It’s a new year and, like many people, you may be making resolutions for 2017. It’s human nature to view the year ahead as a clean slate; a time to accomplish all the things you didn’t get done last year. But resolutions made in January are often forgotten by Groundhog’s Day. So, this year, what can you do differently to ensure that, when December arrives, you’ll have kept your resolutions and accomplished your goals? There are several steps that can be taken to improve your chances of success.
Keep Your Goals Small
This is one time when looking at the big picture isn’t a good thing. Resolving to lose 40 pounds in the coming year sounds great, until it’s suddenly mid-February and you’ve only lost a pound. Big goals can be overwhelming and, if the path in reaching them is too long, we give up. Resolve, instead, to lose 2 pounds by the end of January. That’s a very doable goal and, while not seeming like much, means you’ll be 24 pounds lighter by next New Year. Plus, accomplishing your goal each month will give you confidence to continue.
Keep Your Goals Few
Don’t try to quit smoking, lose weight, workout more, and eat healthier all at the same time. Pick one of those things and see it through. If you make one resolution and accomplish your goal, you’re doing wonderfully.
Put Your Resolutions on Paper
Writing something down can make it more real. Put your written resolution where you can see it every day, in case you need a reminder of what you want to achieve. If you plan on taking certain steps in achieving your goal, write those down too, so you can track your progress.
Start Now
We’re all procrastinators to some degree, and you may have good reasons for not starting your resolutions. However, if you delay for even a day, the odds are good you’ll continue to delay until you never start.
Accept Failure and Move On
We usually resolve to do things that are difficult, so it should be no surprise that the failure rate will be high. Get over it. So you snuck a cigarette after vowing to quit smoking; recover from your mistake and get back on track. Don’t be too hard on yourself over slip-ups.
Reward Yourself
At the end of every month, plan a weekend getaway, a night out, a special meal, a Sunday on the couch—anything you love doing. Review the month and be proud of your accomplishments and celebrate your achievements. If you’ve slipped once or twice during the month, be especially satisfied that you got past it and forged ahead.
It’s January, so make your resolutions for 2017 and, if you use the right strategies, you will accomplish everything you resolve to do.
