The start of a new year always feels great – after all, a new year means new beginnings. Leaving the past year’s trouble and being able to turn a new page leaves us with an air of hope and expectancy. Along with the new year comes the opportunity for us to create new goals for ourselves. That is where new year’s resolutions come in. With a fresh start, we are able to change bad habits and establish new routines that will help us grow psychologically, mentally, and physically. Some of the most common resolutions include losing weight, sticking to a healthier diet, exercising regularly, making better financial choices, and spending more time with family.
However, it is not uncommon for people to give up on their goals a few months into the new year. So, what can you do to ensure that you keep to your new year’s resolutions? Find out at inkmypapers now.
1. Be Specific About Your Goals
It is important to set goals that are clear. Instead of vague ones such as “losing weight”, “read more” or “exercise more”. Be less ambiguous about your goals. If you take on too much too soon, you will be overwhelmed before you even get the chance to start. Break it down and get as specific as you can. Try goals such as “losing 5 kg”, “read 10 books”, “exercise twice a week”. These goals are also measurable, so you can actually clearly keep track of whether you are making progress. It is easier to hold yourself accountable when you know exactly what you need to achieve. Choose concrete and achievable goals so you can plan exactly how you are going to stick to your goals throughout the entire year.
2. Make a Detailed Plan – and Stick to it
The path you take to achieve your goal is as important as the goal-setting process. If your new year’s resolution involves a major behaviour change, you will need to have a thorough plan to effectively execute it. Your plan should outline the steps you need to take to achieve the goal, why you want to achieve it, and the strategies you need to stick to the plan.
Why is having a plan important? When faced with an obstacle, you will be less likely to give up because you can always fall back on your plan. In the plan, you should include a “how-to” when it comes to overcoming potential obstacles such as temptations and laziness. It takes consistency, perseverance, and hard work to accomplish a goal. By having a plan, you will be able to stay on track even when distractions might sidetrack you.
3. Ask for Help
Having a good support system can help you stay motivated and accountable to accomplish your goals. Having a friend to strive towards the same goals as you can make the journey more fun as well. Team up with someone who had similar resolutions, or you can even rope your partner in on this journey towards achieving it together. Friends or family who are aware of your plans can help you to stick to them and give you the push you need to reach the finish line. Having a buddy on this journey also gives both of you the opportunity to share in the joy of the accomplishments with each other, and this is can also work as extra motivation to stay on track.
Although it is a challenge to stick to your resolutions through the course of the year, nothing beats the sweet satisfaction of accomplishing your goals. Forget perfection and feel grateful for even the small steps that you take in achieving your new year’s resolutions. Too busy with homework to work on your new year’s resolutions? Find out how inkmypapers can help you today!
