Every year, millions of people around the world come up with New Year's Resolutions, in hopes that they can turn their goals into reality. But only a few seem to actually go through with their plans and achieve them. So many of us get caught up with life and, as time goes on, we forget about the resolutions we made on January 1st; and by the time December 31st rolls around again, we're making the same wish for the next year.
I was definitely one of those people until this past year! I always hoped to eat healthier, but I would always push it off, saying that "I would do it tomorrow." But, finally, I decided to change this year! I started eating organic, watching what I eat, and drinking more water! Changing your set behavior takes a huge amount of work and is extremely difficult but here are some ways on how you can beat the odds.
Set a specific goal, then write it down.
While the feeling of New Year and new beginnings has a way to make us feel ready to conquer all of our goals, this is where we often get lost. Instead of setting multiple goals, set one specific goal that is actually attainable. So, maybe you want to get fit, make more money, become famous and be happier all at once. Those are great goals, but they're too broad. Instead, say that you want to lose 10-lbs. by the end of the year, for example, this is more measurable and will make it more attainable.
Be patient.
Results don't just happen overnight. All good things take time to happen. It's really easy to give it your all for days and not see results then feel like nothing is happening, but that's not the case! Every time you feel yourself coming down with thoughts of negativity because you don't see results, think about all the hard work that you've already put into what you're working for and how it would go to waste if you let go. When you continue to put in work and look back at where you started after a while, you will see your hard work pay off.
Find a partner.
Motivation, there are days when you're ready to conquer everything then there are days when you want to forget it all. Those are the days when finding partners becomes extremely helpful. When you communicate your goals to others, you are less likely to fail because you will have a group of people to motivate you and you will feel the pressure of letting them down and not just yourself.
Accept your mistakes and move on.
At the end of the day, we're all human and we make mistakes. This is definitely where most people have trouble with keeping up on their resolution. You have so many days where you're doing fine, and then one day, you break, and you feel like it's over, but it's not. One mistake does not get rid of all of the progress you've made. Instead of regretting what's already happened, focus on moving on and getting back on track!
Give yourself breaks and celebrate yourself.
It will be very hard to adjust to new schedules or behaviors that you are adding on to reach your resolution and there will be so many days where you will feel too stressed and restricted from your original way of life. It's always healthy to take a break every now and then, just make sure it's not too long because then you're more likely to give up. Don't be so hard on yourself, recharge, and get back on track!
Stop procrastinating!
Stop waiting for tomorrow, or the end of the week, or next year, start now! You don't need to start on a special date, any day you start to make your resolution come true can be special! Waiting for "tomorrow" when today is right in front of you, life's too short for it; so don't give up on yourself because you feel weak or defeated, tomorrow is never promised.
Whatever your New Year's Resolution mightbe this year, I hope you find these tips helpful in succeeding and making your New Year, New You come true!