The new year often feels like a fresh start and a great opportunity to change bad habits and establish new routines that will help you grow psychologically, emotionally, socially, physically, or intellectually. New Year’s resolutions can vary greatly, but they are all about achieving something that will have a positive impact in your life. Whatever your goals may be, the important thing is that you’re on the right path to achieving them. Read through these tips to help you stick with the resolutions you’ve set for 2023 and beyond. XO Nina
1. Start with small goals
You may be feeling motivated and excited about your goal, but don’t let your ambition lead you to unattainable levels. If you want to try a new activity, don’t commit yourself to 5 times a week – start slowly and consistently so that your body gets used to it, and build from there. Giving yourself the ability to meet your goal in small steps can help you avoid discouragement along the way.
2. Choose a specific goal that is measurable
For your goal to be attainable, it’s important that you make it specific and measurable. For example, if you want to exercise more, set the amount of time you want this to be: 30 minutes a day, 4 times a week; or if you want to lose weight, make sure to establish what that healthy weight figure is so that you can work to achieve it. By assigning a measurement, you are specifying what goal success will look like.
3. Be realistic and limit your resolutions
Taking on too much all at once can be daunting. It can be particularly difficult because establishing new behavioral patterns takes time and sustained effort. Focusing on one specific goal makes keeping a resolution much more achievable. Set your goals according to your lifestyle and with what you will be able to achieve, otherwise you might lose your motivation. Be honest with yourself and be sure to consider the resources and time you have available to help you meet your goals.
4. Make a plan
Don’t wait until the last minute to choose your goal. Picking wisely and putting in extensive planning are essential parts of achieving any goal. Experts suggest that you brainstorm how you will tackle a major behavioral change, including the steps you will take, why you want to do it, and ways you can keep yourself on track. If you start working toward a goal without any type of plan in place, you may quickly find yourself giving up when faced with any sort of obstacle, setback, or resistance.
5. Remember that change is a process
It can be difficult to make changes in your life, but focusing on the negative side will only discourage you. Those unhealthy or undesired habits that you are trying to change probably took years to develop, so how can you expect to change them in just a matter of days, weeks, or even months? Be patient with yourself. Understand that working toward your resolution is a process. Even if you make a misstep or two, you can get back on track and continue your journey towards achieving any goal you set for yourself.
