Introduction
Thinking of quitting your New Year’s resolutions already? The year has only just begun. Most people are already considering abandoning their commitments and will likely give up within the next couple of months. What they don’t realise is that now is the perfect time to start building new skills and habits, as you have a clean slate to start over. The beginning is always the hardest step to take. Here are some tips to help you stay focused on your hopes and dreams for the year.
Simplify Your Goals
The reason why most people fail to stick to their goals at the start of the year is that the goals are unrealistic and unattainable. By breaking the goal down into manageable actions, it will be doable and achievable. Like if you want to run a marathon, start by running a mile, then work up to a 5k, then 10k, then attempt to run a half-marathon. Once you have covered enough mileage, aim for the full marathon rather than going from 0 – 100, which will only increase the chances of you injuring yourself and giving up.
Plan ahead
It’s always a good idea to have a plan in place. Most people slip up because they fail to prepare beforehand. There is nothing wrong with aiming high, but ensuring a solid strategy is in place will go a long way in keeping you consistent and will help you reach those milestones and achieve your goals. Simply breaking your targets into daily, weekly and monthly tasks will make it more attainable.
Track your progress
Keeping a diary of your small wins can go a long way to keep you motivated when it comes to reaching your goals. For example, if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to lose or gain weight, you can write down your progress each week. Not only will it hold you accountable, but it will also give you the desire to continue. Over time, you will start to notice the change in yourself and feel more fulfilled.
Reward yourself
Remember to add rewards when setting your intentions, whether that be once you have reached a certain milestone or completed a difficult task, such as getting a cup of coffee after running 10 miles on a given day or buying yourself a piece of clothing after finishing a book. Treating yourself is a good way to reinforce the habits you are trying to build and a good reason to keep going.
Keep Trying
The best way to accomplish a goal is by constantly showing up. If you mess up one day, start over the next day. Even if you don’t take action that specific day, you will still build momentum by showing up and step by step get to grips with what it is you want to accomplish. Gradually, it will become second nature to you. Showing up builds consistency and discipline, which serves as a better approach than motivation because with motivation, there will be times when you are just not in the mood; with consistency and discipline, you will show up because those are habits you have built upon.
Conclusion
It’s easy to feel the temptation to dive headfirst towards your goals with it being a new year. The start of the year brings endless possibilities. With possibilities nearby, struggle is not far off. Don’t let the struggle be the reason you quit. Remember to lower the difficulty, have a plan of action, keep a log of your progress, and continue trying until you reach the end point. There is no greater time than today to go for what you really want.
