How are your New Year’s resolutions going? I TRULY hope they are going well, I mean it is only January 5th. But, according to a commonly cited statistic only 8% of people actually keep their resolutions. No wonder we “repeat” our resolutions year after year. That percentage will NOT move us to the next grade! Today I wanted to share some tactics, tips, and advice on how to create a resolution (or goal) and set yourself up for success. It’s not enough to just state, “I want to lose 30lbs this year” we need to dig deeper. So, here are some steps to take
Step 1: Create SMART Goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound).
ex. I will spend less time on devices when with my kids. My SMART goal is:
“I will designate specific times during the day to check social media/email (6-8am; nap time; after 8pm) AND will only be on it during those times to do designated work (after 8pm I can mindlessly scroll). I will put a note with these times on my computer and phone and will keep devices out of reach.”
*notice my goal is an “I WILL” statement. write yours this way as well
Step 2: Add a WHY to the Goal – the why is our motivation and what will help keep us on track. My Why for the above goal is, “I want to set a good example for my children; I want to be intentionally present while I’m with them; I don’t want to miss out on these potential memories; and I find I can keep the house a little tidier when I don’t waste time on social media all day.”
Step 3: Write a Contract – Print out your SMART goals (I WILL statements) and your Why; sign it; and hang it somewhere you will see it everyday (bathroom mirror). This way you can check in daily to make sure you are on track.
Step 4: Find an Accountability Partner: You may need to find a few people to keep you accountable. First, you want someone with similar goals to work parallel to you. Second, you want a person who will be supportive, but will also be honest and let you know when you are slacking. Third, find someone to act as a mentor; someone who has accomplished the goal (can even be someone online via a blog, video, etc.). Fourth, find a community associated w/ that goal; the sense of belonging is comfortable, safe, and motivating.
Step 5: Believe in Yourself – you need to believe it’s possible for it to actually be possible. On the contract from Step 3 write motivating statements such as: “I can do this,” “I WILL do this,” “I deserve this,” “My family deserves this,” “I BELIEVE in myself.”
Step 6: Choose Goals that Fit Your Life – we all have different capabilities and realities. Just because Jane down the street; who doesn’t work or have kids, hired a trainer for 3hrs everyday, had a personal chef, and went on a weight loss retreat for a month; lost 50lbs last year that’s likely not your reality. Be practical about your goal and plan for how to accomplish it. Take small steps and build upon that.
Step 7: Create a Habit – practice your goals and stay consistent. This will soon turn the actions into a habit and will not just be something you do, but will be a part of who you are. If you slip on a goal, don’t let that be the be-all and end-all. Just jump right back into it. We ALL slip at times. It’s not a matter of how many times you slip, it’s how many times you are willing to get back up!
Step 8: Reward Yourself – while building that habit, be sure to reward yourself for every little success. This will help keep you motivated to continue with the goal until it does become habit and you no longer have to think about it. Have a goal to work out consistently? Why not treat yourself with a chocolate square after each workout (once it’s habit you won’t need the chocolate to motivate you). Or, pamper yourself after a week of great workouts (massage, hair, nails, new clothes, etc.)
So, what are your resolutions / goals this year?