Your Guide To Create Achievable New Years Resolutions

At the start of every year, the majority of us seem to find ourselves wondering how to keep the New Year’s resolutions we’ve set for ourselves. And if we are all honest with ourselves, sometimes it almost seems like resolutions are just supposed to be broken. However, resolutions are actually a wonderful and productive way of setting goals, making positive changes and ditching bad habits. Change can be hard… which is why we are here to guide you in creating achievable New Years resolutions. 

Make Smaller, Achievable Resolutions 

If you create a resolution that is too big, you immediately set yourself up for failure. The first key in success is zeroing in on one goal, not three. So let’s do a quick reality check. Consider your resolution and then consider the level of commitment needed to achieve it and if you can match it. 

Get Specific With Your Goals 

Your New Years resolution may be to save some money, which is an awesome goal. But how are you going to do that? How much are you intending on saving? If you don’t have definable parameters, reaching your New Years resolution becomes vastly more difficult. Instead, be more detailed and say “I am going to save $25 a week by setting up a direct transfer done automatically, the day I get paid”

Anticipate the Problems 

There is a relatively high chance that you are going to encounter some problems reaching your resolution therefore, make a list of what they’ll be. Once you have identified these problems, think of solutions so that when they do pop up, you aren’t completely blindsided.  

Pick a Start Date 

Where most people get confused… you do not have to start making changes straight away, on New Year’s Day. For some people, it is easy to start in February once the kids go back to school. For others it’s after summer and for some it’s just once their hangover from the New Years celebrations has subsided (me… I am the some). 

Just Go For It 

Once your start date arrives, give it 100%! Various psychologists recommend have a commitment card that you keep on you to keep you motivated. Although the card doesn’t have to physically be on you all day. It can be in your purse, in your bathroom, on your bedside or in your car. Some examples of what to write on a commitment card include: 

“I enjoy a clean, smoke-free like” 

I am committed to saving money to go on my dream holiday” 

“I stay calm and in control even under times of stress” 

“Family is more important than work and it’s important to spend more time with them” 

“I am excited to learn how to roller-skate” 

Accept Failure 

If you do fail or slip up by sneaking a cigarette, cheating on the diet, missing a gym session or shouting at the kids in the morning (which is likely… I am sorry but we are humans, we are imperfect), don’t hate yourself for it. We need to remember that we are trying to break a habit we have become accustomed to, which is difficult so give yourself credit where credit is due. A helpful tip here is to become more aware of your triggers and ways to avoid them.

Want more? Check out 10 Tips to Avoid Weight Gain During the Holidays