Okay, so you took the time and set yourself up to grow for the new year! Great job! Yet, now so soon into the new year you might be feeling a bit discouraged, realize the true impact of your goal, or you may just not know how to go about making the change. We understand all of these situations. We also love to meet goals and do better, so as you work on you – we’re on your team! Here are some simple tips that can hopefully help you in sticking to your resolution.
Find accountability. A lot of people suggest sharing your resolutions with friends or a support group working towards for similar goals. This can feel a little scary because speaking it means you are responsible for it. Yet, friends and support should be ready to cheer you on – so there’s little to fear. Having someone to check in with you weekly or monthly can help you process what you’re doing, and perhaps what you could do more of, or better. Find the right folks to help you get motivated and encourage you.
Try to have tunnel vision. It’s usually best to focus on one goal, but if you’re like me you’ve got plenty you want to do. So, if you made more than one resolution that doesn’t mean your off the hook for this one. It means you need to plan out some events/ support groups that will help you in each goal: perhaps divide your resolutions up into sets of months (one resolution gets two months, then you start with another), or simply spend time reflecting on your progress on each one individually.
Track progress/ success. One of the biggest downfalls for trying to change or create new habits is that people don’t realize how difficult it is to do what they want to do. Beyond that, when we don’t achieve what we thought we would – it’s all the more discouraging. A great way to combat this is to write down your small wins and progress. Journaling isn’t the only way though. You can reward yourself with a treat when you reach a milestone or have friends celebrate with you!
Be okay with stumbling. You will falter. That’s okay. Accept that as learning, lean into what it can teach you. Give yourself some time, evaluate where you slipped, and then try again. There’s no shame in that. The most thorough successes are met with a tried and true path. Learning looks a lot like missing the mark but that way it sticks with you and you understand truly earning it.
Ask for help. Trying to make a fitness goal? Ask a friend to register with you for a 5K. Add people to your goal. It’s so much better when you aren’t alone. Perhaps you have a friend that really excels in a direction you are trying to go – ask them for their tips and tricks. You probably have more resources and support available than you realize.
Change is hard, but 100 percent worth it. You can make those resolutions a reality. Take small steps, accept when you trip, and enjoy the ride. It’s going to be quite the year!
