It’s that time of the year again, New Years! Reflecting back on this year there may be many things that come to mind that you would like to see change for the better. Some of us may even become overwhelmed when pondering our resolutions for the new year. It can be easy to start to feel this way, but there are many things you can do to make sure your new year’s resolution is a success. Don’t let your fears or past new year’s resolution disappointments hold you back! Today we are going to make sure you are ready to tackle and succeed in 2016!
Your “Why”
If you find it hard to “stick to your guns” year after year when it comes to your resolution, we might know why. Part of long term success is the foundation you build your goals on. This foundation is called your “why”. Take a moment to think beyond your mere resolution and really figure out why you are making this decision. If you find yourself making your resolution because of superficial reasons, you may want to rethink it. Make sure your “why” is meaningful and true to you.
Being Realistic
BAM! The ball drops, and you’re off to the races. You have your goal in mind and you are running at full speed. A few weeks pass and you are not where you thought you’d be, causing feelings of disappointment. If you took a look back at your goal, you might have found that getting to certain points was more challenging than you anticipated. If you have found yourself in this situation, your mistake may have been made right from the start. When you set a goal, do more than just make up your mind about it. Ask yourself these questions first:
- Is my resolution sensible? Take time to evaluate what you want to be accomplished in terms of time, money, manageability, resources, etc (whatever applies to the goal). From there you can figure out an attainable time frame for each part of the process.
- Have I written down my goals? Setting your goal in writing is just as important as the goal itself. A huge part of success when it comes to goals is making them visual, in writing. Be sure to break down each part of your goal into attainable, time sensitive steps.
The Right Attitude
You can do all the planning you want, but life happens, and sometimes things don’t work out exactly as planned. Be equipped with the right attitude to make adjustments and pick up where you left off when the unexpected comes your way. Don’t let setbacks stand in the way of your resolution, keep a positive attitude and get back on track as soon as you can!
Give it Time
Keep in mind, everything takes time. Enjoy the process and don’t get impatient. It is important to keep your mind in the present moment and focus on each step of the process. Skipping ahead in your mind, wishing you were already where you want to be instead of accepting the process will only stir up negative thoughts. Embrace every step of the way!
Reach Out
Your resolution is unique to you, this is something you should take pride in. However this doesn’t mean you have to do it all yourself! Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or consult with others who may have similar resolutions and goals for the new year. Use your resources and share experiences. Remember, you are not alone!
Reward Yourself
It can be easy to forget to reward yourself when you’re so consumed in “cracking down” on your new year’s resolution. As you plan for success, don’t forget to plan rewards. Evaluate your plan and choose certain milestones during which you will reward yourself. This will also add to enjoying the process!
We hope these tips leave you ready to take on the new year! Share your milestones with us on Facebook so we can keep everyone inspired and on track for 2016!