The end of the year is a perennial period of self-reflection, and I enjoy partaking in setting a few New Year's resolutions. Unfortunately, I've (more than once) enthusiastically started a year with shiny optimism only to find myself falling short a few weeks later. I know I'm not alone, and I'm encouraged by people who challenge themselves time and time again.



Resolutions related to finances and health, two important components of everyone's life, are especially common. Here are a few ways that you could tie physical activities to achieving your financial goals. Hopefully being able to tackle both resolutions at once can help keep you motivated for the entire year.
Some people make an arrangement with a friend where you each agree to work out X times a week and to pay the other person for each workout missed. Or, you could opt to make a donation to a charity of your friend's choice rather than pay each other. The goal is to provide accountability, and the financial aspect can add a sense of urgency and be a great motivational tool.
Connect an activity tracker to rewards programs. Several services give you points each time you work out and let you redeem the points for cash, gift cards or other prizes. The real trick is to use multiple programs and maximize your rewards from every workout. Some employers also provide bonus points to employees that use these programs or have similar rewards programs of their own.
Make working out your work. If you're looking to make a serious lifestyle change, and potentially some serious money, consider becoming a personal trainer or fitness instructor. While the certification process can be expensive and time-consuming, afterward you'll be able to charge clients for classes or one-on-one training.
Raise money for a charity with every step. You may not have a strong desire to earn money but are still looking for a little extra motivation to work out. Similar to the programs that reward you with points, there are apps that you can use to raise money for your favorite charities while exercising.
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This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered health, legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.