We are still in the rave of New year resolutions, an opportunity to reflect on the past and make a fresh start. However, making resolutions is just the first step; figuring how to get them all accomplished is the hard part. That’s because most of us make a few crucial mistakes when making New Year’s resolutions, which often makes us unsuccessful in achieving lasting results. We start off strong but quickly get burned out. This doesn’t mean you should give up. Here are 3 tips on making your resolutions truly stick this year:
1. FOCUS ON ONE GOAL AT A TIME
Simplify your New Year’s resolution list by focusing on one goal at a time. Are you trying to get off a bad habit? Change and focus on a new habit for 30 to 60 days before adding another challenge. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, don’t start with a punishing diet and seven days a week at the gym. Start by tracking what you eat and scheduling three workouts a week at the gym until this becomes your new habit. After a couple of months, examine your eating habits and make a change to your diet you can stick to for the next 30 to 60 days while maintaining your workout schedule.
Set a small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal in January because this can help you reach whatever it is you strive for.
2. MAKE A PLAN & TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
Make the commitment to changing old habits by making a long term plan, breaking down your goal into manageable bits and tracking your process. Unhealthy habits develop over a long period of time and changing them also takes time. Ensure to track the progress towards your goal to enable you stick to your resolutions. Logging your progress in an app or a journal, or even through photos can help show progress and reinforce the commitment to your goal. You know what you want to accomplish this year; now figure out when, where and how you will accomplish it. Create an action plan and stick to it as much as you can.
3. DON’T GIVE UP & GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT
As the weeks goes by, our resolutions tend to fade especially when we get busy with everyday life. Gone are the initial excitement and determination about our resolutions. In cases like this, forgive yourself and get back on track with your resolution. Don’t give up if you skipped a week at the gym or ate a bowl of ice-cream. Try to give yourself credit when you achieve a resolution and don’t blame yourself if you fail but instead find solutions to the challenges you might have faced. Staying positive and seeking help when you need it will help you stick to your resolutions. There are countless resources, advice and support available for whatever you’re striving to achieve. If your plan isn’t producing results, or if you’re stressed out or overwhelmed, take a moment to reexamine your goals and get help from family, friends and professionals who are experts in what you’re trying to achieve.
Most importantly: believe in your resolutions. Keep a daily reminder of the positive impact your goals have on your life and don’t give up!
I hope you find this article helpful to your decision on staying true to your resolutions.
Remember to live Cheerfully
