by This year, ask yourself an important question: How can I make meaningful New Year’s resolutions that I will actually stick to?
With these tips, you will be able to make realistic and actionable decisions next year.
1. Do what you really want to do
How many times have you promised yourself you would lose weight, save money, or eat better? Instead of making promises you want others to hear, make a decision you truly care about. Maybe a new meditation routine will be more meaningful to you than a gym membership. Maybe instead of giving up something in your life, giving back to society by volunteering for something you really care about will make you happier. Just promise them.
2. Be specific
Making a New Year’s resolution is really about setting a goal. Being very specific about what you want to do will increase your chances of success. “I’m going to lose weight” isn’t specific enough. You should say, “I’m going to lose 10 pounds from January to March.” Being specific allows you to think not only about the goal, but also about how you are going to achieve it.
3. Think big, plan small
Break your decision into small steps. Instead of planning to lose 30 pounds, plan to lose 2 pounds per week. If you want to save money in the New Year, change your daily routine to do so: bring food from home to work, share the car with friends on the way to work, or devote your free time to inexpensive hobbies and social activities. It’s easier to achieve such small goals continuously, then they will add up and turn into a bigger goal.
4. Stay on track
Remind yourself of your goals at every opportunity. Write your goal on post-it notes and hang it where you see it most often: on mirrors, on doors, inside the refrigerator. When you see your note, read it out loud and it will become your personal mantra.
5. Don’t punish yourself for setbacks
Don’t get distracted when you fail to achieve one of your small daily goals. Don’t be mad at yourself if you can’t wake up one day and miss a workout. Take advantage of the extra sleep and you’ll compensate by training harder the next morning. Reward yourself when you stick to your workout routine for a week, even if it’s something as simple as drinking coffee in the afternoon.
6. Don’t lose inspiration
Making a change in your life can be difficult, so seek ideas and advice from people who have successfully achieved similar goals. Books, movies, online forums, like-minded friends or colleagues can provide you with the motivation you need to stay inspired.
This year, set meaningful, achievable goals that will increase your happiness. To create real change in your life, stick to smaller, achievable goals throughout the year.
