If you’re like the majority of the population, chances are you made some sort of resolutions or goals for the new year. In fact, chances are you do this every year; but how long do you stick to them before you fall back into your old ways and habits? It’s not your fault, really. It’s human nature. However, if you don’t want to let this be yet another year that your goals fall to the wayside halfway through February, read on for 10 tips for sticking to your goals for the new year.
- Be realistic. When setting goals, I want you to reach for the stars. The sky is the limit! However, those big goals need to be broken down into more realistic, achievable chunks. If you want to lose weight, start with dropping ten pounds, rather than focusing on a huge goal of fifty or swearing off your favorite food FOREVER.
- Plan ahead. You need a plan for achieving your goals or sticking to your resolutions. I promise you it’s not going to just happen. Want to start eating healthier? Find a plan or program that is sustainable for you and set yourself up for success. This might mean meal planning, meal prepping, letting others know that you’re not going to be at the bar for happy hour before they invite you, etc.
- If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Form a plan for when temptations arise before they happen – because they will happen. An accountability partner who can keep you on track in your moments of weakness can be extremely helpful.
- Make a list. Whether this is a pros and cons list, a “twenty reasons why”, or a list of what you will do and feel once you achieve your goal, write it down in detail and keep it with you at all times to read over as often as you need.
- Talk about it. In addition to your accountability partner, tell your friends, family, and coworkers about your goals. They can support you, cheer you on, and celebrate with you when those goals are met!
- Reward yourself. Allow yourself to celebrate your successes. This doesn’t mean devouring an entire pizza when you lose the first ten pounds. Treat yourself to a mini shopping spree, a pedicure, a date night, or a new pair of shoes when you reach your first goal.
- Track your progress. I love the feeling of marking something off. I make trackers for all of my goals – financial, health, etc. It can help to have a visual in front of you so that you can watch your progress as you work towards your goals.
- Go easy on yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you have a slip up or don’t reach your goals in the amount of time you had planned to. The important things are to be consistent, don’t give up, and give yourself some grace.
- Stick to it. According to experts, it takes 21 days to form a new habit and 6 months for it to become part of you. Nothing worth achieving happens overnight, so be patient and know that the time will pass either way.
- Just. Keep. Going. The reason so many people start new things on new years is because it’s a good time for a fresh slate, for starting over. Allow yourself that clean slate each time you feel like giving up and simply recommit for just the next 24 hours. You can do anything for 24 hours.
What are your new years goals? Share them with us!
