We’re already a couple weeks into the new year and going strong on our New Year’s resolutions at The Place at Harvestree. But we understand how difficult it can be to stick with your resolutions when times get busy and life takes over. To help you stay motivated, we have 10 tips to keep your resolutions all year long:
1. Don’t Change Your Whole Life
It’s easy to get excited about a new year and bettering your life, but don’t go crazy. Instead of trying to change everything at once, pick your resolutions carefully. Focus on goals that will have the biggest impact on your life and then add more as you start accomplishing the first ones.
2. Be Realistic
Part of the first tip also includes being realistic. You should set reasonable goals that you can actually attain. This sets you up for success and a positive new year.
3. Be Specific
You may have goals to lose weight, eat healthier or save money this year, but these are a little vague. Instead of setting the generic resolution to lose weight, pick a number of pounds, body fat, or inches you want to lose (such as 20 pounds, 5 percent body fat, or two inches from your waist.
4. Set Milestones
Once you have your specific goals in mind, devise a schedule or plan for how you want to accomplish them. Continuing with the weight loss example, you could set a goal to lose two pounds per week and create a workout schedule to meet that goal. The more stepping stones you have, the better you’ll know if you’re on the right track.
5. Take Pride in Your Goals
One of the best ways to stick to your New Year’s resolutions is to talk about them. Tell your friends, family, and social media family what you’re doing to meet your goals and what you still have to accomplish. This keeps your resolutions top of mind.
6. Gather a Support System
It’s easier to let your resolutions slip by if you’re trying to do them on your own. Whether you’re just telling your loved ones about your goals (like the tip above) or you ask someone to be your accountability buddy, your support system will help you make it through the rough patches.
7. Acknowledge Your Successes
When you meet one of your milestones, tell everyone about it! Be excited and don’t be afraid to toot your own horn.
8. Move on From Setbacks
Don’t give up if you fall off the wagon a bit. Brush off the failure or setback and figure out a plan to get back on track for your next milestone.
9. Reward Yourself
When you reach a milestone, be sure to reward yourself for your achievement and hard work. If your goal is to lose weight, buy yourself a new outfit to show off your leaner body. Or if your goal is to quit smoking, reward yourself with something you’ve really been wanting with the money you’ve saved on cigarettes. Still keep your overall goal in mind, but recognize your achievement with a tangible prize.
10. Reevaluate
As the year goes on, be sure to reevaluate your goals. Assess whether or not you’re hitting your milestones or if you need to adjust them. Set aside time each week, month, or quarter (depending on your resolutions) to see how you’re doing and what you can continue to improve.
This is the year to keep your New Year’s resolutions. Follow these 10 tips and you’ll have an amazing year.
