10 Tips for New Year’s Resolution Success
According to a recent survey by Finder, an estimated 55 percent of Americans believe they can achieve their New Year’s resolutions. They will learn something new, lose some weight, advance their careers, or otherwise improve their lives.
We want to make sure that our community of Indianola is part of the 55 percent aiming high in 2022, so we’re offering these 10 ways to support yourself in setting and reaching attainable goals for the new year.
1. Be realistic
Better health is a common goal for people who vow to “lose weight” or “work out more.” While those are both great, it is probably not realistic to say you’ll never eat ice cream again or that you’re going to work out every single day.
2. Give it some thought
Deciding on your resolution in advance of New Year’s Eve gives you some time to consider whether your goal actually has substance and is something you’ll commit to. It’s the time to think about why you’re setting your goal, and how success will have a positive effect in your life.
3. Weigh the pros and cons
Typically, achieving a goal requires sacrifice, so make a list of pros and cons. Is it okay to miss out on a yummy looking dessert or give up sleep time so you can wake up earlier to workout? Keeping a hard copy of the “pros” of staying focused can help you stay motivated.
4. Talk about it
Tell friends and family you trust about your goals. They can be a support system to help keep you accountable as well as help to keep you motivated. Be careful not to sabotage yourself by including people likely to be critical of you when you’re feeling weak.
5. Make a game plan
Be specific with yourself about how you’re going to achieve your goal. What actions will you take? What accommodations will need to be made in your life? What does success look like?
6. Track your progress
Set mini-goals along the way and log every success. Short term goals feel easier to achieve, and checking those goals off a list will help keep you motivated throughout your push for your bigger goal. All you need is a pad and pencil, but if your taste runs to technology, there are great apps available to help you keep track of your progress.
7. Don’t beat yourself up
It’s so easy to get down on yourself after a slip-up or back slide, thinking that it’s hopeless to keep trying. Everybody knows the phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” and it’s true! Focus on doing what you can to improve yourself every day. Soon you’ll look back and be amazed at how far you’ve come.
8. Stick to the plan
Experts say it takes about three weeks for a new activity to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Keep chipping away, progress is slow but inevitable.
9. BUT Stay flexible
If you have totally run out of steam come February or March, it’s okay to change the scope of your goal. Commit to the next 24 hours, then the next 24, then another, until it feels easier to stay on track again.
10. Reward yourself
Moderation is the key here, and good choices. Try to plan your splurges in advance. Chores done, TV time! Having a plan to watch just two episodes of your favorite show is more likely to actually limit your screen time than if you just flip on the screen and go. If you’re breaking an addiction like smoking, you’ll need to find non-chemical ways to reward yourself for your progress.
