We’re sure you’ve heard the term “New Year, New You” enough times that you’re more than likely immune to its once motivational power.
Because no matter how many times we tell ourselves that we’ll stick to our resolutions, many of us go back on our promises of healthy eating, exercise, and other general fantasies that we momentarily tricked ourselves into believing were possible.
But now’s not the time to be pessimistic! (2018 Resolution Number #1 – be more optimistic) It’s December and 2018 is inching closer and closer as we speak. So rather than give in to the idea that we won’t stick to our resolutions, we thought we’d make an active decision (2018 Resolution Number #2 – be less passive) and find foolproof ways to stick to our goals.
Don’t just go into 2018 with guns blazing. In order to lock down your resolutions and get started immediately, plan out what you want to achieve for the new year. Be sure to choose carefully and base your choices on what will be the most beneficial for you and your happiness.
When you have a solid plan set out, you’re more likely to stick to it. Go all out and create a timeline for your goals, that way you’re less likely to forget or delay them. So if you want to lose weight before winter, start by singling out a goal weight to reach each month and then add in other weight-loss factors, like realistic times to exercise.
Maybe you want to be rolling in the big bucks in 2018, but let’s be real – how many of us are really going to become sudden millionaires in the new 365 days? Keep your resolutions realistic. Rather than trying to chase down money, make a resolution to start saving more money, creating a goal amount to reach every week.
By being realistic, you’re less likely to be disappointed by any extravagant goals you would have otherwise set for yourself.
Don’t charge headfirst into your resolutions. While it’s great to be enthusiastic about them, without a clear plan (see above) you’ll be less likely to achieve success. Break your goals down into smaller chunks, as smaller obstacles are far easier to clear than a mountain-sized one.
Planning and realism are very important parts of breaking down your goals, so make a process out of your resolutions, breaking down each step to their most basic level. This will also give you a heightened feeling of success and therefore encourage you to keep trying.
No one likes to be at a loss, so make it even harder to break your resolutions by setting up a deterrent for yourself. By putting something on the line, you’ll automatically be trying harder – not only so you don’t lose whatever material object you’ve decided on, but to avoid feeling disappointed in yourself.
So if you want to quit smoking, try putting aside money for each week that you manage not to smoke. If you give in to temptation and break your resolution, you’ll lose all the money you’ve collected. A harsh example for those who want to really stick to their 2018 goals.
While New Year, New You sounds pretty lonely, it doesn’t have to be. A support network will take you far and might just be the push you need to stick to your goals. Surround yourself with people who are trustworthy, supportive, and who can maintain their own willpower – they will encourage you to keep going, and vice versa.
Positive reinforcement does wonders to the brain. If you feel as though the people you care about can see your success and are happy for you, you’ll only work harder to keep it up.
We are big believers in treating yourself – after all, this is life and what’s life without a little fun? There is a power in rewarding yourself, and it’s important to not be too tough on yourself. If you’ve managed to clear a month into your resolution plan, celebrate it! You’ve achieved something you put your mind towards, and that’s worth a celebration.
But bear in mind that you can’t go too overboard. So if your resolution is to lose weight and you’ve successfully eaten well and exercised so far, don’t use it as an excuse to overindulge in every cheat meal and dessert you can get your hands on. Small doses.
Above all, remember that even if you don’t succeed, there are always ample opportunities to try again. Never beat yourself up over a failed venture – it’s not a failured mission, just a learning curve. So throw on “Try Again” by Aaliyah and dive back into your goals when you’re ready.
2018 won’t know what hit it.
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