Having trouble keeping your New Year’s resolutions?
Many of us see the start of a new year as an opportunity to enact change. Here we are at the two week mark, and if you made resolutions, you might already be struggling with keeping them. Whether it’s a pledge to lose weight, eat better, learn a new language or just make some extra time for yourself, setting your goals is easy. Achieving them can be more difficult, but still possible with the right mindset.
Think differently!
It all starts with how you think about implementing change. Big goals, like losing 40 pounds, can’t be achieved overnight. It takes multiple small steps to set you on the way to your goal. Be realistic. Think of your resolutions as small steps leading to big change. Realistic goals help make changes last.
Visualize your goals!
One trick is to visualize your goals. We’ve probably all heard the question “where do you see yourself in five years?” Add the follow up question “how do you see yourself in five years.” If you can keep in your mind the image of where you would ultimately like your goals to take you, it’s easier to stick with them.
Adapt a new habit!
Goals are easier to achieve if you incorporate them into your routine. Write them in a journal, list them in your daily calendar, write them on a sticky note and tape them on your mirror or refrigerator door. By adapting new habits into your day to day schedule, and connecting them to an existing regimen, you can start to build towards your goals.
Small changes add up!
Finally, even small lifestyle changes can be a challenge. Give yourself a little reward the weeks that you meet your goals, and don’t be hard on yourself if you break a resolution. We all stumble on our path. Shake it off and get yourself back on track. Remember, you don’t have to wait for the new year to take positive steps towards a new you!
