New Year's Resolutions
How do you stick to them?!
Happy New Year!
The time has come where we all start our New Year’s resolutions using January 1st as a clean slate to build a better you. We're all guilty of talking the talk but not walking the walk, whether it be a few months or a couple of days into the year. Make this year different!
Intention is the first step, so you've already begun, good job! Now use SMART goals to nail the 'how': S for Specific, M for Measurable, A for Agreed, R for Realistic and T for Time-Based
Specific goals because everyone is different. Without clear goals you may never be able to achieve it. Initially you will know if the goals are obtainable and you'll be able to find out when you have achieved them!
Measurable goals so you can monitor progress and know what else needs to be done. This will help when perhaps you need that extra motivation to keep going.
Agreed goals mean that you commit to them. Write them down - you'll find you're even more committed!
Realistic goals based on resources, knowledge and time. Making impossible goals is a common mistake when talking about New Year’s Resolutions. Make them simple and if you achieve them early, you can make new goals (or just feel smug)!
Time-Based goals mean you have a schedule and deadline to work to so that you don't let them slip off the radar.
The next step is the difficult one, the doing! Did you know that 80% of people who make New Year’s resolutions are already off track by February!? Let’s help you join that 20% with two simple tricks:
1. Take baby steps as resolutions are usually long term. For example, if your goal is to exercise three times a week and you were completely inactive before, you may want to take up an activity once a week to begin with and increase it to 2/3 times a week as the months go by.
2. Tell people! You don’t need to send a major announcement on social media, but let a few friends or family members know about your goals so they can help and support you throughout your journey whether it’s moral support or even joining in themselves!
Last thought
“Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage. But simply because they have never organised their energies around a goal.” – Elbert Hubbard, philosopher and writer. Good luck!