It’s hard to believe another year has come and gone already. Looking back on the past 12 months, many of us may find ourselves still facing the same New Year’s resolutions that we set for 2016. Rather than reliving a year of unfulfilled promises to ourselves, we should all make a commitment to stick to those resolutions until they’re complete.
Choosing New Year’s resolution ideas can be a daunting process. We must all consider which aspect of our lives we want to improve. Do you want to live a healthier lifestyle? Quit a bad habit? Improve your financial outlook? Find happiness? Perhaps something sweet and simple could be a good choice, like the decision to organize your home and reduce clutter. No matter what New Year goals you set, having the right mindset can push you toward achieving them. Here are some tips for making goals for the New Year and most importantly, keeping New Year’s resolutions.
1. Choose the goals that will have the biggest impact on your life.
Decide if you are gearing up for a healthy New Year or trying to declutter your life. Whatever New Year’s resolution you choose is sure to be a source of inspiration as you work through it.
2. Create a New Year’s Resolutions List.
Give thought to all possible goals and choose one or more that mean the most to you. If you find you have a tough time accomplishing your resolutions, stick to one and add a new one only after you’ve achieved the first. This helps to reduce your chances of becoming overwhelmed.
3. Fine-tune your goals to be clear and measurable.
This step is often missed, leaving us with an open-ended wish list. Create what’s referred to in the business world as SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based.
4. Put your goals on pen and paper.
Who knew writing down your resolutions could give you a successful edge? According to a study by Dr. Gail Matthews of Dominican University, writing down your goals is proven to significantly increase your chances of achieving them.
5. Look at the goal in slices as opposed to one big piece.
Set and achieve milestones for an added boost of motivation and satisfaction. This helps you with keeping resolutions rather than becoming discouraged or disinterested and giving up.
6. Adjust your processes.
If your goals are the same as they’ve always been, something clearly isn’t working. Change the goal or change the process. Look at your actions on a daily basis. You can achieve much more by finding the most efficient way to reach your goal.
7. Look for underlying issues.
Are there health or mood issues that could be causing the behaviors you are trying to break? Find suitable replacements for the behaviors and look into getting help for any physical or mental health issues that may be causing the problem or impeding your progress. Even in the absence of obstacles, stay focused on your resolutions to make them stick.
8. Make yourself accountable.
Choose a New Year’s Resolution Buddy from amongst your family and friends and check in once or twice a week for status checkpoints.
9. Reward yourself for progress.
Consider giving yourself little rewards throughout the year as you meet the milestones you’ve set for yourself. Plan to shop for new jeans and a swimsuit once you drop those pounds. Allow yourself to purchase new clothes after you’ve purged your drawers and closet or pick out some new furniture once you’ve moved the old stuff out and saved anything sentimental at your self-storage unit. Even small rewards can help you to stay motivated toward those 2017 goals.
10. Ask for help if you need it.
Rally for support when you need it most, even if that means your kids need to help with the clutter around the house or that your entire family needs to be on board with a healthier plan for the New Year. Goals for the New Year can come to fruition much easier when everyone’s on the same page.
As a final note, be sure to make your quest toward New Year’s resolution success a fun one. When you’re enjoying yourself, the wins will come more easily and you’ll continue to be motivated as you achieve each milestone. Stay in the game mentally and you’ll find yourself on the way toward an epic year. Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2017!
