A new year is near again, which means it is time to reflect on the past year and make some resolutions for the year ahead. There is something about completing a cycle of one year that gives us a burning desire for self improvement. Making new year’s resolutions around health goals is always a great idea, because there’s no better investment than investing in yourself and your health. Some examples of resolutions involving your health include setting a weight loss goal, practicing more self care, drinking more water, committing to an exercise routine, practicing yoga or meditation regularly, and eating less junk food. No matter what your resolutions are, these tips will help ensure that you actually achieve them. This does not have to be another year of failed resolutions!
1. Be Realistic
A surefire way to fail at keeping your new year’s resolution is to set goals that are too hard to achieve. So keep your goals realistic. It’s better to start small because smaller goals are more achievable. Any change made is progress. You will only set yourself up for failure if your goals are too challenging.
2. Make A Specific Action Plan
It’s one thing to come up with the goal you want to achieve, but you need to ask yourself how you will achieve it. Coming up with a specific action plan will increase your chances of reaching the goal, because you will have specific steps that you need to take in order to get there. Trying to achieve a goal without action steps is like trying to get someplace without a map or GPS.
3. Find Support
Most things in life are easier when we have a strong support system. Talking to your close friends or family members about your goals and asking them specific ways in which they can help support you can be very helpful. Or, you could try to seek out other people who are working towards the same goal as you. Having people to talk to about your struggles is helpful, especially when those people are going through a similar process.
4. Reward Yourself For Following Through
When you follow through with your action steps, don’t forget to reward yourself! This creates a positive feedback loop which helps keep you motivated for the long haul. If you keep focusing on the end goal, instead of the steps you’re making, then you will start to feel your motivation dwindle. Also, remember to be kind with yourself if you have a setback, it’s ok to fall off the horse every now and then as long as you keep getting back up!