When every New Year rolls around, it is the perfect opportunity to start fresh. The beginning of the year gives us a chance to make a New Year’s resolution and new commitment to goals we want to accomplish. However, as the year carries on that sense of commitment starts to fade out and the resolutions are quickly forgotten. Follow these tips to help stick to your New Year’s resolutions for the year. Make realistic resolutions: The first step is to decide on your upcoming New Years resolution. However, it is important to select a resolution that you can keep. Instead of choosing an ambitious resolution, try to aim for a specific, concrete goal that you can realistically work towards. By choosing a reachable resolution, you are able to hold onto your optimism longer and make more positive progress. Be clear with your goals: Setting clear goals is helpful to guide you in your resolution. Leaving your resolutions undefined gives you the freedom to carry it out however you please. However, it can be difficult to carry out your goals effectively and efficiently. Consider exactly what it is you want to achieve and define it. Take small steps: The best way to reach your resolution is by making sure to break up the goals into smaller steps. It may be tempting to only look at the bigger picture, but smaller milestones will keep the resolutions actively on your mind. Include it in your schedule: Once your plans are complete, put the details in your schedule. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your resolutions. For example, create a visual lay out of when the goal will be accomplished by writing start dates and completion dates. Also, writing out goals in a planner will help ensure you leave time in your busy schedule to pursue your New Year resolutions. Make the resolution a priority, instead of an option during your free time. Have other people hold you accountable: It can be easy to give up when you think you are working alone towards your New Year’s resolution. Instead, let your friends and family know what your resolutions are and ask someone to keep tabs on your progress. Even better, partner with a friend so you can hold each other accountable and motivating each other to succeed. Use positive encouragement: Despite all the thorough planning, there is no telling when something unexpected may occur and cause you to fall behind on your resolution. If a setback does occur, do not beat yourself up. Instead, think positive thoughts, consider the small bump in the road as a learning opportunity, and lift yourself back up. Making a resolution is easy to do, but making sure you meet your goals takes real work and dedication. At the beginning of the year, it feels easy to keep New Year’s resolutions. However, without properly planning your goals and making them a priority it can be easy to drop your resolutions by the end of January. Anyone can achieve their New Year’s resolutions if they define their goals, plan it out, and stay optimistic through the process. If anyone has any other suggestions or tips to keeping your New Year’s Resolutions, feel free to comment on our Facebook or Instagram page!
