A new year a new you, right? Well maybe. Setting New Year’s resolutions can be a tricky task. Set the goals too small – sell yourself short. Set your goals too big – set yourself up for failure. So how do set yourself up for success in 2018? Follow these five easy tips.
- Make it fun
Whether it is exercise, diet, or something else – make it fun! Here’s one example: cooking and eating healthier. I often hear complaints about cooking being a burden, it’s too time-consuming, or it takes time away from friends and family. Solution: Make it a social event. Preparing a meal, cooking a meal, and eating together can be incredibly fun and very fulfilling. Don’t know how to cook? Don’t worry. That can be a part of the learning and bonding process with friends, your partner, or your kids.
- Don’t compare yourself to others
Sure, others can help you set your New Year’s resolutions and their ideas can inspire you, but don’t compare yourself to others. You will never be them. You are you. Embrace that. Recognize your potential and what you’re capable of. This is the most empowering advice. If you can accept who are you and be comfortable with yourself, you’ll be far more likely to succeed!
- Find a way to stay accountable
You’ll never succeed if you can’t stay accountable and consistent. Here’s an example that works for me. When it comes to exercise, if I spend the money on healthier food options and supplements, I am MUCH more likely to follow through with exercising. I don’t want to waste the money. It’s a simple, little trick I play on myself. If I invest money in the process, then I force myself to follow through and invest the time in the process as well!
- Stay positive
If it’s a good New Year’s resolution you will encounter adversity. If it was an easy change you would have already made it. Remember that during the hard times you will most certainly encounter. Stay focused on the bigger picture and strive to stay positive! A positive attitude will enable you to endure the hard times and work through the challenges you don’t think are possible.
- Find support
Whether it is support from friends, a spouse, family, or an online community – you will be far more likely to succeed if you have support! Maybe you can do it yourself, but as one of my favorite quotes goes, “if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together!” So maybe it’s possible to meet your goals all on your own, but why not make it easier on yourself if you can?
These five tips will definitely help you stay on the track for success, but remember, New Year’s resolutions are intended to get you outside of your comfort zone. They’re intended to push you beyond your limits. They’re intended to help you become a better person. So, set goals, work hard, stay positive, and don’t give up until you succeed!
