8 Tips For Making (And Keeping) Your New Year Resolutions

Each New Year offers a fresh start. We make plans for ourselves, and promise that we will actually follow through this year. Then, life gets in the way. Things don’t go as planned. We get discouraged, and eventually vow to do better next year. We’ve all said it…but this year really WILL be different if you follow these eight tips for making (and keeping) your resolutions:

Make Reasonable Goals: Creating goals that are attainable is the first step in reaching your goals.  There are probably many things you feel you should accomplish this year, and choosing the right ones will put you on the path to success.  Instead of making your list full of “I shoulds”- create a list of things you truly want this year. You will be more likely to succeed in accomplishing these desires.

Time to make that list:  With the previous tip in mind, start compiling your list of what you want to accomplish this year.  Write your goals on a piece of paper and post it to your refrigerator for easy reference.  Remember… don’t overextend yourself. While there may be ten things you want to accomplish this year, start with a short and reasonable list.

Remember “why”: As you are creating your list of goals, write down what benefit you will enjoy as each goal is accomplished.  When things get tough along the way, these end results will motivate you to keep going.

Tell your friends: Accountability will be a key factor in your success. Tell your friends and family about your goals. Ask a few of them to check in for a progress report periodically to see how you are doing with your list.  And be honest. Tell them the truth when they ask. If you haven’t been on track as planned, this is a great opportunity to reevaluate and make a new plan of action to reach your goals. Trial and error is a normal part of this process. The first plan you make may not work out as you hoped, which gives you an opportunity to find the right path for your best success.

Baby steps: Begin your process with baby steps. Maybe your goal is to lose 20 pounds. Instead of changing your diet completely overnight, decide to add one healthy food per week.  Each small (but obtainable) step will help you ease into reaching your goals and will successfully begin new habits. Change is a process, not a race. Pace yourself for success.

Don’t be so hard on yourself: if a plan of action doesn’t seem to be working out as planned – don’t fret. Ask yourself why your goal route isn’t working, and see where the holes lie in your course of action.  It could be as simple as re-planning your goal to fit your schedule better. Allow yourself some wiggle room to figure out what works best for you.

Think positively:  Keeping a positive mindset each day is powerful.  Positive affirmations are a great way to begin your day. Write down some of your favorite affirmations on sticky notes and post them on your bathroom mirror. Say them aloud to yourself each morning as you begin each new day.

Consider a Health Coach: Having your friends and family hold you accountable is helpful, but having a personal Health Coach to assist you along your journey is priceless.  Health Coaches are trained to support you in reaching your goals and attaining an optimal level of health and happiness while providing encouragement and accountability.

Setting realistic goals and making small changes with consistency, support and patience is essential for your success. Best wishes for a fantastic year!

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