At the start of every New Year, the first thing on our list is to make a new list.Goal setting seems to be of the most importance starting in January. We will take the time to fill the list with plans, goals, something I will do, and things I won’t do. It will be exhaustive and exhausting.
Let’s face it, we start with great intentions, but by week one, things will already begin falling from the list. Not because we want them to, but because life keeps going, and things keep happening that need our attention. Before we know it, we can’t even find our list of resolutions, let alone follow them.
I am not trying to be a “Debbie Downer,” but half the battle to succeeding is realizing where we are failing and making concessions to overcome those areas. Read on to find out how to stick to and keep your resolutions all year long!
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Be Clear About Your Resolutions
Please don’t make them fuzzy! Spell out a plan of precisely what you want and how you will get there. Be laser-focused, and drill down on exactly what you want. Use descriptive words to help remind you later, as achieving the goal gets harder, how passionate you were when you first set it. Being clear about your goals is essential. It is like hitting a target. If you know exactly what you are aiming for, you will know when you hit it. Goal setting needs to be specific.
*Fuzzy Example- I want to lose weight
*Clear example- I will lose 80 lbs. by Oct 20
Have a Reason why what you want is crucial to you
*Fuzzy example- My husband likes thin women, and I will lose weight so that he finds me more attractive.
*Clear Example- My back hurts, I can no longer do things I enjoy, & my weight is hurting my esteem and how I view myself.
Fuzzy goals will not help you. You will not be able to stick to them long-term because your “why” is not strong enough. You must be able to feel your “why.” It must have a significant enough impact on you emotionally that it will push you to strive forward when things get tough and you want to quit. Below are some examples of “whys” that will drive you. These may not be close to yours, but you get the idea. It may take a little bit to develop yours, and that’s okay. You will know when you get the right one because it will motivate you.Goal setting needs to have a clear reason “why.”
Don’t get Resolution ADHD
Keep yourself laser-focused and prevent distractions from sabotaging progress. If you have children, most of you will remember that famous fish in the movie “Finding Nemo.” Dory would run in one direction, then another, only to be distracted by something else along the way. It was funny in the movie but not so funny in real life.
I have a great friend who laughingly calls me Dory sometimes, and I hate to admit it, but he is probably right. When I get super busy and have a ton of stuff going on, I will start on one thing, then the phone rings, and I will have to take care of that, only to be distracted by something else. When this starts, it continues throughout the day, and at the end of the day, I end up with a bunch of loose ends. I will be exhausted from running back and forth from one thing to the next and never genuinely finishing anything. Don’t do this with your goal setting. Keep your eye on the prize and stay focused.
Be on the lookout for progress
It doesn’t sound very reasonable, but many people set goals without any real expectation of ever seeing them come to fruition. They are surprised when progress happens. Take your time. Don’t be surprised; expect it! What you expect you get!
Recognize & Praise Progress
Even small steps get us closer to our goals! Think of how excited you were when your baby took their first step; now get that excited about you and your actions!
Remember, progress takes time
Rome wasn’t built in a day. One cupcake didn’t add the extra 60 lbs. you are carrying. It took time to get there, and it will take time to undo it. Whatever your goal, whether health-related, job-related, family related, etc., it will take time. Be patient.
Get excited!
You know how you cheer for your favorite football team; cheer for yourself that same way. Even when your team fails to make a touchdown, you still cheer for them and want them to win. You don’t get angry and change teams. Why would you do that to yourself? Start rooting for yourself!
Burn the boats
it sounds like a funny thing to say when we are talking about resolutions, but it is a significant statement. Let’s face it; we are talking about your life here. It is that important. You must develop the attitude that you can and will keep your resolutions and improve your life. Do not give yourself a free pass to go back!
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