As we welcome in the second week of New Year many of us have been preoccupied with reflecting on the previous year and thinking about the year ahead. The new year is typically a great chance to look at habits that no longer serve us and establish new healthy routines.
Whether you need to make changes in your personal or professional life, goal setting is the way to get started. Goals help you to stay focused, avoid distractions and be accountable.
Of course, setting new goals is much easier than actually sticking to them! Research shows that 80% of us give up on goals as early as February. Part of the problem is that we typically have unrealistic expectations of ourselves and despite our best intentions, we tend to bite off more than we can chew.
Here are our top 6 strategies to help you stick to your goals:
- Make your goals specific – Choosing a specific, achievable goal gives you the opportunity to plan exactly how you will stick to your goals
- Focus on short term goals – Starting with small goals has many advantages, from increasing your motivation, building confidence and allowing you time to adjust your plans as you go
- Plan for obstacles -By noting down any potential obstacles ahead of time, and having a plan to address these as they occur, you are more likely not to become deterred by them
- Ask for support – Having a support system in place can help you stay accountable and motivated
- Be Flexible – Monitor how your goals are working, tweak them where necessary or make new ones if they’re not working as you expected
- Be patient – It may take longer that you think to achieve your goals, but remember that working towards your goal is part of the process, be kind to yourself and celebrate wins no matter how small they are
The bottom line is that you don’t need a ball drop or the tune of Auld Lang Syne to signal a fresh start—you can recommit to your resolutions at any time. In fact, June 1st is unofficially known by many as “New Year’s Resolution Recommitment Day,” giving you the perfect opportunity to take stock of where you are with your resolutions and hit reset if necessary.
