There are only 7 steps between you and your New Year’s goals
Learn how to use them now!
It happens every year.
The champagne, the fireworks, staying up past our bedtime.
Happy New Year!
In our maturity, we have moved past nursing hangovers. (some of us anyway)
Instead, we wake up full of hope and excitement to kick start a New Year.
Maybe you bought that yoga mat, or stocked the kitchen from Whole Foods, or threw away that last pack of cigarettes.
Woohoo!
But what happened three weeks later when:
only the cat uses the yoga mat,
all the quinoa cookies are gone,
and we’re back to mimicking a chimney?
You can avoid that scenario by following the steps below.
7 steps to set New Years Resolutions you can actually stick to.
1. Just pick one thing
This is the one time in your life where ambition is overrated.
You can’t have 200 resolutions. You can’t flip everything overnight.
Pick ONE area of your life to introduce change to.
Make it something concrete so you know exactly what change you’re planning to make.
If you’re successful with the first change, then you can victoriously add another one to your list. (it doesn’t all have to start on January 1st you know.)
2. Plan ahead
If you plan to eat healthy this year but your kitchen is full of ding dongs (the chocolate snack, not the people) then you haven’t prepared to meet your goal.
If you’re taking up running, make sure to have the right shoes, clothes, a place to run all set up and planned. I don’t know about you, but running never happens to me, I have to plan for it.
It’s necessary to get everything ready and prep your environment for success.
3. Anticipate hiccups and setbacks
Life is known to kinda do it’s own thing sometimes.
Which means things won’t always go your way. (surprise!)
So instead of fighting it, expect it.
What problems or roadblocks can occur while trying to meet your goal?
Make a list.
Is Susie having a cake party you have to attend? (why wasn’t I invited?)
Do you have a busy week coming that leaves you little time to go running after work?
Once you identify the potential issues, work on finding solutions BEFORE they happen.
4. Pick a start date
January 1st right?
It doesn’t have to be.
More times than not, it’s actually the worst day to choose.
You may still have holiday company, events to attend, or maybe you’re just plain tired.
Choose a time when you’ll be well rested, enthusiastic and surrounded by positive people.
5. Go for it
On the big day, go for it 100%.
Remind yourself of your “WHY” by keeping a sticky note where you’ll easily see it throughout the day.
For example:
I enjoy my clothes not smelling like smoke.
I will be able to fit into my jeans instead of buying a new pair
I will be a great example to my kids
6. Accept Failure
If you sneak a cigarette, miss a run, or eat a whole pie don’t beat yourself up for it.
Make note of the triggers that caused the setback and vow to learn a lesson from them.
This is not where you give up.
Look back at your “why”, dust yourself off, and try again!
Regardless of steps back, a step forward is still a step forward.
7. Use accountability and plan rewards
When you have to weigh in each week, you are more likely to think twice about that strawberry parfait.
Ask a friend or join a group to keep you accountable to your goals.
Similarly, if you know there is a reward waiting for you when you reach milestones, you can keep yourself motivated.
Plan out small rewards that you can “unlock” during your journey towards your goal.
This will give you small wins to keep you encouraged.
These might not sound like rocket science, but itās clear that only a small percentage of people actually take these steps. And thereās only SEVEN!
So come on! Itās up to you.
Which side will you be on come December?
