2016 is almost over.
2017 is almost here.
It’s that time of the year where people think about the future. How they can better themselves, their families, friends and the world around us. It’s a pinnacle point for many of us. When the year changes it gives us a clean slate to start fresh, change our habits and improve our lives.
45% of us will be sitting down over the next days to write our New Years Resolutions, however only 8% of us will actually stick to them. Why? Because we’re changing habits! And that’s not easy!
I’ve read all about SMART goals, and read plenty of blog posts and tips from various inspirational leaders. The magical question is how do you stick to your New Years Resolutions?
From someone who has broken a few, but won a few New Years Resolutions too, here’s the advice I have to offer:
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
1 January 2017 is just another day. Not that much different from 31 December 2016. There are always opportunities to make fresh starts and make changes in your life. Also, think of what you’ve got coming up before you set your goal. If you love to party, then setting your New Years Resolutions to start on 1 January may just set you up to fail.
Don’t dream too big.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for “dreaming big”. But when it comes to New Years Resolutions, focus on the steps that will lead you to the big dream. Instead of saying “I’m going to lose 15kgs in 2017”, try saying “I’m going to only have 1 soft drink per week” or “I’m going to walk for 30 minutes, 3 times per week”. This will lead you to your 15kg weight loss. Not only that, it’s giving you the steps and direction to achieve your overall goal, without watching the scales every day!
Set dates to re-evaluate.
Circumstances change. People change. Our lives change. You can’t predict it, it just happens. As a result, we have to adapt. Set dates to re-evaluate your goals and to see how you’re progressing. Maybe it’s quarterly, maybe it’s monthly. Reminding yourself of your goals is just as important as setting them. You’ve got to keep the finish line in site.
Be a little old fashioned.
Pull out the pen and paper and write your goals down! There’s something very therapeutic about physically writing something. You’ve taken the time and effort to write down your goals, this sets the perfect intention for how you’re going to achieve your goals. Be alone and in a quiet setting, so your can focus entirely on yourself.
Make sure you see them every single day.
Put them as your screen saver on your phone, put them behind your bedroom door, stick them on the fridge, write them on the bathroom mirror! Do what you must to see them every day. Habits take effort to change, and it’s easy to forget our new habits and slip in to old habits. So remind yourself of the every day.
No goal is too small.
A goal is a goal, no matter the size. Make it personal to you, because at the end of the day, it’s your life you’re changing.
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