There are only a couple of weeks left in 2021, and with the fast-approaching new year on the horizon, many are starting to think about what they want their 2022 new year’s resolutions to be. There are no established studies that have been documented about the importance of creating resolutions or goals. However, some surveys have been conducted to determine the benefits that many people feel when setting goals. Some of those benefits consist of the following:
- A chance to reflect on the previous year and opportunities to grow
- Serves as a catalyst in their life to make a change
- It helps in improving one’s self-esteem and empowering them to grow
Having some of these benefits in mind does not hurt when coming up with some goals; however, the challenge is sticking to those goals. This is something that various sources such as the American Psychological Association, the New York Times, and Harvard Health Publishing have discussed. Here are some suggestions in order to make the best New Year’s Resolution, and some tips that may help you when it comes to sticking with your goals throughout the duration of the year.
Make Specific Goals
Many people, are very vague as to why and how they want to go about accomplishing the goal. For example, instead of having the goal to “lose weight” or “get better grades,” first think about why this goal is important for you to accomplish. Make the goal personal to your situation as a way to create motivation.
Another element to consider is how to accomplish the goal. Many choose the SMART goal method as a way to define what the goal is and how the individual wants to go about accomplishing the goal. The term SMART is an acronym that George T. Doran developed. This acronym stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely.
An alternative to the SMART goal method is another acronym known as PACT, which stands for purposeful, actionable, continuous and trackable. These are two ways in which goals can be properly outlined on what the goal is, the reasoning behind the goal, how long the goal will last and how to accomplish the goal.
Limit the Number of Resolutions
One issue that many sources point out as a reason for why it is difficult for people to stick with their resolutions is because they create too many resolutions that it becomes overwhelming. According to Professor Richard Wiseman, a professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire University, it is important to pick one goal to put effort into when going about setting goals. The human brain makes it difficult to juggle multiple goals and change multiple behavioral patterns. These are things that take time and discipline to change, so focusing on one goal at a time increases the chances of creating new habits and achieving the goal.
Find sources of motivation and support
During the first couple of weeks of 2022, it is easy to be filled with motivation and confidence. However, as the new year progresses and reality begins to sink in, continuing to stay up on those goals becomes harder and harder. Having a strong support system can make a difference in staying highly motivated and accountable when it comes to your goals. Along with establishing a support system, it is important to find ways to remind yourself of why you want to accomplish the goal.
Enjoy these last couple of weeks of 2021 make memories with friends and family, but as C.S. Lewis once said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” So dream big dreams for 2022 and make it a year to remember!