How are you doing with your New Year goals? Did you keep at least half of them? Or are you still riding the dry January train? Just 5 weeks into the New Year and approximately 75% of us, according to a recent health poll, have already given up on those New Year’s Resolutions we
made for 2022.
We all make resolutions as we desire change. However, when it comes down to
the commitment and hard work required to accomplish them, most of us don’t
have the motivation and consequently, drop out in a matter of weeks – which with Valentine’s
Day around the corner and half price chocolates on the 15th, it can be easy to come off the wagon.
So how do you keep the change? And when does getting up at 5am for a run become a habit?
(I’m asking for myself here!)
Well, it’s simple really. You have to want to do it for yourself.
If you truly desire change in your life, here are a few success tips to become one of the few who really did become that woman.
1. Want it. As I said earlier, you need to really want change in any area of your life and be
willing to do the work.
2. Identify the desired result and be specific about what you want to accomplish,
why, by when. For example, the resolution that says “I want to lose weight” will
likely fail as it is not specific or time bound. Instead say, “I will lose 20 pounds,
so I can look and feel fit and healthy, by my best friend’s wedding in July” See the difference?
3. Track it. What gets measured, gets done. Identify the action steps to accomplish
your resolution. Whatever your goal is, track the activities every day.
This can be done simply in a journal, or there are a number of apps on the market for measuring progress. Whether you are tracking exercise, meals, sales calls, or time to spend with your kids, just seeing the results of your efforts will keep you moving forward.
4. Get a partner. An accountability partner is a great way to keep yourself on track with your resolution. Partner with a friend who has a similar goal, or just ask someone to check in on you once a week to see how you are doing. It is amazing how people will get something done just because they know someone will be asking.
And if my best friend is reading this…I’ve already hit my steps today so get to it!
5. Plan for hitting the walls. Everything worth accomplishing comes with adversity. You
will hit a wall as you work through any important change in your life. You know
yourself and what trips you up, so plan ahead and you will be prepared to push
through when times get tough.
Though change is never easy, those that persevere can attest that it is worth it.
By following these steps, you can accomplish impactful change in your life and make the change you wish to be. And if anything you have done it for yourself, which is the most important thing.
Written By Mollie Houston for Mindset by Pinky.