How many times have you begun a new year promising yourself this is the year that you will keep your New Year’s resolutions? I wonder sometimes whether resolutions are just meant to be broken. Resolutions can be good when you set goals and intentions for the new year and make a conscious decision to make positive changes like dumping a bad habit and adopting a healthier one.
As human beings we are such creatures of habit so when we are committed to creating change we need to tap into an intrinsic motivator, surround ourselves with great social support and create an environment that will challenge and support to make the changes last.
To set yourself up for the best chances of success in 2020, start with these tips.
Start Small
Have you ever heard the saying, “the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time” Breaking down your big goal into small chunks, allows you to set tasks and create steps to meet your goal. Often people set huge goals which often sets you up for failure. The key to success is zeroing in on one goal rather than five.
By picking one area of your life to change to begin with, allows you to plan. Make sure to research the change you are making and plan ahead of time, so you have the resources available when you need them. Whether it is reading up on it, accessing research or linking yourself into a coach, you are creating a plan for success.
Own Your Goals
When you write down your goals, you feel a greater sense of accountability and have a much higher chance of accomplishing them. Whether you post your goals on your fridge, write them on a bathroom mirror or write them in a journal, you are encouraging yourself to reflect on your progress.
Choose Your Day
Select a start date that you will be well-rested, positive and a support team are available. Sometimes selecting a specific date may not work, rather select a time when your mind and body are in alignment and ready to embrace the change when the time comes.
Shout It From The Roof Tops
People are more likely to achieve their resolutions when they are made public. Sharing your goals holds you accountable and people are often reluctant to disappoint others. Telling your best friend your new year’s resolutions is a great way to engage in regular conversations about progress and to champion you when obstacles come your way.
Connect With Your Goal Daily
When you first establish your goal, the excitement is a great motivator however a few weeks in, the novelty may wear off. If you find a way to connect with your goal daily, then you can schedule a week’s worth of activities to support you to meet the goal. For instance, if you are wanting to implement mindfulness, then you may plan a 10-minute meditation every morning to start your day and finish your day with three things you are grateful for.
Check In With You
It is important to check-in with you by asking yourself “are you moving towards your goal or are you moving away from your goal?” By checking in you are in the best position to make changes when needed. Refining your goals are important and celebrating small success is crucial. Track important milestones along the way and celebrate successes.
Anticipate Roadblocks
There will be problems so identify what the risks are. If you think about it you will anticipate problems at certain times of the day, with specific people or in certain situations.
If you have stumbled, know that you are in good company. Having a lapse is common but what really matters is how you handle it. Do you immerse yourself in self-pity, feeling guilty over the mistakes made or do you acknowledge the screw up and get right back on track?
One set back mustn’t undo all your efforts. Invest your energy and time into figuring out how to prevent it from happening again and recommit yourself for 24 hours and start again. Perseverance is the key to success and as Aaliyah says – “if first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again”.
Be Your Own Cheerleader
Having a support team is great in terms of championing your success. However, relying too heavily on others to support your goals can decrease your motivation. Reconnect with why this goal is important to you, write little notes and make them visible to you. Write it down on a card and keep it in your car, or create a screen saver for your phone that captures a motivational phrase or picture that reminds you of your commitment.
Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right
If you know that you are capable of change, then believe it wholeheartedly. If not, try thinking how you can re-frame your resolution or belief to support you to move towards the very thing you want. You will build confidence, once you have taken the action, not before-hand.
What are your New Year’s goals? Share them in the comments section below!