6 Hints for Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions
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13/01/2016
I am not a New Year’s resolution person. I make goals throughout the year, but just because it’s January 1 isn’t a good enough reason for me. If however, you did make New Year’s resolutions, here’s some hints for keeping them:
Keep the resolution top of mind – Now that life is back to normal it is easy to forget the resolutions you made earlier in the month. One of the best ways to keep resolutions is to remember them. Consider putting reminders in your day that help you keep that resolution. It could be the wallpaper on your laptop, it could be a scheduled appointment in your calendar, or it could be your running shoes left beside the door. Visual reminders help keep us honest!
Do something every day – No matter how small, do something each day to progress your goals. This will help you make a habit of keeping your resolutions. Habits take about 3 weeks, so hang in there!
Share your goals – One of the top ways that my clients achieve their goals is my sharing them with me. Once the goals are “out there”, they are more difficult to ignore. An added bonus of someone else knowing your goals, is you can enlist them to hold you accountable for reaching these goals.
Be specific – The more specific your goals, the easier it is to aim for them. “Lose weight” or “micromanage less” are too vague, you’ll never know you’ve reached them. “Lose 10 pounds” or “delegate x project and check weekly on progress unless requested” are more attainable.
Track progress – Monitor your progress towards the 10-pound weight loss and the only checking once per week on the x project. Showing yourself that you are making small incremental progress towards your goals helps keep you motivated.
Be realistic – You won’t be able to solve world hunger this month, but you can tackle the marketing program for a non-profit that raises funds for the homeless in your hometown. Make goals that are a stretch, but still attainable.
I hope these hints help. I would love to hear your progress on your resolutions! Valerie.MacLeod@HainesCentre.com
Have a great year – resolutions or not!