Ten tips to have successful New Year’s resolutions
Editor’s note: Special thanks to Shirley Chimes, WFWP Southwest Regional Director, for recommending this article, and to the author for giving us permission to republish it.
A new year is a time for new beginnings and setting goals to guide you for the next twelve months. Oftentimes making the resolutions is easy, but the real challenge is sticking to them and achieving them.
Here are 10 tips to help you be successful in accomplishing your 2021 New Year’s resolutions.
Write them down. Putting pen to paper is a great way to clarify what it is you want to accomplish. You can use a journal or just write a sentence on an index card that you tape to your mirror.
Manage expectations. It’s okay to break a resolution in the first week; you just have to be willing to get back on the horse. For many, January just isn’t the right time. Start fresh in March, or June.
Get a friend to do them with you. Everyone knows it’s easier to do things with a partner — grab a friend or family member and work on your resolutions together.
Revisit them. You’re going to have to review and revise your goals as you go throughout the year.
Be smart. Rather than just tossing out a non-specific resolution, set a SMART goal. These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. If your goals have measurable and specific ends, you’ll meet them more easily.
Try to replace bad habits with good ones. Framing your resolutions positively will make you more likely to want to meet them!
Make them public. Tell people what you’re up to and you’ll be more likely to stick to your goals.
Follow a schedule. If you plan to exercise more, for instance, build no less than three workouts into your calendar at a time when you know you’ll be able to actually do it.
Create a vision board. It might sound hokey, but having a visual representation of your goals can really help! Cut out images and phrases from magazines, write out your favorite inspiring quote, and grab some photos. Place them all on a poster or corkboard and keep them in plain view.
Celebrate! The joy in making New Year’s resolutions is in the journey. Accept that this will be an ongoing process and celebrate yourself and your unique experiences.
And if you don’t quite get there, there’s always 2022!