The new year has finally arrived and if you’re like most of us, you welcome the new year with a list of resolutions outlining your goals for change. Sometimes we make it one month, maybe two. But why do we find such a hard time sticking to our resolutions?
Here are 3 ways we can maintain our resolutions and make them last throughout the year.
One Day Down, a Year to Go
1 year, 52 weeks, 365 days is a long time. It’s so difficult to see past tomorrow and I’ve got a whole year to go? I’ve noticed that when my goals feel impossible to reach, they become less of a priority. To keep the momentum alive, I’ve decided to move the finish line closer to present day instead of focusing on the whole year. I learned this tip from a great friend and it has help me stay consistent in other areas. This year, just start focusing on January and maybe before the month is over, the new goal will become an old habit.
Start Again Today
How many times have you given up after the first try? I hate failure, but unfortunately it’s an aspect of life, and I’m learning to try again. Let’s be honest, creating new habits and patterns is challenging. Denying what’s easiest to do is challenging. The upside is, we don’t have to wait until the next year to give it another go. Waiting until the beginning of the month or year is too far away and no day is promised. Start again today.
Make a plan of action.
You’ve got the desired outcome; that’s the easy part. Now, how are you actually going to achieve it?
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Here are some great steps for an action plan:
- Define the outcome.
- List out practical steps using action verbs. (i.e. Decide…Go…Call)
- Create Milestones.
- Assess the resources that you’ll need.
- Celebrate each win.
- Evaluate and Update your action plan if necessary.
Ensure your success this year with an action plan and follow through!
Here are some tools that might be helpful in your journey. Each item is linked for your convenience! What tips are you using this year?
