Each New Year’s it seems that many people are filled with hope, excitement and anticipation for the year ahead. Frequently our goal is to become the best versions of ourselves. Therefore the gyms fill up, we pick up new hobbies or try to set better boundaries, but doing all this overnight is hard. That’s why it is suspected that 70% of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions and the average resolution only lasts for about 4.7 months. However, resolutions are a form of goal setting. With some helpful tips maybe this year could be the year that you stick to them.
Make a Short List
One of the first mistakes people make when setting New Year’s resolutions is that they have to many. It is very difficult to stick to multiple resolutions long term. Instead choose 1 to 3 things. By keeping your list of resolutions short it is easier to integrate these goals into your daily life opposed to trying to overhaul your lifestyle.
Make a Plan
Having a large overall goal is great! But Rome wasn’t built in a day. Break down the big goal with smaller more manageable goals that are realistic. If your goal is to go to the gym and get in great shape, awesome! But if you’re not already a gym goer, don’t expect to be able to go everyday. Start by choosing a gym that is functional for you, for example near you home or close to work. Then aim to go once a week. Once that becomes a habit, it usually takes roughly 66 days for a habit to form (2 months), then step it up! Add another gym session into your schedule and see how it feel. This slow but steady approach goes for all resolutions. Do just a little bit consistently and then allow yourself to add a little more. By doing this you keep it manageable and attainable.
SMART Goals
This is a popular goal setting setting strategy that can help you think about your goals functionally.
Specific
The goal is clear and states what needs to be done and by who.
Ex. Waking up at 7am everyday
Measurable
You have a way to measure your progress.
Ex. I will track how often I am up at 7 on my calendar.
Attainable
The goal is small enough you can be successful and then build on the goal if you would like.
Relevant
The goal needs to matter to you and have purpose.
Ex. make a noticeable difference to your day.
Timely
Set up a timeline for when you would like to have achieved your goal.
Ex. I will complete this by March 1st
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