The New Year can be a great time to start fresh. If 2011 is already blocked out of your mind, you can look forward to a fresh slate in 2012. If 2011 was your best year yet, you can find ways to make 2012 even better.
On Jan. 1, think about what happened in 2011. What would like to stay the same in 2012? What would you would like to happen differently. Also, consider making new goals for personal achievements, such as saving “x” amount of dollars, moving out of your parents house, buying a new car, kicking a bad habit or getting better grades. Now, it’s time to set some resolutions! Making New Year’s resolutions is really just a hefty way of saying setting goals. The setting is not the hard part. It’s the keeping that gets us! Here are a few tips to help you make and keep your resolutions this year.
1. Make your goals specific. Include dates and times. By giving yourself a deadline, you can think of your goal like an assignment or task that needs to be done.
2. Your goals should be realistic. Don’t set yourself up for failure by saying you want to save more money than you’re capable of saving. Instead, be reasonable, and think about what you can comfortably achieve each week or month.
3. Be specific. Goals such as I want to save money are vague. You need to specify an exact monetary amount you intend to reach. That way, you have an aim and are more likely to focus on it.
3. Write it down. Once something is in writing, it will stick better in your mind, and you’ll have something to look at for a reminder. Also, having your goals in writing can help you be more accountable.
4. Tell your friends. If other people know what you want to accomplish, it will be easier for them to help keep you on track, foster your goal, and even give you advice or help you achieve it.
5. Post a picture. Your mirror, binder or computer background is a great spot for a photo of the ideal end result of your goal. A positive image in a place you’ll see often is a great reminder of what you need to do each day to achieve your goal and what the end result can look like.
As Jan. 1 approaches, think about what you can accomplish in 2012. Careful planning and consideration can help you achieve your wildest goals!