Forever, we have heard of "New Year's Resolutions". Usually compared to things given up for Lent,or going on a diet, a resolution commonly includes giving up something, often a type of food, drink, or unhealthy habit. Or they can be something we commit ourselves to doing. Like going to the gym every single day, or getting more than 6 hours of sleep/night. While resolutions are usually good intention-ed, rarely do they stick. Why is this? It's because we start the year with our resolution fresh in our mind. The first weeks of January, gyms are packed with people desperately trying to work off holiday meals, and those staying true to their new yea's workout resolutions. However, as the year starts to frag on, we lose the momentum we had in the beginning. Maybe we forget why we made it in the first place Or maybe other things creep up as priorities, and the resolution that seemed so important at the time, falls the the wayside. So, here are some things we can do to stay on top of our resolutions...
1.) Define your resolution with specific goals.
A resolution shouldn't be to "lose weight" or "eat healthy". These are vague. In order to stay on top of our goals and to make actual progress, our goals and resolutions need to be tangible and track-able. Instead, try "Make two healthy meals per week" or "Go to the gym 5 times a week". These are black and white and much easier to manage and see results.
2.) Track results.
If you made your goals specific enough, you should be able to record your progress. Say your goal was to make two healthy meals per week. Well, then make a spreadsheet on your computer or write a list in your calendar, and simply check if you met the goal for that week or not. Looking back through your progress will help prevent slippage and mid-year faltering.
3.) Write it down, type it up, print it out, whatever your fancy, get it on paper!
It's been proven that writing things down helps us to commit it to memory. So do it! Writing it in a cute font will make you happier as well.
4.) Put it somewhere you will see it. Somewhere you'll see it. every. single. day.
This one is all about consistency. Reminding yourself of your goal every single day is crucial to success.
5.) Write a letter to yourself in July and December, from your January 1st self.
Write a letter to yourself both 6, and 12 months from the day you made your resolution. In these letters, write how much you want to succeed, and why you're doing it. When you open these in months' time, you will be reminded why you did this to start with.
So, I hope these tips will help you to achieve your new year's resolutions. Good luck!
