With each new year comes new resolutions. Promises we often make to ourselves and fail to keep. But why? Lack of time? Lack of ambition? Fear of failure? Sure, we all mean well when it comes to making plans to get into shape, stop smoking or cut down on our caffeine intake but why is it that most people do not see those plans through for more than a few months? The truth is all of the above. Life often gets in the way. Here are a few tips to make resolutions that you can stick with and carry out each year.
1.) Make a plan and set attainable goals- In order to be successful, one must make a plan (and stick to it!) Baby steps are key to achieving goals that may seem out of reach. It's easier to chew off a little piece at a time rather than stuff your face all at once. So, if your resolution is to lose weight, set small weight loss goals for each week or month of the year. You'll find that it is gratifying to hit each periodic goal, which will push you to continue. In the end you'll be proud of the collective result.
2.) Remember why you chose this resolution- You didn't choose to give up smoking for no reason! You decided that your health is important and giving up this expensive habit can not only put some cash back in your pocket, but it can possibly put some years back on your life. Continue to remind yourself of the reasons why you chose these goals.
3.) Remain in control- Losing control is easy and it's what we do best when it comes to new years resolutions. Remind yourself of other goals that you have accomplished and the sensational feeling that you got when you reached them. Stay focused on the end goal and the impact it will have on your lifestyle. Stay clear of anything that will steer you away from your path to success. In fact, if your resolution is to decrease your sugar intake, google the horrible effects of sugar. I'm sure what you find will give you plenty of reasons to stick with your goals. Hey, whatever works!
4.) Ask for support- It's easy to lose sight of your goals with temptation all around. Especially in a day in age when Alexa can read your naughty mind. So when trying to cut down on caffeine ask for support from your friends, family members and co-workers. Share your goals and let them know that you'd prefer that they'd offer you a decaf tea rather than a coffee or a Diet Coke. Who knows, maybe they'll even join you on your journey and you can do steps 1 through 4 as a team!
5. There's probably an app for that!- It's 2019 people! There is most likely an app that can help you to stay on track with your resolution. Need something to help you count those calories? Check out MyFitnessPal. Want to stop smoking? Try Smoke Free, an app that not only keeps track of how many days you have been smoke free but how many cigarettes you have not smoked, how much money you have saved and so much more! Need assistance with budgeting your money? Download Wally, an app that helps you balance your income and expenses.
Sticking to our goals is a goal all in itself. When you cut out the background noise and block the temptation, it is much easier to focus on your plan. Remember this is for YOU! Helping yourself gives you the power to help others. And that's a resolution we could all use!
Check out some more goal-assisting apps:
Bill tracker: Mint
Time management/reminder: Remember the Milk
Job search: Indeed Job Search
Couponing: Retail Me Not
Exercise: Sworkit Workouts & Plans, Yoga Wake Up
Happy New Year!
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