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| Photo: Inc.com |
Many of us make New Year’s resolutions. From losing weight
to quitting smoking to finally getting organized, we frequently set goals for
ourselves and are ready get started on January 1, but our enthusiasm and
motivation frequently wane after only a few weeks.
So how can we make resolutions we’ll actually keep?
A New Year’s resolution is like any other goal, and the key
to reaching a goal is to commit to what you want to do, then develop a
realistic plan that’s easy to follow and suits your lifestyle. For instance, if
your goal is to lose 20 pounds this year, but you regularly put in 12-hour
workdays and snack on unhealthy food throughout the day, chances are you’ll
have a tough time losing weight. The key is to work a weight-loss plan into
your jam-packed schedule however you can.
One way to reach your goals is to follow the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Results-focused, and Time-bound. This helps to keep
your progress high and stress level low.
Ready to get started? Below are a few additional tips to
keep yourself on track with your New Year’s resolutions
Start small. If
your goal is to lose weight, one of the worst things you can do (and one of the
fastest ways to lose your momentum) is to aim higher than you can reasonably
reach. For instance, if going from your couch to your fridge or pantry is the
most exercise you’ve gotten in a year, you’re probably not ready for a 5K race
this weekend. Start by walking around the block, then going a bit further or
for a longer time the next time you head out.
Keep a record of your
accomplishments. Track your progress. Keep a food journal so you can have a
written record of everything you eat. Write down every cigarette you smoke so
you have an accurate list of how many you smoke in a day, then taper off
gradually.
Reward yourself. You
should celebrate small victories along the way. Treat yourself to a massage or
that new pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing when you lose those first ten pounds.
For every day you go without a cigarette, splurge on yourself. Whatever your
resolution is, reward yourself when you reach an important milestone.
Have a friend join
you. Many of us find it easier to stay motivated if we’re accountable to
someone. Are you determined to finish that novel you’ve been writing? Join a
writing group or connect with a critique partner. Get a workout buddy or
accountability partner with whom you check in regularly. It’s harder to slack
off when you know someone else is counting on you to show up.
Continue to challenge
yourself. As you reach the smaller goals, keep pushing yourself to go
further. If you keep up your weight loss and exercise routine, set new goals. Sign
up for a 5K or other competitive event. If you quit smoking for a few months, look
at what other vices you could reduce or eliminate.
Reaching a difficult personal goal is an empowering and
liberating achievement. Be proud of what you’ve done! What will you do next?
