As we say goodbye to 2018 and welcome in the new year, now is the time to reflect on what you accomplished and things you can improve on.Each year, most people write down a list of goals or resolutions of things they would like to improve this next year. Most resolutions are unfortunately broken or forgotten within the first week. Here are a few tips that can hopefully help you keep your New Year’s resolutions this year:
- Write SMART goals
Creating SMART goals can help you accomplish more throughout the next year. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. For example, one goal you may have may be to lose weight. Instead of simply writing “lose weight” as a goal which is very broad, hard to measure, and has no time table, etc. You could write something like “I will walk 60 minutes per day on a treadmill at the gym, 5 days each week”. - Create a Plan of Accountability
Besides just writing down your goals on a piece of paper that you will probably lose, create a plan on how you are going to accomplish your goals. Share your goals with a close friend who can help keep you accountable for achieving your goals. Decide on how you will deal with temptations that would keep you from reaching your goals. - Treat Yourself
Throughout the year, determine incentives that will keep you motivated to keep and reach your goals. Celebrate your successes along the way (maybe monthly or quarterly) with something you enjoy that doesn’t contradict your goal. For example, if you are working on eating healthier, reward yourself with new athletic clothing or something. - Don’t Give Up
Everyone slips up occasionally. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day or a week or a month of your goals. Pick up where you left off and do your best to keep working on your goal. Experts have said that it takes 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of who you are. With any goal, it is unobtainable overnight, so we patient with yourself and keep with it! If your goal seems to be too ambitious, feel free to make adjustments on your way to make sure it is measurable and obtainable.
What are your New Year’s Resolutions? Comment below and share with us your goals and share with us any tips that you’ve found helpful in keeping your resolutions.
Tags: goals, new years resolution, SMART goals, success