Create New Year’s Resolutions That Stick

You may be familiar with the excitement of setting New Year’s resolutions and the disappointment that comes when you aren’t able to reach those goals. Resolutions often fail because of lack of in-depth planning, inconsistency with motivation, and insufficient information. Carrie recently posted about using previous successes and failures to determine what does or doesn’t work for you. Today, I’m offering a few more steps to help make your New Year’s resolutions stick.

Bring your heart and head together to create a great resolution
Get in touch with your emotions, beliefs, and true purpose of “why” you want the resolution fulfilled. Then use those feelings to create a logical process and plan. Research materials, talk to experts, and ask for help to get comprehensive idea of what it will take to achieve your goals.

Keep it realistic—Start small!
Once your overarching goal is identified, break them down to several smaller, more realistic goals. Realistic goals are more easily executed and they can help boost your morale. Let’s say you want to run a 10K next fall, but you haven’t been active in some time. To build strength, stamina, and confidence, you would start by walking, jogging, or running smaller distances a few times a week.

Be your own critic
No one is perfect. You will make some mistakes. When you do, take note and own your mistakes with compassion. Then let it go and divert yourself back on-course again. Be an honest friend to yourself, one who is unafraid to tell the truth with love and compassion.

Dining out_Pexels 1528013_Daria Shevtsova — Don’t be too hard on yourself if you ate too much at brunch with your friends or have had a hard time getting back into gym after a cold. It’s important to acknowledge that you slipped and think about how to avoid that situation again, but then let it go, adjust, and try again. (Photo by Daria Shevtsova)

Write it, draw it, craft it
Pick any hobby you like—writing, drawing, crafts, graphics—and create a visual representation of what your goals look like. Be specific and have fun! Pour your personality and feelings into visualizing what it looks like to achieve your goals and the process to get there. Then display your goals in the most visited spot in your home.

Announce it and share it
It is easy to revert back to old habits when you keep your goals to yourself. By declaring your resolutions to your family and friends, you will build in more support and accountability. Your loves ones will cheer you on and you will work harder so as not to disappoint them.

Be your own cheerleader
Take time this year to appreciate all of your accomplishments, struggles, and hard work. Starting right now! Raise your one arm towards the sky (I know its awkward, but please go with it). Bring down your raised palm and touch your back. And now give yourself a loving pat for all the wonderful things you will accomplish this year.

I wish you a very happy and fulfilling new year.