The start of a new year is often seen as a fresh chance to set new goals and resolutions, but people tend to make New Year’s resolutions when they want to make big life changes. My usual advice is to rather make these changes throughout the year instead of trying to start off the year doing something that you don’t usually do.
In my opinion, the best time to start something new (and stick to it) is to get started on an important date, so of course New Year’s can also be a great time to do this. But as we all know, it can be difficult to stick to these resolutions and make lasting changes – so other times to note can be the start of a new season, the start of a new week, the start of a new month, birthdays, and festive or commemorative holidays. Our brains are wired to reset usual tasks at the start of notable dates and that’s why it’s easier to feel motivated at these times.
Either way, setting new goals and resolutions doesn’t need to be a daunting task! Here are some great tips to help you stick to your New Year’s resolutions (or any other goals throughout the year) to help you stay motivated and on track with your goals:
1. Start small
It’s important to choose resolutions and goals that are achievable and won’t feel overwhelming. Doing this will help you build momentum and make these tasks feel easier to stick to. For example: if your goal is to exercise more, you can start by first committing to a small, doable action like going for a 10-minute walk every day. As you get more comfortable with this new habit, you can gradually increase the intensity or duration of your workouts.
2. Be specific
Be as specific as possible about what you want to achieve. For example: instead of resolving to “eat healthier,” resolve to “eat one serving of vegetables with every meal” or “cut out sugary drinks.” Creating a specific task like this makes it easier to create a habit because you can track your progress. In turn, this will help you stay motivated.
3. Create a plan
Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Planning this way can help you make more consistent progress and stay on track to achieving what you set out to do. For example: if your resolution is to save more money, create a budget and set specific goals for how much you want to save each month.
4. Seek accountability
Accountability can be a really good thing when it comes to setting goals because having someone to check in with can help keep you on track and provide encouragement when you need it most. You could consider asking a friend or family member to help you stay accountable to your goals, or alternatively you could join a support group or hire a coach to help you stay motivated.
5. Celebrate your progress
Remember that the journey towards achieving any goal is just as important as the end result. It’s important to recognise your accomplishments and celebrate what you’ve achieved along the way. This can help tremendously with staying motivated and encouraged to continue working towards your goals. For example: if your resolution is to learn a new skill, celebrate each small milestone you achieve, like completing a course or mastering a new technique.
6. Be flexible
It’s totally normal to slip up or encounter setbacks, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you encounter problems or travel off-course. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn, adjust your approach, and keep going. Making mistakes and adjusting your plan as you go along will feel better than simply quitting. The important thing is to stay committed and keep moving forward.
By following these tips, I’m sure you’ll be well on your way to sticking to any New Year’s resolutions and future goals to create new habits, and make lasting changes in your life.
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Featured image by: Polina Kovaleva
