5 Age-Appropriate Strategies To Stick To New Year’s Goals
We want you to dream BIG. But we know that dreaming isn’t the same as planning. And let’s be honest… executing a plan is always the hardest part. Which is why new year's resolutions often lose their traction pretty quickly.
So what's the trick to actually sticking with your new year's goals?? It may not be as complicated as you'd expect. It’s all about your mindset!
Commit to these 5 steps to sticking with your new year's resolutions, and not only will you fulfill your goals, you will also feel motivated and supported throughout the process!
1) COMMIT TO A SPECIFIC GOAL.
The more specific you can make your goal, the better. It should always be something “cross-off-able,” which simply means you should know when you’ve actually achieved it. “I get stronger,” is NOT specific. How will you know when you’re “stronger,” and how “strong” is strong enough? We are more likely to feel motivated and stay committed to goals when we know exactly what we need to do. “I lift weights three times per week every week until March 31st” IS specific. You know if/when you’ve done it, and you can cross it off.
2) WRITE IT DOWN.
Seriously... do it! Pick up a pen and write your goal/resolution on a piece of paper. Something changes when you write down a goal rather than just think it in your head. It makes it more real. It feels more attainable when you can see it in front of you. Once you have it on paper, post it up somewhere where you’ll see it on a regular basis. How’s that for motivation?!
3) SAY IT IN THE PRESENT.
That means: “I run three times per week” rather than “I will try to run three times per week,” or “I am going to run three times per week.” When you say or write a goal in the present it suggests to your subconscious that your goal is possible NOW, that it is in fact happening now. This is a significantly more powerful way to make statements about the life you want to live… Just like Yoda said, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
4) BREAK IT DOWN.
If your goal is an outcome of some sort (“I run a marathon,” or “I get a new job.”) it is essential that you break down your goal into the smaller action-items that will LEAD you to that outcome. If we only think about a looming outcome goal, we often get intimidated or paralyzed. Instead, focus on the everyday things under your control that will help deliver you to that desired outcome. Create an action-oriented game-plan and put your focus there.
5) SHARE IT.
It may feel cheesy, but always remember to share your goals with at least one person you trust. Not only will this person help hold you accountable, but they will support you in your commitment. The people in our lives want to support us, but they don’t know how to best support us unless they know what it is we’re trying to achieve.
YOU have the power to take ownership of your success. Create an environment for you to feel successful every day, revisit your goals regularly, squash your self-doubt with your daily affirmations, and GO. FOR. THE. GOLD.