Starting fresh often inspires us to strive for a better version of ourselves and set goals to achieve that. When making resolutions, it’s important to approach them with self-love rather than self-criticism. For instance, setting a resolution to exercise more because it helps manage stress and makes your body feel good is a way to care for yourself, not to punish yourself for holiday indulgences. Resolutions rooted in fear or self-hate often lead to giving up on them by March. To help you achieve your goals and maintain them, here are some steps to set and keep your resolutions beyond the new year.
1. Get clear on what you want and why
Reflect on the past year and envision how you want to feel in the upcoming year. Define what achieving your resolution would look and feel like in detail. For instance, if exercising helps you destress, set a goal of spending at least 30 minutes on the treadmill when feeling stressed. Be specific about the actions that align with how you want to feel and tailor your goals accordingly.
2. Make the resolution realistic and manageable
Avoid setting goals that are overly ambitious and unrealistic. Instead, break down big goals into smaller, achievable tasks to celebrate incremental progress and stay motivated. For example, if your resolution is to obtain a certification, break it down into manageable steps like acquiring study materials or registering for the exam, considering your actual capacity to study each day.
3. Plan ahead
Link your resolutions to existing habits to increase the chances of success. Align tasks with established routines to make them more manageable. For instance, if you aim to read more, associate it with a daily habit like bedtime to ensure consistency. Find ways to integrate resolutions into your lifestyle seamlessly.
4. Switch up your routine
To achieve new goals, identify and modify habits that might be hindering your progress. Reevaluate how you spend your time and allocate it towards activities that bring you closer to your goals. Adjust your routines to prioritize tasks that align with your resolutions to propel your progress.
5. Schedule checkpoints
Maintain momentum by scheduling periodic checkpoints to assess your progress. Regularly monitor your advancement and make adjustments as needed. For financial goals, such as saving for a specific amount, track your monthly deposits and budget to ensure you stay on track towards your target.
6. Get an accountability buddy
Having a supportive friend or family member to share your goals with can help keep you motivated and accountable. Regular check-ins with your accountability buddy can provide encouragement and ensure you stay on track. Surround yourself with positive influences to boost your resolution journey.
7. Stay inspired
Stay motivated by exposing yourself to content, activities, and environments that inspire you. Engage in experiences related to your resolutions, such as cooking a themed dinner or listening to podcasts that align with your goals. Immerse yourself in inspiration to fuel your determination.
8. Remember your “why”
Revisit the reasons behind your resolutions when faced with challenges or distractions. Understanding your underlying motivations, whether it’s personal growth, happiness, or health, can help you remain focused. Connect with the deeper purpose driving your goals to stay motivated throughout the journey.
9. Be kind to yourself
Practice self-compassion during your resolution pursuit and acknowledge progress over perfection. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend facing setbacks. Embrace the journey of growth and improvement, focusing on the positive strides you make rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings.
