New year, same old resolutions. We all know that resolving is the easy part. It’s sticking to it that’s hard!
Did you ever notice how many of your friends make the exact resolution every January 1st? It seems like everyone has already given up on their goals by February.
The problem isn’t with our resolutions but rather how we go about achieving them. This guide teaches us simple and effective ways to stick with our new year’s resolutions for good this time around so we can finally reach those goals once and for all!
1. Figure out what you want to change about yourself
So you’ve decided to make a resolution this year? Fantastic! Many people fail at changing their habits because they don’t have clear goals.
The trick is not just thinking of something you want to achieve but writing it down and giving it an exact timeframe. Set an end date to make sure you have the motivation to put in effort over time, not just on January 1st!
Want to become a better student? A better son/daughter? A better athlete? A better public speaker?
You need to zero in on precisely what you want to change about yourself. Once you have a clear idea, follow these next steps!
2. Write down your goal and the steps it will take to reach that goal.
They say, “Out of sight, out of mind.” That’s true about goals too. If you haven’t written down your goal, how will you keep track of it?
Once you’ve decided what you want to change about yourself, get out a sheet of paper or open up Canva on your computer. Now write down exactly what you are changing and what steps it will take to make that change occur.
Once you have your end date, write down the steps it will take to get you there. For example, if you are changing from being a couch potato to becoming an athlete, don’t simply write “exercise every day.” The goal is too vague! Instead, give yourself specific days of the week and times you plan to work out.
This will be your working schedule, so make sure it’s a time that works well for you and that you will stick with. If you want to become a morning person, don’t set your alarm for 4 am! Make sure the hours work for you and gradually change yourself based on those changing needs.
It’s essential to have a detailed plan. However, you also need to understand how long this process will take!
It makes no sense to set a goal of losing forty pounds in only two months. That is not possible for most people without surgery or changing their entire lifestyle (including diet and hours dedicated to exercise each week).
While changing too quickly can lead to failure, changing too slowly isn’t achievable either. Instead, set a goal that has a clear timeframe for changing your habits. The best timeline varies from person to person based on their life circumstances (such as school/work schedule) so try writing down the average amount of time it should take to reach your goal. Then, you can write down the exact schedule for changing those habits.
Make sure your schedule allows you time to change without feeling too rushed or behind!
3. Find someone in your life who can support you with this resolution
It is easier to stick with goals when you have accountability.
Whether it’s your mom, older sibling, or friend who can support you, find someone in your life who can cheer you on throughout this process!
Since they are invested in seeing you succeed, they’ll be more likely to ask how things are going. They can also help you avoid temptation and join you on those challenging days when you need a little extra encouragement.
Remember to show your accountability partner some appreciation for their support!
4. Make a plan for how often you will work on reaching your goal
How often should you try to work on your goal? That depends on what you’re trying to achieve. If it’s a small change (like wanting to start flossing every day), once a week is a plenty. However, if this is a major lifestyle shift (such as becoming an exercise nut or starting med school), try working on it every day.
“But I’m busy!” you might be thinking. If that’s the case, try breaking up this goal into smaller bits and work on it more often. Just make sure to allow time for a break in between sessions!
For example, if you want to start going to the gym every day, then you might go in the mornings for a month. Then in that time, you can work on other goals to give your body a break from the same activity.
5. Reward yourself when you make progress towards your goals
After some time has passed, remember to reward yourself! You deserve it!
So what are you waiting for? Get started with making that new year’s resolution!
6. Remember, this is not an all-or-nothing proposition – if one day is too hard, don’t give up! Keep trying, and eventually, it will get easier!
Remember you’re not alone in this process – there are many others out there working to reach their resolutions, so ask for support if you need it!
Remember that it’s okay to take a break from your goal every once and a while. If life gets too busy, try taking a day off or even a month. It’s important to keep things sustainable and not burn out.
Stay strong and always remember: it’s never too late to make a change!
