The beginning of a year is the time to move forward and set new goals. Almost everyone makes a long list of New Year’s resolutions and end up having a hard time following them. I bet you told yourself in the beginning of this year, ‘I’m not giving up this time, and I’m going to stick to every single resolution on this list.’ Eventually the spark of excitement and joy you felt on January 1st will wear off. Here are some tips to prevent that and help you reach your goals.
1. Set small, attainable goals. Many people set goals that are so big that are impossible to reach from where they are right now; these type of goals lead to failure. Instead, set small, realistic goals that are close to your current status quo. For example, if you are a person who doesn’t exercise at all but your goal is to be a fitter person, you can’t expect to turn to one overnight. The goal you should be setting is to exercise for 30 minutes a day for two times a week, and then you can work up and increase the amount you exercise as the time passes.
2. Write down your goals. Simply thinking about your resolutions in your head and not having a concrete list is not a good idea. Writing down your goals creates a stronger connection between you and your goals than when you only think about them.
3. Limit your resolutions to five. Don’t set a long list of promises to yourself that you are bound to break. Choosing five goals, or less, will force you to limit yourself and focus on your priority list.
4. Take baby steps. Rather than trying to exhaust yourself with several changes at once, break them down and focus on one resolution at a time. This way, all of your focus and attention will go to one goal.
5. Share your goals. Being with a group of positive people who have the same views as you, will help you be more confident and strong. You could join a workout group if your goal is to be fit, or join a book club if your goal is to read more. This will not only keep you motivated, but your resolution that was meant for only this year might turn to a long-term goal/hobby.
6. Keep reminders everywhere. An idea is to have your New Year’s resolutions as your wallpaper on your phone. Now, every time you look at your phone (which, let's be honest, is all the time) you will be reminded of your goals. You could also put it up on your bedroom wall where you can see it clearly. Being constantly reminded of your goals might help you stick to them.
1. Set small, attainable goals. Many people set goals that are so big that are impossible to reach from where they are right now; these type of goals lead to failure. Instead, set small, realistic goals that are close to your current status quo. For example, if you are a person who doesn’t exercise at all but your goal is to be a fitter person, you can’t expect to turn to one overnight. The goal you should be setting is to exercise for 30 minutes a day for two times a week, and then you can work up and increase the amount you exercise as the time passes.
2. Write down your goals. Simply thinking about your resolutions in your head and not having a concrete list is not a good idea. Writing down your goals creates a stronger connection between you and your goals than when you only think about them.
3. Limit your resolutions to five. Don’t set a long list of promises to yourself that you are bound to break. Choosing five goals, or less, will force you to limit yourself and focus on your priority list.
4. Take baby steps. Rather than trying to exhaust yourself with several changes at once, break them down and focus on one resolution at a time. This way, all of your focus and attention will go to one goal.
5. Share your goals. Being with a group of positive people who have the same views as you, will help you be more confident and strong. You could join a workout group if your goal is to be fit, or join a book club if your goal is to read more. This will not only keep you motivated, but your resolution that was meant for only this year might turn to a long-term goal/hobby.
6. Keep reminders everywhere. An idea is to have your New Year’s resolutions as your wallpaper on your phone. Now, every time you look at your phone (which, let's be honest, is all the time) you will be reminded of your goals. You could also put it up on your bedroom wall where you can see it clearly. Being constantly reminded of your goals might help you stick to them.