With every New Year comes a fresh start, an unblemished calendar, and an opportunity to finally set those goals that have been on our minds for months. Yet all too often, these resolutions never come to fruition. Statistics tell us that 75% of people give up in the first month. Don’t be the majority, follow these six tips to ensure that this year you surpass your goals!
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Find Your Why
Your why is the deep-down,personal motivation behind everything you do. Discovering the reason behindyour goals is crucial if you want to be successful in achieving them. For eachof your goals, ask yourself what’s at stake. Why do you want to reach thisgoal? How will it affect your life if you are successful? Why is it importantto you? Revisit these answers whenever you need to. Your why will keepyou moving forward even when it gets hard or motivation is dwindling.
Write it Down
It’s not realuntil it’s written, and I don’t mean in a text to your friend. There’s nothingthat makes a goal more concrete than seeing it stare back at you in your ownhandwriting. So, write out your goals and keep the list in a place where you willsee them regularly like the bathroom mirror or on your nightstand. That way youcan review your progress and stay on track.
Be Real
Make sure that the goals you are setting can actuallybe accomplished. For example, saying “I will work out every single day” is probablynot achievable for most and could be more discouraging than motivating. Instead,it would be better to say, “I will work out at least three days a week for 30minutes or more each time”. The second is much more realistic, allowing you toreach and even surpass your goal while still seeing the results you want.
Accountabili-Buddies
It’s mucheasier to give up on a goal that no one knows about. Choose a few trustedfriends and share your ambitions. If they’re willing, have them keep youaccountable by regularly checking in on your progress. You can also encourage anyonewith similar goals to workout with you and make it even more fun. Finally, ifyou feel like you need to take the next step when it comes to accountability,look for a personal trainer or group fitness studio. Having a trainedprofessional in your corner can be an amazing resource and will give youexactly what you need to succeed.
Celebrate Victories
Savor the progress you’re making by rewarding yourselffor small victories. For example, stay consistent with a week of workouts and treatyourself to a nice relaxing massage for those sore muscles. There’s somethingto be said about a well-deserved reward that will help keep you motivated andremind you that your goals are important.
Setbacks Happen
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and a city isn’t nearly as complicated as thehuman body. It will take time and determination to reach the results that youwant. Setbacks might happen, but they shouldn’t keep you from pursuing yourgoal. The key is to avoid the all-or-nothing, “I already screwed up, I mightas well just stop trying” attitude. If you get off track, first try to findout why. For example, if you skip a workout because you came home after workand put on Netflix, next time workout first and then come home and enjoy yourshow in peace. Most importantly, if a mistake is made, recognize it and getback on track. One little obstacle can’t keep you from your end goal unless youlet it.
Now you’re ready to succeed. Follow these sixtips to ensure that you follow through with your resolutions and continue toreach your goals year after year.
