How to Stick to a New Year’s Resolution
Well, folks, we’re 4 days into the new year and your resolutions are … barely hanging on. Right? We hope not, but if we’re right, we’ve put together this handy-dandy guide to help you stay on track and keep those goals going strong. New year’s resolutions get a bad rep – but fear not, because if you make the right goals and create the right system to make them a reality, you’ll be successful. C’mon, be optimistic! It’s almost a running joke that everyone fails at their new year’s resolutions, but if you’re in it to win it, here are some tips to make it happen. Good luck!
- Is it for YOU?
Do you actually care about your goal? Like, for real? It’s not society’s goal, or pressure from someone else, but actually for you? This is the key to getting a goal accomplished. Make sure it’s for you, and no one else. Does it coincide with your core values? Is it one of your pillars and priorities in life? If not, it’s probably not going to happen. For example, a lot of people try to lose weight in the new year. But, do you actually care about that? Or is there a way you can change up the goal to fit with your actual values, like eating healthier, working out more consistently, or maybe you don’t even care if your jeans fit – you’ll just buy new jeans. Whatever it is, make sure your goal is something that actually resonates with you.
- Time it out
One of the reasons so many new year’s resolutions fail is because a year is a looong time. Think of the person you were this time last year – and how much you’ve changed. Do you have the same goals? Maybe, probably not. One of the biggest tips we can give is to put a time limit on your goal. That might mean taking a bigger goal and breaking it down into smaller goals that can be accomplished in a month or two, or really evaluating your goal and seeing if it can be done in a shorter time period. Some resolutions lend themselves to being a year-long endeavor, but if yours is more tangible, this tip is for you. Break it down.
- Make it a lifestyle
Have you ever heard the saying, “it’s not a destination but a journey”? Well, that applies to goals as well. Try to figure out a system or routine that will make your goal come to fruition. For example, if you want to learn something new this year, instead of saying, “I’d like to learn how to play guitar,” maybe keep it more along the lines of “I’d like to practice guitar three times a week” or “I’d like to sign up for weekly guitar lessons.” See how that makes a huge difference? It turns a dream into reality.
- Failure is just a plot twist
The only failure is giving up. Take slip-ups in stride, and don’t punish yourself for making mistakes. After all, you’re only human. Fell face-first into a tub of ice cream? Pick yourself up, wipe off your face, and keep going. Nobody is perfect, and expecting perfection while trying to accomplish a goal is a recipe for disaster. Learn from your mistakes and keep on going!
- Buddies are the best
Tell your friends about your new year’s resolutions, because they can help you stick to them. Getting a gym buddy makes all the difference, but if that’s not your goal, just tell people. The act of telling them holds you accountable (even just to yourself).
So, get back on the horse and let’s kick this year’s butt! You can adjust your resolutions as you go along, and remember to celebrate the small wins but don’t sweat the small stuff. You got this!!