With the new year comes the expectation of resolutions and, more importantly, keeping those resolutions. Resolutions come in all shapes and sizes, whether they be physical changes, emotional or social goals, or learning something new. Many of us (myself included) tend to get off to a good start for the first few months but then taper off as the year progresses. Below are some helpful suggestions to make 2020 the best year yet!
Create a measurable goal.
Setting goals is a great way to create resolutions, but tangible goals are the most helpful. Tangible goals like going
to the gym three times a week or reading one new book a month will help by giving you a specific target and keep
you from feeling lost.
Set yourself up for success.
Like I stated before, new resolutions, fueled by excitement and drive, seem like doable commitments for the first
few weeks; but as we all know, soon most of us will start coming up with excuses or even self-sabotaging. To stay
motivated, set yourself up for success by keeping healthy snacks easily available and having your gym bag
packed and ready to go.
Prepare for obstacles.
Obstacles will present themselves in many different forms. Unexpected costs could blow your budget,
appointments could keep you from the gym after work, or would could keep you from spending time with family
or friends. Being prepared to navigate these types of obstacles and knowing how to handle them is half the battle
of keeping your resolutions.
Keep track of your progress.
Being able to see how far you’ve come is a great way to stay motivated. Keep track of your progress on an app,
make a spreadsheet, or even keep a journal. Remember that progress is not always a straight line and sometimes
setbacks happen, but that doesn’t mean you should give up.
Get a support system.
Change and motivation can be tough, and sometimes we all need a little help from a friend. Having one or a few
people to hold you accountable, motivated, and offer advice if you’re feeling discouraged.
