The New Year can often inspire people to embark on new goals, so it’s unsurprising that many choose to set resolutions at the beginning of the year.
With the first month of 2019 completed, how many of us have stuck to our objectives?The answer could be very few. It’s been reported that most people will have abandoned them by the second week of January.
4 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolution
If you’ve managed to last this far, then here are four tips to help you to continue to reach your targets.
1) Keep a Checklist
A checklist can be the ideal tool for goal completion — especially a New Year’s resolution. But don’t worry, you don’t have to follow a list on a notepad.
Write your plan on a mind map, carry it on post-it notes, or even save it as an infographic on your phone. Whichever method you choose, select the one that works best for you.
If you do, you’ll be more likely to achieve your goals.
2) Set Sub-Goals
Break up each resolution into manageable tasks, and you could be more likely to complete the overall project. In doing this, you can avoid the risk of being overwhelmed by the full task.
Produce a series of sub-goals for each month, fortnight, or week — whichever structure suits you best. That way, you could notice visible results quicker.
Business leaders suggest unpacking each objective into three to four separate tasks. Apparently, this can heighten the likelihood of you reaching it.
3) Reward Yourself Regularly
After completing each sub-goal, why not reward yourself? You’ve made it this far – you deserve it! Besides, you’re more likely to progress in your aim with positive reinforcement.
Even better, you can do this for free! If you love reading, why not dedicate an afternoon to relaxing with a book? Or you could simply enjoy an evening in front of the television, stress-free? What’s better than costless entertainment?
It’s easy to treat yourself, stick to your goals, and secure your finances, all at the same time.
Whatever activity you choose, a bit of self-reward could enable you to sustain your New Year’s resolutions.
4) Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
If you revert to old habits, don’t worry. It can be difficult to adapt to any life change.
So, if you do slip up, try not to berate yourself. Self-criticism will only make you feel worse.
And when we feel low, we’re more likely to seek a quick pick-me-up. This can produce issues if your traditional mood boost comes from a practice you’re trying to give up.
What’s the solution to this? Greet every action with positivity, including those related to your resolution.
Should you fail to master a sub-goal, forgive yourself and begin it again. Few things can be better for keeping a resolution than support – especially when it comes from yourself.
Keeping a New Year’s resolution should be an uplifting process. With these tips, you can complete your aims and have fun. What’s to stop you from making 2019 a year for personal development?
