The start of a New Year is nearly upon us which inevitably means a resolution will be made. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried and failed more than a few times already. But if you’re looking for some tips on how to achieve your goals, you’ve come to the right place.

Be specific

Think about what it is that you want to achieve. Do you want to lose weight? How much? In what time frame? Focusing on a specific goal, rather than a vague idea, is a great way to stay motivated and plan towards achieving that goal.

Be realistic

We all want to be healthier, work less and travel more. But you have to consider what is achievable within the boundaries of your life.

If you work full-time you might not have time to go to the gym every day, but you might have time to go three times a week. It may not be possible for you to immediately pack up your bags and go travel the world, but you can save up for an overseas trip at the end of the year.

Think about if you’ll actually be able to reach your goal and plan it to work around your life.

Give yourself a reason why

Having a purpose behind your resolution is a great way to stay motivated in the long run. If you’re looking to make changes in your life, think about what these changes may mean.

For example, instead of wanting to eat healthier, you want to eat healthier in order to feel better about yourself. Or you want to eat healthier to reduce the chance of developing a serious health problem.

By adding a why to your goal, you will be able to see what the long-term benefits are, and the value of sticking to your resolution.

Make it a habit

Once something becomes a habit it’s easy to stick to it. The more you think about your goal, plan it, then take part in actively achieving it, the more likely it is that you’ll succeed.

If you’re trying to go to the gym more, commit to specific times of the week when you’ll always go, rather than just when you can. If you know that every Tuesday is night gym night, you’re more likely to go. Create patterns of behavior and soon enough your Tuesday night workout will become just another night of the week.

Focus on one thing at a time

Although it can be tempting to try and change everything you don’t like about your life all at once, it may prove to be difficult. Break your goals down into steps and seek to achieve them one part at a time. This will help focus your attention on the task you have at hand and keep you motivated.

Track your progress

Keep track of what you’re doing as well as any changes you’ve seen. This will help you feel more accountable and also give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s important to look back and see the progress you’ve made!

Don’t be afraid to fail

So you’re three months in, but haven't been to the gym in a couple of weeks? That’s alright. Think back to the why behind your resolution and re-evaluate your strategy, based on your current situation, and then re‑commit. Life doesn't always go to plan, don’t be afraid to adapt.

Summary

It can be hard to stick to a goal, there are so many things in life that can change and affect your plans. Hopefully, these tips will guide you in making a resolution you’ll stick to. 

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