Ah, the wonderful new year. The time when we consistently see a myriad of goals we need to make, how to make sure you follow through with them and everything in between. But why is it that we feel the need to create lists of how to better oneself now?

Personal growth is not solely relevant to one time of the year. Of course, there are a couple of ways to make these resolutions stick. You can create a partner system where you and your friend hold each other accountable, or perhaps monthly checks to ensure success. Regardless, there’s a bit of irony to point out.

You should be a better person! No doubt. My question is, why is striving to improve yourself isolated to one time of the year? The irony is that for thousands of people, these goals stick no longer than a few weeks or months. In fact, according to the Statistic Brain, only about eight percent of people are actually successful in achieving their resolution.

You may strive to pick up running, spend less, or eat on the healthier side, whatever it may be. Just don’t keep waiting to get to work. The only real impediment in all these instances is yourself; waiting for a new year is a diminutive mental block that you need to bypass.

Progress is a continuous movement. If you really want to improve a specific aspect of your life, don’t limit yourself by waiting for the new year. There is no reason to wait until tomorrow or the next month to accomplish a goal. The real goal to have is to give up your excuses and start immediately.

There are a number of techniques to assure you attain your goals. Psychology Today has a great article referencing why people often fail at accomplishing their new year's goals and what they can do to ensure success. Among this list includes setting clear, specific goals, (i.e., instead of “pick up running”, try “run a mile in under ten minutes”), setting intervals to check/celebrate progress, and creating a buddy system of someone close you can report your progress too.

Additionally, it’s worth expanding on each goal with specific steps written out for each one. For example, beneath “read one book per month,” you could further state to read for twenty minutes every evening. Particularizing your goals makes the end result less intimidating and more tangible. Make a note of how exactly to routinize your new resolutions.

Furthermore, conduct a mental and social cleanse regularly by getting rid of whatever it is that stymies your path to success. You should be doing a weekly check of analyzing yourself and understanding what techniques work best. Write down your goals as they come and keep testing yourself every day, not just when the new year comes around.

The overarching point is that if you’re serious enough about your goals, you can and will make it happen. The new year is a trifling excuse and your lifestyle and success are always in your hands.

Sources:

"New Years Resolution Statistics." Statisticbrain.com. N.p., 11 Dec. 2016. Web. 30 Dec. 2016.