Lynda Moore says it's not about perfection, it’s about progress. And a big part of that is changing behaviours to get the life you want

It’s all well and good to say I want to make changes to my finances, my health, my relationships as we start a new year, (or anytime of the year for that matter), Mindset is an important part of change.

But there is another part of the equation, and that is your behaviour.

What are you going to DO, to implement change? In other words what behaviours are you going to leave behind, and what new ones are you going to implement, that will give you the last part of the equation, which is your results.

This week we are going to look at five financial behaviours, that you may not even realise you are doing, that you might want to leave behind.

1. Comparing Your Financial Journey to Others

We can’t help ourselves can we.  We upwardly and downwardly compare ourselves to others.  When I was a child Mum would say, ‘eat all your vegetables, there are others in the world who are starving and would love your brussel sprouts!” as a five-year-old, I very much doubted that, but I got the point and valiantly ploughed on to clear my plate.  You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: Comparison is the thief of joy. Especially when it comes to money.

Scrolling through social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your finances to the picture-perfect snapshots’ others share. But remember, most people only show the highlight reel. Let’s shift our focus inward. Instead of worrying about someone else’s new car or fancy vacation, channel that energy into celebrating your own wins and controlling what’s within your reach.

2. Dodging Money Conversations

This is a whole article just on its own.  Sigmund Freud (bear in mind he passed away in 1939) noted that it was easier to talk about sex than money.  Nothing has really changed since then.  Even within relationships money can be very hard to discuss, it can feel awkward, frustrating, or just downright scary.  But avoiding these conversations only kicks the stress can down the road. Whether it’s with your partner, family, or even a friend, opening up about money can lead to clarity and stronger relationships.

Here’s the trick: you don’t have to dive into deep financial details right away. Start small—discuss money in general terms, and as trust builds, ease into the more complex stuff. After you have had a few conversations, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to start talking!

3. Buying Sale Items You Don’t Actually Want

This isn’t just a holiday splurge, it’s an any time thing.  And yes, I did it myself at the weekend.  I went into one of my favourite clothing stores for just one item, I got that plus another two, feeling quite chuffed with myself having saved 50% on one of them.  Oh dear, even the Money Mentalist succumbs to that word SALE.

They promise savings, but sometimes they’re just sneaky spenders in disguise. If you wouldn’t pay full price for something, it’s not a bargain—it’s an expense you didn’t need.

My tip? Pause before you purchase. If you’re online shopping add the item to your cart and step away for 24 hours. If you are in a store, go for a coffee, or phone a friend (I did that as I walked out of the store with my purchases!) If you’re still thinking about it after you have had some time to let your rational brain kick in, it’s likely something you truly want. If not, you just saved yourself some cash. Win-win!

4. Waiting for “Someday” to Start

I love that song from the Wizard of Oz, ‘Somewhere over the rainbow” where dreams come true.  I’ve never found the end of the rainbow, or the pot of gold that is supposed to be there.

Waiting for ‘someday’ is very much like that.  You are waiting for something to happen before you can take action.

“Once I get a pay raise, I’ll start saving.” “When the timing’s better, I’ll stick to a budget.” Sound familiar? Waiting for the perfect moment to take control of your finances often leads to… well, more waiting.

The best time to start is now. Take baby steps if you need to. Set one small financial goal today—future you will thank you. Whether it’s tracking your spending, starting an emergency fund, or planning for that dream holiday, every step counts.

5. Ignoring Your Own Financial Goals

I’m not going to apologise for coming back to goals again. They really are the sauce that gets you into action.  WHY do you want to change your financial behaviours is a very important question to answer.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to check in with your goals and your why. Review your goals at least on a quarterly basis and remind yourself of what you really want your money to do for you. Is it more freedom, less stress, or maybe an unforgettable experience? Redefine your goals if you need to and let them guide your financial decisions this year.

Remember, money isn’t just numbers - it’s about what it enables you to do and the life you want to create. Make it your game plan to leave those unhelpful behaviours behind and take control of your financial journey - one step at a time. It's not about perfection, it’s about progress.

*Lynda Moore is a Money Mentalist coach and New Zealand’s only certified New Money Story® mentor. Lynda helps you understand why you do the things you do with your money, when we all know we should spend less than we earn. You can contact her here.