New Year, New You
Wednesday January 6, 2021
So what’s your new year’s resolution? Have you picked one yet? Are you dreading it or does it excite you? Is this going to be the year that you see it through to the finish and really make a change?
Well, we’re here to help. Whether you want to be more adventurous (we’ve got you covered there), eat less sweets, read more often, or any other resolution, here are six easy tips to help you follow through and find success!
1. Don’t Go Crazy! Be Realistic
My resolution is to be more active, say yes more, lose weight, quit smoking, and win the lottery! This is the year! Easy peasy, right? It’s hard enough achieving one of those goals, but when your resolution is too big, it becomes unattainable and easier to just give up.
Let’s keep it simple and realistic. Pick one thing that really matters to you (or someone you love) and put your energy into reaching that singular goal!
2. Develop a Plan
Making a resolution is one thing. Achieving it is a whole different ball game. By creating a detailed plan with specific goals, you immediately increase your chances of success.
If your resolution is to be more active, what does that really mean? Set parameters around your resolution including a realistic goal. For example, start by trying to do something active once a week. Set a plan for when and how you’re going to execute this for each of the next four weeks. Make a list of all the “active” things you want to do so you are prepared and have options.
Within your plan, consider how you will track your progress. Set smaller and easily achievable goals that will help you build momentum. This will also help you be accountable and ultimately celebrate your victories!
3. Be Flexible
As 2020 proved, all plans are meant to be adjusted. Think through possible roadblocks so you’re ready to adjust and overcome. This includes any excuses you might make to get out of your resolution. Be honest with yourself!
Keep in mind that things are going to go wrong, and you are likely to face challenges along the way. The more prepared you are and the more flexible you can be, the better chance of reaching your goal. In other words, have a backup plan for your original plan.
4. To Share or Not to Share?
Do you need someone to keep you accountable? If so, make sure to share the details of your resolution with a friend, family member or co-worker. Ask them to check in regularly on your progress. Make sure it’s someone who you can rely on to keep you honest.
Is the pressure going to get to you? It’s hard enough to keep up with your resolution when you’re trying not to let yourself down, so it might become even more tough if you’ve relayed your goals to someone else. If you think that may be the case, keep your resolution private, at least until you’ve made some good progress and feel more confident in your execution.
Choose the path that is right for you!
5. Be Nice to Yourself
Resolutions are hard! There’s a reason why you haven’t done this already. If it was simple, you wouldn’t need to make it a new year’s resolution, so be easy on yourself if you slip up. It’s bound to happen at some point. Give yourself some wiggle room, but make sure to use it as motivation to do even better moving forward.
To help stay positive, consider writing yourself encouraging messages and putting them in key spots. For example, leave yourself some notes to help you stay motivated. Put them in places where you’ll see them regularly. They should be a reminder of what you’re trying to accomplish, why you want to accomplish it, that you’re worth it, and that you’re going to find success!
6. Start Over
Have you run out of steam? Was your attempt an epic fail? Regardless of what happen, don’t make excuses… just start over! Pretend it’s January 1st again and recommit to meeting your goals. Adjust your plan, learn from your mistakes and give it another try. Worst that can happen, you have to start over again. It’s never too late to make a change in your life!