5 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Actually Achieving Your New Year's Resolutions
We're already well into the New Year, and if you're anything like us, you're probably feeling a little kaput. 2017 is almost over! Practically all of our resolutions are out the window now; we're back to watching Netflix, eating ice cream while we lay on the couch, and not really doing much of anything.
I'm not going to pretend like there's any hope for you at this point: As someone who just spent an hour unsuccessfully trying to make her new year's resolution of "losing weight" happen, I can attest that it's well past time for self-care. But before you surrender yourself to an endless cycle of binge watching and regret, I want you to hear me out: Being a failure at your new year's resolution doesn't mean that your New Year is over. This is not an excuse to do nothing for the next four months. If anything, it's a great opportunity for a reboot.
Take these five steps to get back on track with your resolutions in 2019!
1 . Do Some Soul Searching
Your goals are not your New Year's resolutions; they're the long-term byproduct of all of the work that you do this month and in the next four months.
The New Year is a special time for self-reflection, and it's okay to take stock of your goals. But in order to avoid falling into the trap of making resolutions that you'll never follow through on, ask yourself: what were your goals for 2017? Did you achieve them? What kept you from achieving them?
This type of personal reflection will help you formulate a plan that's tailored specifically to your needs. It also allows you to review the mistakes that kept you from reaching your goals so far; hopefully then you can reflect on what went wrong and make sure that it doesn't happen again in 2018.
2 . Create a New List
I know it probably sounds incredibly narcissistic, but I was working towards getting my "life figured out" by the time I turned 30. This became a huge problem when I realized that all of my goals were dependent on my job being "perfect." If they weren't able to meet all of their goals, then I wouldn't have time to do anything else.
Rather than creating a New Year's resolution list, I created year-long goals instead. I joined a personal improvement challenge that was focused on bettering myself, rather than my job specifically. I also exercised a lot more and dedicated time to working out every day.
This gave me the flexibility to change my goals as needed. I was able to move freely through life without feeling like I was chained down by the weight of my responsibilities. This is what allowed me to find success in other aspects of my life while working "in the trenches" at a job that wasn't completely fulfilling.
3 . Take Baby Steps
It's important to remember that your resolutions are not an all or nothing situation: you can't say that you will accomplish one goal and then give up completely if it doesn't happen within the first few weeks. Instead, try setting more reasonable goals. Make sure that they're specific and achievable, rather than "lose ten pounds" or "eat healthier."
Take small steps in the right direction. If you're trying to get in shape, commit to walking ten minutes every morning before breakfast. Your goals should be attainable and sustainable.
If you're resolved to lose weight, then start walking a little more often. If you're trying to run a 5k, start by running one block after work every day. Any progress is better than no progress - even if it doesn't seem like much progress at the time. It's better to push forward with something that is small and easy than it is to keep doing nothing.
4 . Make a Plan and Make it Happen
If you're on a strict schedule, the hardest part of creating a new year's resolution is turning those goals into concrete actions. For example, if your goal is to "save more money," how exactly are you going to do that? What steps are you going to take?
It can be as easy as making your lunch instead of eating out. It could be as hard as getting a side hustle and working late on the weekend. Find ways that work for you, whether it's saving money in specific jars or saving cash by shopping at thrift stores. Don't be afraid of trial and error!
5 . Know When to Say "No"
In order to make any goals work, you need to give yourself the time and space to actually achieve them. No one can be in constant motion all day long; sometimes you need to slow down or take a break. If you're trying to build muscle or run a marathon, don't expect yourself to achieve anything if you're always exhausted.
That being said, it's also important not to overdo it - if you eat healthy and workout every day but eat a burger or go out with friends almost every night, then that's not helping your body or your weight loss goals.
Try and build up your exercise routine to the point where it's a habit, and don't worry about doing "too much." If you're eating healthy, you should be able to enjoy your meals without feeling any guilt. If you're running a 5k, then naturally your body will be able to handle that without overdoing it.