Are you someone who loves to start off the new year with a goal in mind? Maybe now that the holidays are over you have time to finally focus on yourself and make some of those changes you didn’t get around to last year. While New Year’s Resolutions are very common, many people struggle to stick to the changes they’re implementing long-term. Whether you’re starting off the new year with your health in mind, finally ready to tackle long-awaited projects, beginning a new workout routine, eating a healthier diet, or saving money, it all can be a great place to start. Sticking to it long-term, though, can be really challenging. Let’s talk about some simple ways to stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and feel more accomplished in 2023.
- Set realistic goals: It’s essential that you set goals that are obtainable and realistic to the time and energy you have to give to them. Starting small may be the way to go. Instead of setting a goal to exercise 5 days a week when you’re not doing any right now, maybe set your goal smaller, such as 2 days a week.
- Don’t look for a quick fix: If your resolution is to address a challenge you have been facing for months, maybe even years, a quick fix is not going to work as well as small, sustainable changes. We have to do the work consistently in order to get results over time, which means we are not going to have it all “fixed” by the time spring rolls around. However, each day adds up to the change you will one day see.
- Be consistent: Reaching a goal has a lot to do with consistency. You have to show up every day, even when you don’t want to. It will always be easier to skip the gym, yell when you’re angry instead of practicing good communication skills, and give up when your schedule is thrown off. That doesn’t define your ability to reach your goals though. Practicing consistency and doing the thing regardless of what else is going on is essential.
- Prioritize: If you want to reach a goal or make sustainable change, your priorities have to support the change you’re seeking. That may mean saying “no” when you need to in order to stick to your goal. It could also look like changing your schedule, getting up earlier, and asking for help with the kids so you can go to that yoga class. If you’re not willing to prioritize yourself, your goals will always be harder to reach.
- Ask for help: Sometimes the change we’re seeking requires more help than we can do on our own. If your goal is more likely to be achieved by receiving help, it’s worth asking for. That could look like seeking out social and family support, talking to a counselor, and going to therapy. More support can actually help create lasting changes we want to see.
- Be compassionate: You are going to have days where it’s hard to stay motivated to do that activity that helps you get closer to the change you’re seeking. It’s important you’re compassionate with yourself. Encourage, uplift, and cheer yourself on. If you have a day where you don’t reach your goal or find it challenging to stick to your resolution, give yourself grace and try again tomorrow. Nothing is easy when we’re beating ourselves up every step of the way.
No matter what your New Year’s Resolution is, you can stick to it if you follow these steps. If you find yourself needing more support sticking to your goals or you feel there are roadblocks causing you to struggle to be consistent, reach out today. Let’s talk about how we can support you in getting the change you’re seeking in your life.
