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January 2020 is almost up! How are your resolutions looking?
Yeah… I thought so.
Setting resolutions can be fun at first, but then sticking with them tends to be the tough part. Here’s my recommendations on how to stick to your resolutions:
1. Try setting short term goals instead of yearlong ones
Overall, setting goals that have a shorter time period to complete them in will help you feel more accomplished when you meet them. On the flip side, if you don’t meet a monthly goal, you know you have a new one coming up soon! No need to wait until 2021! Setting small goals is an easy way to stick to your resolutions this year.
Check out my post on how making monthly goals leads to better results!
Example: If you want to pay off a debt, break that big goal into chunks. First month, don’t add to the debt. Second month, put $50 per paycheck towards the debt. Third month, no personal spending! Put all the money you would have spent on clothes, restaurants, crafting, etc towards your debt. And so on.
2. Find a partner
Goals are much more fun if you have someone to do them with! Whether it’s a workout buddy or someone who wants to start a new hobby too, finding a partner helps to keep you motivated to continue your goals when the New Year New Me ambition wears off.
Example: If you have a goal to lose weight, find a workout partner to sign up for a fitness class with! This way you have someone who will go through the pain with you AND they may kick your butt into gear if you don’t feel like working out that day.
3. Tell people
Whether you can find a partner to accomplish your goals with or not, telling people about your goals can be a big motivator! If people around you know your goals they can help to encourage you to keep them.
Example: When I wanted to quit drinking for a month, I found that telling people really helped! Side note, I live in Wisconsin, so sometimes telling people you don’t want to drink can be met with confusion and questions. I found that when my close friends new my goal and the reasons behind it, those questions didn’t come up anymore! In fact they were very supportive and encouraging!
4. Reward yourself
You don’t have to wait until you official meet your goal to reward yourself. Make sure to have small rewards along the way to keep your ambition up!
Example: A few years ago I wanted to read a book per month. After I finished each book I would reward myself with a trip to Target to buy something small for myself.
5. Track your progress
This may be keeping a journal, posting an update on Instagram, or checking it off on your calendar. Whatever your goal may be, tracking your progress helps you to see how far you have come! This can also help you to adjust your goal if it turns out to be unrealistic.
This may be keeping a journal, posting an update on Instagram, or checking it off on your calendar. Whatever your goal may be, tracking your progress helps you to see how far you have come! This can also help you to adjust your goal if it turns out to be unrealistic.
Overall, give yourself a break!
The very fact that you have made goals and are giving an attempt at them is great! If you falter on a goal, don’t use it as an excuse to give up. Learn from it and begin again. It is never too late to improve yourself and you should never stop trying to get better.
These were my 5 tips on how to stick to your resolutions.
Want other helpful tips? Check out my post on communicating during arguments.