How often do we make resolutions at the beginning of each year and claim it as “my year” for determination, change and prosperity? If you’re one of the few that have remained loyal to your intentions for your resolutions, you go girl! If you’re like me, however, and have found the difficulties of maintaining your resolutions after a few months in to the new year, look no further than within yourself for the power to keep them up.
Resolutions don’t have to begin once the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Day. The beauty of time is that you can always begin or continue your goals at any point. This weekend, tomorrow, right now…
Here are the ways to regain control and the reasons why you won’t want to give up on your goals.
Understand why you are not where you want to be.
This happens to me all too often. Schedules can get full and hectic, and let’s be honest, finding the time to just relax and be with ourselves is sometimes difficult to acquire. Maybe you don’t have the time, the right resources, or even know how to begin what you set out to do. Identifying what is inhibiting you from doing it is a great way to resolve these issues. Adjust your schedule, seek guidance for direction, or find a family member, friend, S.O., etc. to join you to make it fun and easier!
Set clear, concise, and attainable goals.
Let’s look at the simple 5 W’s: who, what, when, where and why, and the how. Timing is not just applicable to deadlines, but it also applies to when the best time is to work on positive resolutions. Ask yourself: Who am I doing this for? What will I do to accomplish my goals? When is the best time to do this each day? Where should I work on my resolutions? Why am I doing this/Why is it important to me? How will I make this a positive habit? Whether your goals are big or small, we all begin somewhere.
Make smaller goals first and work your way up slowly!
Skipping right to getting to your goal ASAP sounds tempting right? Realistically, however, the victories come from the process. Set 2-3 goals for the day that will further your overall resolution. Spending anywhere from 15-30 minutes, or if you have more time on your hands, 1-2 hours, will make the work you put in seem less daunting and instead become an essential part of your day! Remember, doing small amounts of work when you can is more beneficial than no making progress at all, and when you’re in it for the long haul, it is worth it.
Prep for each day!
I found this to be useful for when you know you have a busy day ahead! The night before, make a list of the essential “busy” work or prep that you have to do. Finish this prep the night before so you have time in the next day to work on your goals. Gather up things you need, like workout apparel to exercise in, healthy meals you prepared, or complete simple tasks like cleaning your reusable water bottle for your resolution of drinking more water! It saves you time and energy the next day.
Remember that your resolutions are not a destination and are things that you should not give up on when you get through to the end of the year!
Lifetime aspirations begin with the patience and self-discipline to do it for yourself and not others. Be the boss that you are and show yourself what you can accomplish! What works is being reasonable and real with yourself… motivation instigates, but habit lasts!