How’s that New Year’s Resolution going? Now that we are a month into 2018, many of us can faulter on our goals. We get it; it’s hard! On January 1st you were excited, motivated and convinced this was the year you would meet your goal. But motivation can fade over time. Our bodies and minds want to go back to the way things were. The long haul, the endurance to keep going, that’s the hard part. Whether your goal is to lose weight, quit smoking, increase your career skills or really anything, we’ve got some great tips to help you recharge your resolution. It’s time to get back on track.
Getting your Resolution Back on Track
Your desire to achieve your resolution goal is still there; just your resolve has weakened. These tips can get you back on the track to success.
Write it down: Putting your goal down on paper makes it real. It’s a commitment. Having a goal in mind is a start, but actually writing it down can make you more accountable. It’s essentially making a contract with yourself.
Make it visible: Write your goal on a post-it note and place it in plain view so you can see it daily. Put notes on your bathroom mirror, the refrigerator door, on your car dashboard and on your computer monitor. Small reminders will help energize and renew your commitment throughout the day.
Tell others: Speak about your goal with friends and family. Who knows, others may join your charge. They may be motivated by your goals, and they can help keep you accountable.
Create mini goals: Break your goal down into smaller, more attainable increments. Map these goals out and add them to your calendar. Each mini goal you reach will help motivate you towards your final goal. Make these goals challenging but reasonable. These are the stepping stones needed to reach the finish line.
Reward yourself: As you reach these mini-goals, be sure to reward yourself. If weight loss is your goal, maybe a new outfit is rewarding. Maybe a night out with friends is something you’ll look forward to. Find what makes you happy and be sure to reward yourself through the process.
Finally, you are a Success Story
Don’t worry; you aren’t alone in the resolution struggle. Goals are hard to reach. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t be worth it in the end. Gym memberships serge in early January every year. Regular gym goers grumble about all the newbies occupying the equipment. But come February and March, things tend to go back to normal. It is in our nature to take the easiest route. Following the small steps above can give you the tools to persevere. Just think how great you will feel when you achieve your 2018 resolution goals. It’s going to be worth it!