When the clock strikes 12:00 and the calendar year ends, we all want to change the course of our lives completely. Whether it’s to work out more, eat healthier, avoid social media or even perform better academically, it can be beneficial to consider the abrupt transition you are about to encounter.
“Just give it a couple weeks” is one of the most frequently used phrases when people begin to exercise their New Year’s resolutions, but why should it only last “a couple weeks”?
In this article, I have compiled a list of some of the most effective methods you can adopt when committing to your New Year’s resolutions.
1. Be specific with your goals
When it comes to deciding where you want to improve your lifestyle, it’s important to remain strategic and remember that it’s easier to work with a step-by-step approach. For example, you might have created a list of seven goals, but many experts actually recommend adhering to one or two, as it’s not sustainable to set too many goals. By picking up only certain goals, it can help retain focus and declutter your mind from any altering goals you may have set in place.
2. Stick to a plan
While it can feel easy to simply eliminate or add things to your routine, it can easily become messy and even stressful when you only have a general idea of what you need to accomplish. Rather than simply addressing the resolution, build a clearly formatted plan with a simple, yet effective, end goal that can be maintained and achieved by a specific time. When you consider implementing a plan into your resolution strategy, you will find it much easier to stay organized and consistent in the future.
3. Create a habit
Although habits take time to develop, committing to a designated time frame creates all the difference. Usually habits can take 2 weeks to a year to fully develop; however, showing up at the same time 2 days a week can gradually increase your attendance to the habit. For example, when commiting to the gym, showing up after school or work for an hour and moving your body at the same time for more than 2 days a week can implement a good habit. While it might seem difficult, little additions and grit will make for the best year and best you.
4. Do your goals with a buddy
A person who would hold you accountable for your goals will add to your determination for the end result. Create goals with a close friend or family member who is interested in the same goals as you are, and designate days to complete those goals. While both are striving for the same end result, each person will contribute to the habit and consistency of the plan. While having another person who’s going through the same journey as you, it will give the feeling of not being alone and the determination to complete those goals.
While everyone is in the midst of either creating a habit or struggling to stick with a goal, creating specific goals, sticking to a plan, creating a habit and having a goal buddy will help anyone create and adhere to a goal. I hope by the end of this year many will have a few goals they have set and stuck with throughout the year. 2025 will be a year of self improvement and determination. Good luck and keep going.
