Posted by It’s the time of year that we’re all reminding ourselves to write or say “2024” instead of “2023” on checks or in conversations. It’s also the time of year for setting New Year’s resolutions. (And by the way, January is not the only time of year when you could set an important goal.) If you’ve never had much luck with setting and keeping goals, we thought it might be helpful to share some ideas you can use to be successful this year. Most people have that one thing they’ve been meaning to accomplish for YEARS. maybe 2024 is your time. So here’s how to get there.
The Power of Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions hold a unique power – they are a commitment to positive change and personal growth. Whether it’s adopting healthier habits, pursuing a new skill, or improving relationships, resolutions offer a path to becoming the best version of ourselves. But that is a 20,000 foot conversation. Let’s get into the nitty gritty.
Choosing the Right Resolutions
The key to successful resolutions lies in choosing realistic goals. Take some time to think about something you really, really want to improve. Whether it’s physical or mental health (working out or having more balance in your day-to-day), advancing in your career (often through education), or personal relationships… It’s important to identify specific and achievable objectives that will get you to your goal.
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
You’ve probably heard of the S.M.A.R.T. method of setting goals. S.M.A.R.T. stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It might feel a little too corporate or actually be a groaner if you’ve been beaten over the head with the S.M.A.R.T. method in the past, but it really does work.
Break down your big goal into smaller, manageable tasks that you can track over time. For instance, instead of a generic goal like “exercise more,” aim for “30 minutes of brisk walking five times a week” or “try a new healthy recipe every week.”
Create a Plan
Once you’ve identified your resolution(s), create a detailed plan outlining the steps required to achieve them using the S.M.A.R.T. method. (Actionable tasks with realistic timelines.) Coming up with a structured plan is an important part of the process. Why? Because it makes you visualize how you are going to get there. This is incredibly helpful and actually ends up showing your brain how you are actually going to hit the outcome you’re shooting for. It’s possible. And it will be worth it. (Repeat.)
Having a clear plan also helps you stay accountable. If your resolution is related to fitness, plan your workout schedule, dig into new exercises you can handle, and consider finding someone to work out with you for added motivation. (Time to work off some of the holiday food, especially those Charcuterie Boards.)
Accountability Partners
Sharing your resolution with a trusted friend or family member can significantly increase your chances of success. An accountability partner provides support, encouragement, and a sense of responsibility. Regular check-ins and shared progress can turn the grind of accomplishing something new into a rewarding experience that also strengthens relationships that are important to you. For example, if you and a friend joined Orange Theory, you could compare your workout stats for bragging rights!
Be Flexible
When you are setting a goal, remember that life is unpredictable, and circumstances change. Be open to adjusting your plan when things change, and it’s incredibly important to view these changes as wins and not failures. Adjusting your plan as things change is actually something to be proud of, if you can adjust and keep hitting your measurable goals, you are well on your way to creating a lasting habit.
Celebrate Those Milestones
Acknowledging and celebrating small victories along the way is essential for maintaining your momentum.
Instead of thinking about how heavy you are, and that you will be so much happier when you lose 20, 40 or 70 pounds, celebrate 5 and 10 pound losses like you’ve won the lottery. Tell your friends and family. Celebrate with a treat of some kind (maybe not food related if your goal is to lose weight.)
One fun thing to do is put money in a jar for every 5 pounds you lose. Set a goal that is a third or fourth of your total weight loss goal. When you hit that milestone (not the entire goal, just that milestone towards your big goal), buy something nice for yourself or set up a fun experience (theater tickets?) using the money in your jar. And it’s weird how putting money in the jar affects you mentally. You are actually making progress!
Celebrating these moments will make you feel like you are getting there. And that feeling will encourage you to continue.
Go for it!
Setting and keeping New Year’s resolutions is a process that requires dedication, planning, and a positive mindset. Yikes, that sounds like a lot of work… But if you choose a meaningful goal, create a reasonable plan, ask for help and support, and maintain flexibility when life gets in the way, you can turn your resolutions into lasting habits. Constantly remind yourself, even daily, what your goal is and why it matters to you so much.
Wishing you the best of luck in 2024 as you try to achieve something you’ve thought about for years but haven’t had the courage or persistence to make happen. You can do it. We’re cheering for you!
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