Making this year more successful than last
( photo by: Foxtongue. )
A new year has just begun, and people everywhere are making their new year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, most people don’t follow through. And for one simple reason. They don’t know how. It is hard to change your habits, and just because it is a new year, doesn’t mean it is any easier. So how do you ensure this year is going to be better than the last?
Setting goals within goals.
You can’t just set a goal and expect to reach it. You have to know each step, or smaller goal, within your big goals. Break down your resolutions, and start with just one simple step until that has become a habit. Once that is easy for you to keep up with, go to the next. For example, if your goal is to start going to the gym 3 times a week, start by doing 5 to 10 minutes of exercise once a day. This is a very easy goal to reach, and you just keep adding on from there.
Tell other people about your goals.
Bring this up in conversation, so others know what you are planning. Talking about it will help keep you motivated. And when people ask you later how it’s going, that will motivate you even more to keep your word.
Write it down.
Use sticky notes, or a marker board, or a notepaper stuck to your fridge. Read it every day so you don’t forget.
Forgive yourself when you mess up.
Just because you miss a day or two does not mean you failed. Just start up again tomorrow. It’s OK to mess up, it will happen. Don’t let it turn in to an excuse to just give up.
Visualize yourself after you have obtained your goals.
Literally close your eyes and imagine how you feel, and how you act after you have obtained your goals. Start feeling and acting like that every day and you will reach your goals faster.
Ask for help.
If you are having trouble sticking with it, ask a friend or family member to help. This could mean that they participate in something with you, or just hold you responsible when you slack off. Make sure it is someone that will actually hold you to it.
Force yourself to do it.
If your goal is to get in shape, sign up for a personal trainer at the gym, so you actually have an appointment you need to keep. If your diet is part of the problem, remove all bad food from your house, and don’t bring lunch money when you go to work, just bring your healthy lunch.
Have faith in yourself.
You are capable of being what you want to be. Believe in yourself and just keep trying no matter what happens.
Don’t focus on too much at once.
If you have a lot that you want to accomplish this year, pick just one thing to get started. If you try to do too many different things at once, it will be nearly impossible to do them all well and consistently. When you focus on a single thing, it is easier to become more immersed in it. After it has become a routine, start on the next.
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