Strategies That Can Help You Stick to Your Goals
With the start of a new year after the Christmas break comes the opportunity to turn a new page and start building new habits and healthier routines. It’s the time when many of us establish our New Year’s resolutions and make promises to ourselves to make changes that will improve our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Yet the saying ‘easier said than done’, can be used fairly when it comes to sticking with our ambitious plans, with many people abandoning their resolutions by the end of March. So why do we make resolutions that we can’t keep? Are we making the right goals? And are we setting ourselves up to fail by not using the right strategies to help us stick to our goals?
How to set the right New Year’s resolutions:
Basing your resolutions on the acronym SMART can be a helpful way to make them more achievable and likely to stick. Yes, we know you might be thinking that SMART goals are a bit of a corporate buzzword, but the technique is backed by science and is proven to help you achieve your goals. Here's how it works:
Specific: Instead of a vague resolution like "eat healthier," aim for something specific like "eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day."
Measurable: Make sure your resolution is quantifiable so you can track your progress. For example, "exercise more" becomes "exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week."
Achievable: Set realistic goals that you can accomplish. If you're currently not exercising at all, aiming to go to the gym every day is likely not sustainable. Start with a smaller, more manageable goal.
Relevant: Choose resolutions that are important to you and align with your values and long-term goals. This will make you more motivated to stick with them.
Time-bound: Set a deadline or timeframe for your resolution. This creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay on track.
Here are some additional tips for making resolutions you'll keep and how to stick to your goals:
Start small and focused: Don't try to change everything at once. Focus on one or two key resolutions to start with. Achieving one small goal can motivate yourself to set and stick to more.
Write them down: Putting your resolutions in writing makes them more real and helps you stay accountable. Writing a plan of how you’ll tackle each goal can help you visualise how you’ll achieve your goals and help you stay on the right path.
Tell someone: Sharing your resolutions with a friend or family member can provide support and encouragement all while holding you accountable.
Track your progress: Keep a journal or use a habit-tracking app to monitor your progress and celebrate your successes.
Don't give up: Everyone slips up sometimes. If you fall off track, don't get discouraged. Just pick yourself up and keep going.
Reward yourself: When you reach a milestone or achieve your resolution, reward yourself with something you enjoy.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals and making positive changes in your life!