Now that the dust has settled and the excitement of the new year has faded, how are you doing in regards to staying aligned with the resolutions you set for yourself? The new year is a great time to create new goals. And while we may have the best of intentions when we think “new year, new me”, it is all too easy to find ourselves losing motivation and falling short of reaching our goals. Below you will find five tips to ensure you keep your resolutions this year.
1. Planning with Schedules and Routines: One of the best things we can do to stay on track with our resolutions is to create and follow a schedule and routine for ourselves. To reach the goals we create, it is necessary to break down these goals into smaller, daily tasks. Using planners, calendars and schedules can keep us focused and accountable. Ask yourself what you can do each day to bring yourself closer to success and consistently show up for yourself.
2. Keep It Realistic: When we think about what we want for ourselves in the future, it is easy to get excited and carried away. We live in a world in which we are becoming more and more accustomed to instant satisfaction and gratification. Of course, when it comes to reaching our goals, there are no shortcuts or easy buttons. It’s up to us to put in the work to achieve what we wish. Creating new habits for yourself can be challenging and it takes time to get into the groove of a new routine. Try not to overwhelm yourself with too many drastic life alterations all at once. Remember you are working towards being your best self which should never include creating more stress. You may find it more beneficial to set intentions for yourself rather than intimidating goals you struggle to accomplish.
3. Have an Accountability Partner: When it comes to creating new routines, having an outside source of accountability can make all of the difference! Find someone that you can trust and rely on and ask them if they would be willing to help keep you accountable. This could mean quick daily or weekly check-ins with each other to discuss your progress and level of motivation. Having someone to cheer you an and keep you accountable can give you that extra boost to strive towards success. Some examples of accountability partners can be friends, relatives, partners, or therapists.
4. Use a Journal: Journaling is a great tool that offers many mental health benefits. When you journal, you allow yourself time to slow down and reflect. Along with tracking your progress, you can also journal about any obstacles associated with working towards your goals. Challenge yourself by writing a response question to the challenges you are facing. For example, if you are struggling to stay motivated, ask yourself where that lack of motivation is coming from. Write down any thoughts that come to the surface to explore different reasons and blockages that may be preventing you from moving forward.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness is all about consciously living in the moment. Many of us are unknowingly controlled by our subconscious minds nearly all of the time. Our subconscious mind controls our perspectives and behaviors by gravitating towards the thoughts and habits we have learned and become accustomed to. Take control of your life by living in the here and now. Staying present and making conscious choices can help you to create new habits and work towards your goals. Practicing mindfulness as consistently as possible! Pay attention to how you are feeling as you move through your day and ask yourself when to make a shift if necessary. You can incorporate mediation into your daily routine to help clear your mind and sharpen your awareness.
Self-development is a life-long process. Remind yourself that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. We should always strive for improvement and growth by setting goals for ourselves. The accomplishment that comes along with achieving our goals is a feeling like no other! Help yourself stay on track with your goals and resolutions by creating and following a plan, keeping your expectations realistic, having a partner to keep you accountable, journaling your progress and feelings, and practicing mindfulness. What have you found most challenging about keeping up with your goals thus far? Let us know in the comments below!