7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Happy New Year! Now what? It's over. The big deal everyone has made about us entering a new year in our lives is over and for many of us, now it's time to enter reality again. We can say that we're going to try to change things,but as days go on, for whatever reasons, our resolutions fade away. By the end of the year, we can't even remember what we've told our friends we wanted to work on for the new year. We don't even stop to clearly think about what we are trying to succeed at or exactly how we are going to try to make it work. To abandon or not to abandon? That is not the question. The truth is, no such thing should be asked if you're serious about making things work. Failure should not ever be an option for securing what you are aiming to acquire. We make resolutions, and we break them. It seems like the cycle is inevitable. So what can we do? "New year, new me?" Hmm no, more like old me, new habits.
Baby Steps First!
Sometimes it's easier to look at smaller pieces before facing that huge puzzle. If your goal is to get fit, you can't expect to get it done by tomorrow. You can, however, say to yourself, "Hmm. Instead of eating a slice of cake, I'm going to eat an apple." If your goal is to submit a twenty page paper that is due a month from now, try to write at least a page a day. Setting smaller or short term goals for yourself can drastically improve your productivity.
Set Time Frames
If you're serious about getting something done, a deadline always helps. Giving yourself a time limit for when you have to get something done gives you structure and can provide you with motivation as well, to stay on track. If you're trying to make something a routine, then doing it after a main activity throughout your day, like brushing your teeth or taking medication, can aid you in getting used to that new activity and staying consistent. OH, and stay away from the, "I'll do it tomorrow." It's a trap. Just do it now. You don't know what will pop up in the future that could possibly prevent you from getting things done, and the sooner you get it over with, the sooner you can stop worrying about it.
Get Rid of Distractions and Change Your Environment
Getting rid of distractions is essential to increase efficiency. Whatever it is that is making you unnecessarily waste time, shoo it away. Now, this doesn't mean to completely cut it out of your life, but everything is better with moderation. Instead of spending your whole day at home watching TV, or hanging out with friends, isolate yourself and go to an environment where you'll feel forced to get things done. If you're trying to work out, study, learn how to cook, or meet new people, then leave your room and go to the gym or outside, the library, spend some time in the kitchen, or attend social events, respectively.
Get a Planner and a Calendar, and Put Them Where You Can See Them
It's harder to forget to do something or push it aside if it's staring you right in your face. I have a dry-erase calendar hanging up on my wall in my room, and a miniature version in my planner which I keep in my bag wherever I go. Writing things down in your phone can also help in case you don't want to carry around a physical planner. A planner and calendar can help you stay organized, remember anything important, and stay motivated.
Whatever You Do, Don't Give Up!
I know it's easier said than done, and rough days are without a doubt to be expected, but just think about how proud you will make yourself when you've achieved your goal. Dust yourself off and keep it movin'.
The absolute worst is when someone says they're unhappy with any aspect of their life, but does nothing turn things around for themself. Don't be that person. Be proactive and work your way up to fulfilling your resolutions!
