As we grow older we begin to understand the real point of making our New Year’s resolutions. Wanting to improve yourself is a quality we all should strive for. Unfortunately, many people don’t last past 30 days into the year before abandoning their goals.
So what can you do to ensure that you stay motivated and focused on your New Year’s resolutions?
Below are some ideas to help you stay on track.
Keep Resolutions Specific and Realistic
What about your strategy for achieving it? For example, if losing a certain amount of weight is your goal for the year, it may not be realistic for you to plan on doing it by eating only 1,200 calories per day.
Instead, reframe your resolution into something like, “Decrease my calorie intake by 10% each week?” Or “Eat 3 fruits daily, one before each meal.” These goals, as you can see, are more realistic, very specific in their plan, and frankly, more do-able than simply saying, “Lose 50 pounds” or “Eat 1,200 calories a day.”
Examine your resolution or the way you plan to achieve it, to see if it’s realistic. If it’s not, change it to a more realistic goal or strategy to be successful.
Keep Your Resolution on Your Mind
Write down your resolution and put it where you can easily see it throughout the day. Write it down in your journal and on your calendar. Make yourself a sticky note with your resolution written on it and place it in the front seat of your car.
When you keep your resolution in your thoughts daily, you are more likely to stay focused on them and follow through.
Be Accountable to Spouse or Friends
Ask your loved ones to frequently bring up your goal. The close support of your spouse or friends can be helpful to keep you focused on your resolution. It can be as simple as them asking you how you’re doing today on your New Year’s resolution.
Share with those that love you your plans, successes, and your struggles. Discussing your goals often prevents them from slipping your mind.
Start Your Day Early
In the morning be sure to do something related to your goal. Most people are more energetic in the mornings. Strive to achieve something related to your resolution as soon as you get out of bed.
If your resolution is related to your health, eating a balanced breakfast will get your day going in the right direction.
If your resolution is to increase your exercise, start your day with 20-30 minutes of exercise.
If your resolution is to learn another language, the mornings are a great time to study for 30 minutes.
Plan to take a step toward your resolution in the mornings. This way, you’ll start the day off with your resolution in mind and feel positive and successful all day.
Adjust Your Resolutions as Needed
Be flexible about your resolutions. Allow yourself to adjust your resolution as time goes by. Maybe you’re unable to drop calorie intake from 2,500 calories in a day down to 1,500. So, don’t beat yourself up if you consume 2,200 calories a day. In a few weeks, you can cut another 100 calories.
Give yourself permission to make changes gradually if needed. Staying flexible increases your chances of achieving your resolution during the year.
Remain dedicated to your New Year’s resolution for as long as it takes to achieve it. Just apply the above strategies: make it realistic and specific, keep your resolution in mind, ask friends and family to talk to you about your goal, start first thing in the morning, and be flexible about your resolution to achieve your goal.
Stick to your New Year’s resolution to experience one of your most inspiring years ever!