We all like to think we’ll keep our New Year’s resolutions but often find that we’ve lost track by February. If you want to accomplish your
goals this year, here are the five steps to get you there.
1. Make It Realistic
Your resolution is really just a goal that you’re hoping to achieve over the next year. For some, this might be to go to the gym every day. For others, it might be to write the book they’ve been thinking about. Whatever your resolution is, it has to be realistic and achievable. Don’t think you’re going to end the year by walking on the moon. Pick something that you know you can realistically achieve and start there. Remember, you can always add more goals later after you accomplish the first one.
2. Write It Down
Spend some time writing down your goal. This allows you to focus on what you’re hoping to accomplish this year, and it gives your brain the chance to encode the goal, which means you’ll remember what you’re trying to achieve. For some people, creating a vision board helps them think about their resolutions for the year. Whatever works for you, just make sure you take the time to write down your goals and really consider them before you get started. While you’re at it, you should also make sure you’re prepared for your goals by signing up for the best health insurance. This will ensure you stay healthy enough to do everything you want to.
3. Start Small and Grow
With any goal, it’s important to start small. If you’re hoping to write a book and have yet to put a single word on paper, start by creating an outline or a breakdown of your major characters. Do research that will help you write your book. If you want to run a half marathon by the end of the year, create a training plan that starts small. You can’t go from running zero miles to running 13.1, so start yourself small and give yourself frequent reminders that you are just beginning. We all have to start somewhere and the beginning of a new year is an excellent time to start working towards your goals.
4. Set Yourself Up for Success
Building new habits can be tricky. You probably failed in years past because you didn’t set yourself up for success and didn’t actually create a new habit. Set yourself up for success by doing everything you can to be prepared for your goals. If you’ve decided to swim every day this year, clean the pool and have the pool gates installed. Don’t give yourself any excuses not to accomplish what you’ve set out to achieve. If you know you struggle going to the gym, lay out your clothes the night before and ask a friend to meet you there. Keep yourself accountable to others and prepare yourself for success. When nothing is standing in your way, you’ll be able to meet your goals quickly and easily.
5. Evaluate Your Progress
As you continue throughout the year, evaluate your progress. Have you managed to exercise every day? If you’re so used to the habit that you don’t even think about it anymore, you can add a new goal and work towards that. If you look back and realize you haven’t accomplished what you meant to, try a goal reset. Start back at the beginning and don’t be too hard on yourself. Habits are very difficult to build and acknowledging that we aren’t perfect will help us restart when we need to.
If you follow these five steps, you’re sure to keep this year’s resolutions. Here’s to a happier and healthier you.
