With the end of 2015 just a few days away, you are probably thinking about what you are going to do differently in 2016. Maybe you are going to resolve to hit the gym more often, get a promotion, or get better grades. I am going to give you some tips on how to make sure your New Year's resolutions are successful, not just until February or so but all year long.
1. Be realistic.
Most people get overly ambitious in January, only to find themselves resorting back to their old ways a few weeks or months later. Losing 50 lbs in three months would be great, but you need to be realistic. Life happens, and you have to go along with it even if it hinders your plans. Make resolutions that are possible but also challenging. The reward you will feel after completing something difficult will be more than worth the effort.
2. Make healthy choices.
If you are trying to get your body summer-ready, eat fruits, vegetables, and protein. Eliminate excess carbohydrates. Do not starve yourself to be thinner. Your body is beautifully made, and increasing your chances for health problems is not worth losing weight through starving yourself or taking more diet pills than you should. Make sure your New Year's resolutions are things that will benefit you and that you will be able to proudly tell people about.
3. Be accountable.
Tell your closest friend or family member about your New Year's resolutions and ask them to hold you accountable if you start to stray from your goals. Maybe that person has a similar goal that you two can work towards together! It is much easier to accomplish a goal when you have someone else to help motivate you and to encourage you to push forward.
4. Be specific.
Set time frames. Set amounts. For example, your resolution should be, "Save $1,000 by July 1," instead of "Save money." By being specific, you have a better chance of achieving your goal, and you will have a way to measure how far you are to completing the goal.
5. Put your list of resolutions in commonly seen areas.
Type or write out your resolutions and put copies of the list in places you visit often: the bathroom mirror, your car, your phone, etc. Seeing your list of goals often reminds you what you are working towards, and it will be quite satisfying when you get to cross off one of the items on your list.
6. Plan how you will complete your goal.
If you are planning on losing weight, plan out how you will go about that. Think of it as sub-goals under the main goals. By having a game plan on how to complete your resolution, you will be more motivated, and you will be more prepared.
7. Start.
Getting started is the hardest part. Once you get started, you can look at the time passed and think, "I have made it this far. I can't stop now!" Do not put off starting until "tomorrow" because that will never happen. Procrastination is usually fine when it's a school paper or task from your boss, but don't put off doing something that will change your life for the better.
8. Celebrate the small victories.
Maybe your goal is to go to the gym three times a week, but you only went once this week. Give yourself some credit! Celebrate this small step. At least you were able to pause Netflix and get out of bed.
9. Don't get discouraged.
Sometimes it is very hard to stay focused on a goal. Life gets in the way, but do not let it be an excuse to give up. You can overcome that obstacle. You can lose that weight and save that money. It will take time, but you have 365 days! This brings me to my last two points.
10. Take it day by day.
Some days are better than others. Some days you will have a ton of energy after getting a good night's sleep or eating a healthy meal, and you will feel motivated to go to the gym. The next day, you could feel drained from that 15 page paper and just want to take a nap. Taking each day in stride will allow you to stay focused while still having a glimpse of the big picture.
11. Love yourself.
Regardless of if you actually accomplish your resolutions, you are beautifully and wonderfully made. You are going to do great things, and you have a lot to be proud of. You've made it this far after all! Love yourself. Embrace the little bit of extra fat on your hips. Smile because you've saved a couple hundred dollars for a rainy day. Be proud of yourself and don't be afraid to pat yourself on the back.
Go forward into 2016 with a positive mind and an open heart. Experience all that you can. Face your fears. Don't get to December of 2016 and proclaim, "This just wasn't my year. 2017 will be better!" Make the most of the memories and experiences, take care of yourself and show 2016 who's boss.
