How To Stick To Your New Year’s Resolution All Year Long

Well it’s that time of year again; time to think and reflect about how you would like to grow and better yourself in 2016. This is an exciting time of the year because motivation to change is at it’s peak. I’m reading a lot online right now on why you shouldn’t set goals and some coaches are promoting anti-resolutions. Everyone has their own view on this topic, but I personally like resolutions. It gives you some time to think about what you really want to accomplish over the course of the next 12 months. Once you’ve reflected on what you want to change this year, be sure to set up your action steps. My advice: look at the big picture of what you want to accomplish, then put together baby steps to get there. This is key to not draining your mental energy or willpower throughout the journey over the next 12 months.  

I’ve written a detailed blue print to success to change guide here, but I decided I wanted a summarized version.

1.) Discover your why. Ask yourself why you want to make this change. Why is it important to you?

2.) Become aware of where you are currently. Learn more about yourself and see where you currently stand. How are you acting now compared to where you want to be?

3.) Take action. Start with one, simplified change. Find an easy step that will help you change and work towards your goal, but won’t drain your mental energy.

4.) Be accountable & practice consistency. Notice how I didn’t say practice perfection. Being perfect only leads to a negative outcome. Be sure to realize slip ups will occur along the way, but don’t let it discourage you from trying again. Tracking your progress allows you to learn from mistakes.

5.) Simplify your process and build a habit. How do you know it’s a habit? When you don’t have to think about your goal anymore because you do it naturally.