The new year is full of promise and hope. Especially if you’re one of the millions who promise to make changes for the better and then hope that you can keep them. These personal goals have become known as New Year’s Resolutions because many of us use the start of a new year to start becoming a “new you.” Maybe you want to improve your health, take control of your weight or start exercising more. Perhaps you’d like to try a fun hobby, begin volunteering or take some new classes. Resolutions simply serve as inspiration to enjoy a better life. Sadly, if you’re like most of us, you’re full of motivation and dedication for the two weeks of the year. Yet by the third week of January, you’ve kissed your goals goodbye. But you don’t have to lose your mojo before the end of the month. Follow these savvy steps to see results from your resolutions.
[1] Put it in Writing
Writing down your resolutions gives you a much better chance of achieving them. See, committing to them on paper provides you with a clear direction and a sense of accountability. Just be sure that your resolutions are specific, measurable and realistic. For instance, instead of writing that you want to lose weight, write, “I would like to lose 10 pounds by going to the gym three days a week and cutting out sugary snacks.” Your goal should also be measurable so you’re able to track your progress. Most importantly, be realistic. Don’t plan to run a marathon in March if you’ve never even jogged. Putting your goals down on paper makes your resolutions real.
[2] Take Small Steps to Make Big Strides
If your resolutions take you too far out of your comfort zone or require major effort, you’ll probably give up. Rather than breaking your resolution, try breaking it up into small, attainable steps so your goal doesn’t seem overwhelming and you can watch yourself make progress. For example, if you want to eat healthier, plan to go shopping for nutritious foods and start making meals at home during the first of January. Then, plan to start eating a piece of fruit every day and vegetables at each meal for the rest of the month. Continue to make small changes until you reach your goal.
[3] Ask for a Helping Hand
If you don’t know how or where to begin, you’ll probably give up. But if you know what you need to do, you’ll have a better chance of success. Seek out people who have experience and knowledge to help you achieve your goals. Starting to exercise? Speak to a personal trainer or gym instructor about the best workouts and proper techniques. This will let you proceed toward your goal with confidence.
[4] Be Accountable for Your Actions
Keep your resolutions by making yourself responsible for your success. Tell your friends and family that you’re trying to lose weight so they will keep asking about your progress. Want to take a new class? Pay in advance so you won’t be tempted to skip a class. If you want to start volunteering, call a community charity and tell them when to expect to you. These simple steps will provide you with the motivation you need when yours is running low.
[5] Forgive and Forget
Face it, you’ll probably slip-up somewhere along the way. Too many people use a momentary stumble as a reason to fall off the wagon. But everyone suffers setbacks on the road to their resolutions. One momentary lapse shouldn’t make you give up on your goal. Just forgive yourself and forget that it ever happened. Then, continue from where you left off. Just like a new year provides you with a fresh beginning, each day is a new chance to live a better life.
With these five simple steps, you’re ready to stick to your resolutions and bring your goals to life.
