The new year has finally arrived, bringing optimism and a new start from the challenges many faced in the year 2020. Most people have created New Year’s resolutions to encourage this new beginning and better themselves throughout the year. However, this motivation for change seems like it magically disappears by the time February comes around. Because of this, many people – including myself – struggle to keep these New Year’s resolutions and often go back to unhealthy habits. In order to prevent this from happening again, there are numerous tips and tricks that can help when starting to take action on your New Year’s resolutions.
When starting to write one’s New Year’s resolutions, it is important to make SMART goals that are achievable. SMART goals must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Specific goals can help when keeping track of the amount of progress made in a particular time period. By making goals that are measurable, this progress can be seen evidently, so people are able to gain more motivation. This progress can be recorded in a journal, agenda, or digitally on a computer or phone. Recording how much closer one has become toward a goal can help them continue to pace themselves throughout the year. Doing this is crucial when attempting to successfully achieve one’s New Year’s resolutions.
It may be difficult to continue taking action on these resolutions as the year goes by, however, with motivation and hard work, the goals can surely be achieved. In order to keep encouraging yourself, there are many ways to stay motivated throughout the year. Starting with smaller steps then going bigger is a great way to test and inspire yourself for change. Making weekly or even monthly schedules to break down these resolutions into steps that are planned out with enough time for achievement can be beneficial, as it helps one stay on track and achieve their goals in a timely manner. By completing these steps one at a time, healthy habits can be created.
In addition, it can be helpful to make New Year’s resolutions with friends or family. Even though we can’t go outside to meet with others at the moment, using online platforms to talk and share one’s progress can be a big help. People can meet in the comfort of their homes, while actively partaking in their resolutions. Starting a competition with friends and setting up prizes is another way to stay motivated throughout the year. By making use of these tips, it will be much easier to not only encourage yourself, but also inspire your friends and family to take action as well.
As many say, starting is half the battle, so don’t be discouraged even if you don’t seem to be making much progress. Continuing to strive towards your goals will help you be successful in fulfilling your New Year’s Resolutions and improving yourself for the better.
