We all know what it’s like to write down some New Year’s resolutions only to stop following them a few weeks (or even days!) later. Don’t worry. Just because it happened in the past, it doesn’t mean you can’t break the cycle. Here are some tips that could help you finally achieve those New Year’s resolutions all year round.
1. Set realistic goals
Going to the gym every single day may sound like it will lead to amazing results, but if that’s something you’re not really used to, having it as a New Year’s resolution might just lead you to give up a few days later. Start by setting realistic goals: Instead of promising to go to the gym every day, make it a goal to go a few times a week. Instead of completely changing your diet, start by replacing some unhealthy food with healthier alternatives. Overpromising and taking on too much too fast could lead to failed resolutions, so remember to be realistic and take things one step at a time.
2. Know your “why”
Sure, it’s easy to write down a resolution for next year. But sometimes, it’s not as easy to do when you don’t know why you’re doing it. If your New Year’s resolution is to quit your vices, why do you want to do it? Is it to become healthier? To live longer? To be a better example to family and friends? If your New Year’s resolution is to get your own place and buy or rent a condo, why is this so? Is it to be more independent? To be closer to your workplace? To have a change of scenery? Once you have established the reason behind doing what you want to do, it will likely be a lot easier in the long run.
3. Track your progress
It can be easy to continue your resolution when you see how far you’ve come. Use an app, spreadsheet, or calendar to check off the days when you’ve been working on your goal. When you see how you’re doing and how far you’ve come, you’ll easily know that you’re in the right direction and be motivated to keep going.
Seeing how much effort you’ve already put in can also help you stay on course and keep going when you feel that you’re not going anywhere. Just remember that progress isn’t linear, and you might feel a little tired and unmotivated sometimes. This is totally okay. Whatever you do, don’t give up.
4. Get support from other people
When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, accountability is key. Have a strong support system that can help you stay motivated and accountable. The buddy system also works wonders when your resolution is something like working out or waking up early, so find a like-minded friend to join you.
Being supported in your resolutions can make them easier, so explain your goals to your friends or family and ask them to help you in achieving them. You could also join a group that shares the same goal so you could motivate one another and achieve your goals together.
5. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes
We know you already know this, but sometimes, we still need this reminder: Mistakes are part of the journey. Don’t train your mind into thinking that one mistake means the resolution is a failure. If you make a mistake, like you don’t work out on the day you’re supposed to or you exceed your calorie count for the day, don’t think it’s the end of the process. Just learn from the mistake and keep going.
A new year is about to begin, and you may already have a list of resolutions. Just remember to be realistic and stay determined. It’s going to be a great year!