
“Now I need to save RM1,250 per month?! That’s impossible.”
And just like that…
You quit.
This is called goal fatigue — when the finish line feels too far, motivation dies.
Willpower Is a Myth (Here’s Why) 🔋❌
Willpower works like a phone battery.
In the morning, it’s full.
After work stress, traffic, deadlines, emotions — it drains fast.
Bad days happen:
You get scolded by your boss
You have a car accident
You go through a breakup
When life hits hard, willpower alone will not save you.
That’s why relying on motivation is a losing strategy.
2026 Strategy: Stop Chasing Goals. Build Systems. ⚙️✅
1️⃣ Make It Automatic
A system doesn’t rely on mood.
Set automatic deductions:
Bills
Commitments
Savings
The moment your salary comes in — decisions are already made.
On your worst days, your system protects you.
2️⃣ The 1% Rule (Atomic Habits) 📈
Don’t change your life 360° overnight.
That’s why people quit gyms after 10 days.
Instead:
Save RM50
Save RM100
Save RM200
Every month. No excuses.
The goal can change.
The habit must not.
We’re not building a number —
We’re building the habit of saving.
3️⃣ Focus on Identity, Not Outcomes 🪞
Stop saying:
“I want to save RM10,000.”
Start saying:
“I am someone who saves money.”
When saving becomes part of who you are —
You don’t force it.
You live it.
Just like healthy people don’t “schedule” workouts —
They work out because that’s their lifestyle.
Make financial discipline your identity, not an assignment.
New Year Isn’t About Who Finishes First 🏁✨
2026 is NOT about:
Who gets richest the fastest
Who loses the most weight
Who impresses their boss the most
It’s about:
Who stays consistent the longest
Progress can be slow.
No applause needed.
No competition with others.
You’re doing this to impress your future self —
Healthier.
Smarter with money.
More intentional with life.
Not “New Year, New Me.”
But “New Year, Better Me.” 😉
Ready to Start Small — But Start Smart? 🚀💰
If you want to begin your saving journey the easy, automated way, I’m using myASNB Ria, a new robo-advisory platform designed to help Malaysians save consistently.
🎁 Bonus Alert:
Use my referral code SG5JFP when you sign up and get RM10 FREE to start investing.
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Huawei: https://bit.ly/myasnb-huawei
💬 Start small. Stay consistent. Build the system.
Let 2026 be the year your habits finally work for you.
Your move. 💪🔥
