You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems

January – for some, it’s a month to dread; for others it’s a month full of hope and possibility.

Whatever your view, you’ve likely set at least one resolution for 2026. While I hate to say it, I expect many good intentions have already fallen by the wayside – according to statistics, 80% of us abandon new year resolutions by the middle of February. [1]

Before you give up and succumb to the winter blues, there is a better way to frame things.

Multi-million-selling author James Clear may have the perfect answer

When James Clear wrote, “You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your systems”, in his bestselling book ‘Atomic Habits’, millions of people paid attention – and January is a great time to remember why.

In essence, the quote suggests (correctly in my experience) that setting ambitious goals doesn’t guarantee success; rather, it’s the systems you put in place that will determine your progress – and ultimate success or failure.

Setting financial goals is crucial to long-term success

In financial terms, the goal might be to retire early, gift your children a deposit for their first home, or leave a healthy financial legacy.

Setting clear financial goals is crucial – researchers have proved that setting goals, having confidence in your numerical ability, and working with a professional financial planner all make you more likely to be a successful saver.

So far, so good. But to achieve the goal, you need to create systems – regular habits – designed to help you build your wealth over the long term.

5 simple financial habits to help you create a successful system

Here are five simple steps that could help you meet your long-term financial goals.

1. Set a budget

Working to a budget is the foundation of good financial planning. A clear understanding of all your income and expenditure will give you clarity over where your money goes each month.

Revisit your budget regularly to make sure it stays true to reality. And look for opportunities to save – do you really need to pay for seven streaming services every month?

2. Reduce your debt

Paying down outstanding debts by as much as you can every month will mean you pay less interest, freeing up money you can save towards your long-term goals.

Make a list of the money you owe and draw up a realistic repayment plan. Start by tackling the one with the highest interest so you can start saving instead of covering the cost of expensive debt.

3. Invest consistently and regularly

If you don’t already siphon some of your income into a savings or investment account each month, the sooner you start, the better.

Thanks to the positive effects of compound growth, investing is one of the best ways to build your wealth and secure a healthy financial future.

A well-diversified investment portfolio has the potential for great returns and can help you achieve your long-term financial goals – and the sooner you start, the more time compounding has to work in your favour.

4. Pay yourself first

It’s all too easy to wait until the end of the month and save or invest whatever money you have left, but you could be missing a trick.

Instead, start paying yourself first – treat your pension contributions, savings, and investments as an essential bill that you pay straight after receiving your income.

Setting up monthly automated payments might encourage you to plan your spending around your savings and investments, rather than vice versa.

5. Talk to a financial planner

As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I can help you plan for the financial future you deserve and work with you to implement systems to achieve your goals.

From reviewing your current situation and helping you set firm financial goals to supporting your investment journey and using cashflow modelling to give you a view of your financial future, I’ll work with you to get your finances in shape and achieve the future you deserve.

Email rory@brazilfinancial.ie or call + 353 86 824 7542.

Please note

This article is for information only. It does not constitute advice.

It describes financial planning services that Brazil Financial Planning can offer to you.

Brazil Financial Planning Ltd T/A Brazil Financial is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Registered No. 477512.

Brazil Financial Planning is not a tax adviser and tax advisory services are not regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

The value of your investments (and any income from them) can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Investments should be considered over the longer term and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances.

Sources

[1] Forbes – New Year, Same You: Why Resolutions Don’t Work And What Actually Does