5 Simple Tricks to Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions

Introduction

As January arrives, many of us make New Year’s resolutions to improve our lifestyles. These resolutions generally fall into several categories: weight loss, finance, career, personal development, health and diet, fitness, stress management, and personal relationships. However, after six months, most people will have forgotten all about their resolutions and failed to follow through on them.

5 Simple Tricks to Stick to your New Year’s Resolutions

Are you tired of making New Year’s resolutions and being unable to stick to them? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! The good news is that I have fantastic tips and tricks to help you carry out your resolutions like a pro. So, keep reading!

Define your Motivation

There are two main types of motivation. The first type is intrinsic motivation, which comes from within a person. It means that individuals are motivated to engage in certain activities because they enjoy them or find them personally fulfilling. For instance, someone might prefer jogging, going to the gym, or shopping alone because they like how they feel afterward.

The second type of motivation is extrinsic motivation. External factors, such as rewards or social pressure, drive this kind of motivation. For example, someone might prefer working out with their friends or work harder when there’s a reward system in place.

Once you identify which type of motivation suits you better, you can put yourself in situations that excite you to accomplish even more. By understanding your motivation type, you can take steps to ensure that you are always motivated and energized to pursue your goals.

Actions speak louder than results.

Setting a goal for the New Year can be difficult, but the real challenge lies in achieving that goal. The key is to break down each step into smaller goals. It makes them more manageable and lets you focus on each goal individually. Celebrating your achievements is essential; positive reinforcement can help guide you toward your ultimate goal. So, reward yourself each time you accomplish a smaller goal, and be proud of your achievements!

One way to keep everything in check is to make sure your goals are SMART, which means:

• Specific. Having a specific result prevents you from making excuses.
• Measurable. Evaluating your progress will give your motivation a boost.
• Achievable. You can set daily goals as a building block for bigger goals.
• Relevant. Otherwise, if it’s not relevant, why bother?
• Time-bound. Goals need to have a defined end date.

Be honest with yourself.

Keeping New Year’s resolutions realistic is vital to ensuring that you see them through. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, it is best to start small. Rather than planning a 5-day workout week, begin with just 20 minutes a day and gradually increase it over time.

Starting with smaller goals will help you see what you have accomplished and motivate you to do more. Therefore, you must avoid the “all-or-nothing” approach. Even if it is a small piece of what you originally planned, doing something is much better than doing nothing at all.

Additionally, it is equally important not to have too many resolutions up in the air at once. Make a list, prioritize them, and work on them one by one. Focus on one goal at a time, channel your energy and efforts there, and you can reach your targets faster.

Think things through

When working towards your goals, having a positive mindset is essential. However, it’s also important to anticipate and prepare for obstacles that may come your way. If you tend to get bored when exercising, you can choose to listen to upbeat music to keep you motivated. Alternatively, you can work out at home while catching up on your favorite TV shows. If your motivation comes from external sources, you can go to the gym with a friend. The key is to address any potential roadblocks before they become too challenging to overcome, allowing you to push through any obstacle that may hinder achieving your goals.

Be accountable for your actions.

One way to hold yourself accountable for your choices is to enlist a friend’s help or join a support group. Committing to someone makes you more likely to follow through with your plans. If learning to cook is your goal, you can also use social media to share progress updates, such as sending a photo of your home-cooked meal. Additionally, keeping a calendar with progress notes can help you keep track of your goals and how far you’ve come. While it may be easy to be accountable when there is a deadline or a boss involved, holding yourself accountable when you’re alone and making choices for yourself can be more challenging. However, by using these tips, you can stay on track and make choices that align with your goals and values.

Conclusion

Making and sticking to a New Year’s resolution may seem daunting initially. But, with these five simple steps, you can achieve anything you want. Additionally, once you accomplish your first resolution, you’ll realize that it brings benefits and a sense of enjoyment to your life.