We all try to make resolutions at the beginning of the year. It's a fresh start, so why not reinvent ourselves? The usual ones involve getting healthier, doing something we've always wanted to do, or finishing up last year's list of resolutions. The problem is that we oftentimes fail to do most if not all of what we planned to do. Why? I have some ideas.
Here are some tips to help you make resolutions you'll actually keep:
1. Start small.
Don't plan on becoming a bodybuilder when you hardly ever leave your bed! If you start off with smaller goals, you'll be more motivated to reach them. You aren't gonna feel like you can do something that's nearly impossible, so start off with something you know you can accomplish. The pride and contentment of having reached your smaller goal will motivate you to start reaching for your bigger goal.
2. Come up with a game plan.
You can't just say, "I want to read more." That may be a legitimate desire you have, but it's too vague to feel like you really accomplished it. What constitutes "reading more"? Reading just one book? Set specifics so you'll know once you've reached your goal. Instead of just noting the desire to read more, why not say that you'll read a book per month or a certain number of books per year? That'll help you reach your goal!
3. Do monthly goals.
Let's be honest, making resolutions for the whole year is intimidating. Instead, you could make a new list each month! Giving yourself a shorter amount of time (alongside your realistic, carefully planned goals) will give you more checkpoints to complete, and this will increase that sense of accomplishment. Instead of saying "This year, I want to go to the gym every week," say "This month, I want to go to the gym every week." That feels a lot less scary, doesn't it?
4. Hang up your list.
If you see it every day, it'll remind you of what you're aiming for. If you just write it on a spare piece of paper and stick it in a diary or drawer, you'll forget what you set out to do. If you write it out and tape it to your wall or mirror or wherever you're going to see it often, you'll be more likely to do (and remember) what you wanted to do.
5. Have a buddy.
I feel like I give this tip out a lot, but it's because it's so important! If you're trying to do all of these resolutions alone, you might get frustrated if you didn't lose as much weight as you wanted or didn't complete a certain task. You'll be tempted to give up! You need a buddy to encourage and participate with you.
New Year's is a great time to start afresh and motivate yourself, so don't be afraid to try something new or do something you've been meaning to do. There's no time like the present!
Good luck, and Happy New Year!
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