Setting a New Year’s Resolution is a great
way to hold yourself accountable throughout the year in an area you want to
improve upon. Unfortunately, many people find their resolutions fizzling out as fast as their
New Year’s Eve sparkler. Here are some tips
we’ve put together to help you keep up with those things you want to accomplish
most this year!
Set Intentional, Measurable Resolutions from the Start
Common resolutions involve wanting to be healthier, thinner, happier, more organized, financially sound, etc. But setting
a goal of “I want to get more organized this year” is easier said than done.
You need to break it down further. Try, “I will create ways to better organize
my kitchen cabinets” or “I want to
spend one night each week organizing an area of my home.” Identifying specific items that you know you want to accomplish
will help you reach your overall goal by making it more tangible.
Work as a Team
For example, if your ultimate resolution is to get to a goal weight, don’t tackle it alone!
Research suggests that losing
weight as part of a group has greater success than taking it on alone. Find a
few friends who have the same goal
that you do and form an alliance! Even better, if your spouse or roommate has the same goal as
you do, it's much easier to keep each other accountable.
Create Reminders for Yourself
There are many opportunities to remind yourself daily about your
New Year’s resolution. Write your goal on a mirror where you get ready every
day. Stick notes around your house, in your car, or at your desk
reminding you of the things you’re after. You can even print inspirational
pictures and hang them around as well.
Giving yourself constant reminders of your goals can help you stay more
committed.
Track Your Progress
All progress warrants a celebration in our opinion! Keep a
list of your resolutions and mark off when you complete or reach certain
milestones toward them. Finally lose your first five pounds? Mark that down!
Clean a closet you’ve been dreading? Check it off! This allows you to see your
progress right in front of you, and allows self-gratification during the
process, not just when you complete the entire goal.
Plan for Road-Blocks
We all like to think the path will be easy, but, the
unimaginable could happen: you might fall off the resolution
bandwagon. Blame work, stress, sickness, schedule, life in general.
That’s common, and okay -- as long as you get back up. Those stressors will
calm down, and at the end of the day you will still be facing the same things
you wanted to change in the first place. Try your hardest to stay on track, but
if your goals fall by the wayside, don’t let them stay there. Start this list
over again and take it step by step. Re-assign your resolutions, find resources to help you, and track
your progress along the way.
Starting a new year is a great time to reassess yourself and your
current situation. If you’re unhappy with something, change it! You have a
fresh start! Follow these tips to get to those goals, and remember, if you find
you need to restart, there is no time like the present.
