Here we are at the beginning of another year and all of the new year resolutions that come along with it. For most people, after a few weeks of dragging ourselves to try and be a better person we inevitably fail.
Me included.
I’ve found that no matter what kind of resolution I set or how hard I try something happens and after just a few weeks, or days (haha), I give up and just move along with my life. I’ve set (and failed) at many different resolutions during my 30-something years of life but this year I resolve for it to be different.
You don’t have to fail at your new year resolution after a few days, weeks, or months. Sure, it might be hard at the beginning of the year to stick to a lofty goal but it’s also completely possible to achieve said goal and crush your year.
Despite everything that life might throw at me this year, I plan to do my best to get through and stick with my resolutions today, tomorrow, and beyond.
So here I’m going to share a few tricks that I will be using to help guide me along the way and hopefully might help you as well!
Write It Down
Writing down what you want to accomplish takes it from dream to reality, I feel. It makes it more tangible and available to see it there in ink (or pencil) as a daily reminder. Use your fresh new planner to jot it down or even a simple sticky note attached to the bottom of your computer monitor.
Personally, I like to make a small vision board of all the things I want to accomplish throughout the year and place it right next to me on the wall of my office. There I see it every day and always have the goals and resolutions for the year at the top of my mind. It keeps me on track and helps me see progress that I have made throughout the year.
Have a Plan
It’s there a saying or something that’s like “a goal without a plan is just a wish” or something like that?
After you write down your goals and resolutions, you need to then break them down into small, actionable steps that will help you either achieve that goal or stay on track with your resolution.
For example, if you want to eat healthier then you should probably make a goal to cook 1 healthy meal a week for the next month. Then cook 2 healthy meals a week for the next month after that. Or start bringing your lunch to work instead going out to eat once a week.
Doing this makes you more successful.
Be Realistic
I’ve totally been guilty of setting like 10-12 different goals for the year only to reach 6 months in and realize that I have not done one thing to achieve any of them.
Instead, try and think of 1 or 2 big things that you want to achieve and then go from there. If you achieve it before the year is up then move onto another one in the middle of the year. You could also come up with a resolution for each main category for your life – family, fitness, faith, finances, etc.
If you have to many goals or make too big of a goal immediately your plan won’t be sustainable. Make sure that whatever you pick is something that you can break down into smaller steps so you feel a sense of accomplishment at each point in the journey.
Share with Others
Doing this invites people close to you to share in your journey, gives you accountability, and gives them chance to praise you throughout. Even if you are just sharing them with your spouse, or significant other, you are sharing them with someone. You can also post them to Facebook or Instagram for all your “friends” to see.
Celebrate the Milestones
The small actionable steps are absolutely worth celebrating, too. There is no feat too small for a celebration and they should definitely not go unrecognized.
If you are trying to lose weight, then put $1 into a jar for each pound you lose and then treat yourself to a new workout outfit or bathing suit when you reach a certain amount. No matter what it is you need to come up with ways to reward yourself for the little things. Doing so will keep you even more motivated to keep going.
Growth and progress should be celebrated and it’s important to be proud of yourself for the good things you’re doing for your mind, body, and soul.
You don’t have to fear the inevitable as soon as you decided to make your new year resolutions. Keep these simple tips in mind this year or as you approach your next goal setting session. Cheers to a happy new year!
