1. Choose a resolution you actually care about
If you choose a resolution just because it’s trendy, you may be setting yourself up for failure.
If your friends have resolved to run a marathon, but you don’t like running, there’s no reason to follow suit. Don’t force yourself to work towards a New Year’s resolution that you don’t truly care about.
Choosing a meaningful goal means that you’ll be much more likely to follow through on your plans. If that means taking a painting class while your friends train for a marathon, then that’s what you can resolve to do!
2. Make a plan
You will have more success keeping your New Year’s resolutions if you have a plan of action.
Outline a weekly or daily plan so that you have a concrete strategy to reach your goal. Buy a planner and get it in writing. Studies show that people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them.
Planning can help you stay on track with your goals, and help you deal with any obstacles as they come along. Plotting out the steps to get to your end goal will help you stay accountable.
3. Start small, but dream big
Don’t be afraid to dream big, just make sure to start with smaller, achievable steps. For example, instead of jumping into a 5-times-a-week exercise regimen, start by exercising for 20 minutes twice a week. As you achieve those smaller benchmarks, you’ll build skills and confidence, and that will help keep you motivated on your journey.
4. Make it public
There’s no need to stay mum about your new goal! When you feel ready, share your resolution with trusted family members and friends who can support and motivate you when you need a pick-me-up.
Better yet, you may even find a friend who shares your resolution!
5. Stick with it—despite the setbacks
There are bound to be setbacks on any self-improvement journey. What matters is how you deal with them when they happen.
Dwelling over the occasional slip-up is counterproductive. So give yourself a break! Instead of beating yourself up, get back to your plan as soon as you can, and focus on achieving that next goal.
For more on this topic, visit:
40 achievable New Year’s resolutions
Making New Year’s resolutions? Chances are, you’re doing them wrong
5 tips to help your New Year’s resolutions stick
We start off the year determined to keep our resolutions. But with work, home, and everything in between, they can quickly end up on the back burner. This year, try these 5 helpful tips to make sure your New Year’s resolutions stick.
These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and The Personal cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.