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New Year, new me. Ha! That’s what everyone says, and then they fail. It doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s how to keep your New Year’s resolution the painless way.
Be realistic
Don’t choose something so outrageous that it is almost unattainable. Becuase when you fall short, you’ll only become discouraged. Pick something you know for sure you can be accomplished and/or obtained.
Keep it simple
Don’t make your resolution so complex that it becomes daunting. Again this will only lead to discouragement. Often we make multiple resolutions for the New Year. Try choosing just one.
Make a roadmap
Begin by writing down your goal then underneath, break down the mini-steps it will take to reach this goal. The smaller the steps the better.
For example, if it’s weight loss, write down how many times a week you need to workout, what you’re going to eat, etc. The more detailed you make this thing, the higher your likelihood of success.
Anticipate the hurdles
You know there are going to be problems on your road to resolution – write them down. If you face the issues before they manifest and create solutions, when they actually arrive, they will be thwarted with ease.
Record your history
Keep a notepad and document your journey – both the failures and the successes. Each day write down what you did to get close to your goal and what you could have done better. This record will be motivational and keep you on track.
Involve friends
“If you want to go somewhere fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. A lonely journey is a difficult journey. Find a friend who has similar or identical goals. When one falls the other should be there to lift the other.
The Department of Kinesiology at Indiana University found that couples who went to the gym together had only a 6.3% dropout rate.
Celebrate milestones
Create little milestones along the way to your goal. If it’s a journey to lose 20 lbs., then set your milestones in 5 lb increments. These minor successes will feel rewarding and motivate you to push on. Find a healthy way to celebrate these.
Commit to your subconscious
Writing down your goals helps to commit your intentions to your subconscious but we must EMBED them. Turn your goals into mantras and say them over and over again in your mind and out loud. Just like a product commercial with a catchy jingle this mantra will become a part of your autonomous pysche.
Don’t wait until New Year’s
Here’s the major gem – Don’t wait until the New Year to start. Begin your journey right now. At the very least begin your journey mentally, so when the physical aspect is needed, you’re already prepared.
“Procrastination tells your subconscious mind that what you have planned is not important.” – Ali Shakur
One Response
Great post. I’ll take these steps to work towards my goals. Thanks!
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